The annual paper toss following the closing gavel, end of legislation at the Missouri House, Jefferson City, Missouri

Fifteen unclaimed remains of soldiers lost in the wars of the last century were laid to rest in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A two-star general paid respects at the gravesite. A soloist who performs at funerals for homeless soldiers sung “Amazing Grace.” Rain soaked the grounds of white tombstones as taps played on the bugle.

Clearing space before towing away the wrecked remains, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri

“One woman was sleeping in an easy chair; the other was napping in a bedroom. The cousins were resting up for a busy night, the wedding celebration for one of the women’s grandsons, when the home shook with a tremendous explosion….one of the women missed getting hit by three feet.”

Rev. Ralph Hebblethwaite, St. Louis Christian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri.

“People keep asking me why I’m here, and I always say, ‘They’ll still have me,’” he said. “I just love to teach.” – Bro Ralph

local elections, oakville elementary school, south St. Louis County.

Pipe Show, St. Charles, Missouri.

Police funeral for officer David Haynes, who was killed while pursuing a burglary suspect. South St. Louis City, photo by Erik M. Lunsford

Photograph by Erik Lunsford.

“For more than two years, Tobey Miller hasn’t been able to read her baby bedtime stories and kiss him good night. The only home he has ever known has been a room at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, more than two hours away from her.

A rare kidney disease — autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease — had left Kyle McCarty, 3, attached to tubes and needing constant medical care. But two months ago, Kyle got his long-awaited kidney transplant. Later this week, he is finally expected to begin his journey home.”

Post staff writer Michele Munz wrote a heartwarming story about a young boy finally heading home after practically living in the hospital his entire life. Written with a good weave of fact and emotion, it’s a great example of strong storytelling in our own backyards. Read the rest of the story here and browse through a few more photographs here.

Here’s the Exposure Project blog site with submission information, and a link to their 3rd edition book on sale at Blurb.

And for those who wrote me grappling with the new layout and retrieval of new posts, I’ve added a “recent posts” section featuring the latest posts on the right side of the home page for your convenience. Please let me know how I can make this site even more enjoyable to your visit by writing me at erik[at]eriklunsford[dot]com

Hope that helps and thanks for visiting!

-Erik