Speak Out: Human interest stories of the decade

Since we're walking down memory lane (see earlier post), I'd like to stoke some memories of human interest stories over the past 10 years.

Some that come to mind for me are Sahara Aldridge's fight with cancer. She inspired a lot of people. Still does, even though she's gone. Matt Sanders wrote several stories about Sahara. This is one of my favorites:

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1249299.html

I loved Ben Rushin's story. Here's a four-part installment of how an autistic boy from Jackson overcame obstacles, in his life and on the wrestling mat:

http://www.semissourian.com/story/136206.html

http://www.semissourian.com/story/136232.html

http://www.semissourian.com/story/136287.html

http://www.semissourian.com/story/136353.html

I personally like telling the stories of common people doing extraordinary things. I actually prefer it over the hard news, though I know that's our bread and butter at the newspaper.

I'll never forget the story that Barb Elfrink shared with me several years ago. What a combination of joy and heartbreak.

http://www.semissourian.com/story/150996.html

http://www.semissourian.com/story/151080.html

http://www.semissourian.com/story/151149.html

http://www.semissourian.com/story/151208.html

Former reporter Scott Moyers did a fantastic piece on this boy named Levi who needed some surgery on his face after suffering severe burns as a baby.

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1147557.html

What human interest stories from the Southeast Missourian did you enjoy in the last 10 years?