https://markjohnsonstories.com/2026/09/16/elder-gay/Mark Johnson Storiesen2026-09-17T03:51:22+00:00Elder GayA Writer's Life, University of Missouri, Mizzou Alumni, Phoenix, Family, Love, Valley of the Sun, September, Friends, reflections, 1970s, Old Age, Wisdom, aunts, mentoring, life, teaching, writing, Columbia, 2026, lifelong learning, Hinkson Creek, paying it forward, full circle