npr makes me weepy

it all began within the first few minutes of a drive that would last 4 hours (the all-too-familiar Flagstaff to Tucson trek). i usually didn't listen to talk-radio, but i decided to give it a try, it usually keeps me more awake than music. i happened to catch the middle of This American Life and a program about the ten commandments. and after 2 minutes i was hooked.
later that afternoon, on a music show, there was an interview with a Cambodian musician (rapper?), but i can't seem to find it. it was so moving to hear how this young man started hearing all these terrible stories from his older brother about the life they left behind in Cambodia. at first the musician retold the stories in poems etc, but soon discovered how he could integrate the story of his family's struggle to immigrate into his music-making. apparently his parents chose to remain silent about those humiliating and scarring encounters, which left the young musician disconnected from his own story. anyway, i wish i could share it with you here, but no such luck. sorry.
another story that was really engaging was about pigeons. i know, it sounds crazy, but it's fascinating. and i think it really shatters the American preconception about pigeons. they are actually intelligent, relational, and loyal creatures. one carrier pigeon was assumed lost after it did not return from a flight. but, weeks later, the owner opened his front door to find the pigeon waiting on the porch. apparently, the pigeon had broken its wing and walked home.
lastly is the story of a Delaware student with cerebral palsy and his dedicated mother who accompanied him to all his classes--or retyping entire novels so that her son could listen to them using audio software. anyway, it's heartwrenchingly good. the best part is that i was listening to it on the way to work. picture it--getting weepy from NPR while on my way to build/tear down some homes.