The Stories that Surface

In a quiet room, situated around a humble table, a few brave souls come together every week to tell stories. But the stories don’t always come that easily. 

They arrive carrying shards of memories in their hands and pockets, ready to share with anyone willing to listen. 

At a recent Northern Nevada Veteran’s Writing Group meeting, one participant shared a piece of writing pondering on the group itself and what it meant to him. Another told a story recalling his time spent stationed in Italy (see our upcoming blog post!)

Not every detail is clear but that doesn’t matter. This group teaches us something that we are losing as a society and that is the art of storytelling. What matters is that their stories surface and that we are here to listen. 

Around the table, fellow veterans and supporters gently ask questions to guide more memories out. In the space of the Writing Group, storytelling is being practiced in its most raw form through connection. The group is important because it helps create a place where experiences can be shared without pressure or any expectation. 

For many, the act of remembering is not linear. 

One memory can lead to another like rain falling off a rooftop. “It’s hard to remember everything”, a participant mused once during a group, “but there are things that come back”. And this, is the beating heart of the writing group. 

Not everyone arrives ready to write. Some just come to listen. Some come simply to be present. And all of these options are perfectly fine! 

Over time, stories will take shape. Through conversation, reflection and sometimes eventually, on paper. 

In a world that often asks for quick answers and polished narratives, this space offers something different. Patience. Connection. Storytelling. And the reminder that sometimes the most important stories aren’t the ones told perfectly but that they are the ones that are finally told at all. 

My Monday Family (4/6/26)

As time passes, there are changes to our family. 

There are births, deaths, moves and sadly falling outs. 

This trait happens even to my Monday family. 

In the past year [for example] we had a falling out as two members couldn’t see ‘eye to eye’ and sadly one member left. We miss him. 

Another member received a job offer in another state and moved on. We will miss him too. 

As for deaths, members lost loved ones and we help to ease their pain by listening to their grief over shared words of wisdom. 

We modified our rules so if we get off track and spend too much time on a topic, anyone can call time and we change topics. 

But one thing that has only improved is protecting our mental health. That has only gotten better. 

By: Chuck Kline 

Submit writing and art to the Northern Nevada Veteran’s Writing Project to be featured next!