The Moth Podcast Summary: "Cynthia Riggs: The Case of the Curious Codes"

Episode Information

• Title: Cynthia Riggs: The Case of the Curious Codes
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Release Date: July 16, 2013

Introduction to Cynthia Riggs

In this heartfelt and intriguing episode of The Moth, Cynthia Riggs shares her extraordinary journey from personal loss to a serendipitous romance, all sparked by a mysterious package filled with cryptograms. Her story seamlessly blends elements of mystery, love, and personal growth, offering listeners a captivating narrative that underscores the unexpected ways life can unfold.

Background and Early Life

Cynthia begins by grounding herself in her roots, mentioning her deep connection to Martha's Vineyard. She states:

“I was born on Martha's Vineyard and coming here tonight, I got lost. I had to ask someone where Union Chapel is.” [03:19]

Her heritage is rich, being descended from the Athernes and the Mayhews, two of the island’s settling families. Before delving into her storytelling career, Cynthia spent years working as a boat captain, a role that immersed her in the maritime world she so cherishes.

After her mother, Dionys Coffin Riggs—a poet—passed away at nearly 99, Cynthia found herself at a crossroads. A guest at her mother's bed and breakfast suggested she pursue further education, leading her to enroll in a creative writing program. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of her successful career as a mystery novelist:

“My first book was published when I was 70. I love this audience. There's hope for all of you.” [03:19]

The Mysterious Package

Approximately six months before the events that unfold, Cynthia received a perplexing package from a man she had vaguely remembered from her past. The package contained:

• An archival envelope with yellowed paper towels covered in cryptograms.
• A contemporary cryptogram note.

Confused by the contents, Cynthia reflects:

“I had no idea what this was all about.” [00:00]

Determined to decipher the messages, she recalls her background in cryptography, introduced by her father, an army veteran. Her intrigue is heightened by memories from her college days when she interacted with an elderly coworker, Howie, who defended her against practical jokes involving cryptograms.

Decoding the Cryptograms

Cynthia’s investigation begins with identifying the sender. The return address was a set of latitude and longitude coordinates, which pointed to a location near Baja California. She meticulously traced Howie’s whereabouts, considering his profession as a dentist and his potential locations, from cruise ships to private yachts.

Despite initial dead ends, such as discovering Howie was a public health dentist in California, Cynthia's persistence paid off when she located his address through the California Dental Association. She decided to reach out with a non-committal note, stating:

“I just got that packet that you sent, and I decoded the message.” [03:19]

Correspondence and Shared Loss

Upon sending the letter, Cynthia received a warm postcard response:

“Nicer than nice to hear from you.” [00:00]

This exchange marked the beginning of a profound connection. To bridge their shared grief—both having lost a child around the same age—Cynthia sent Howie a poetry book by her late daughter. Howie reciprocated by sharing his own loss, revealing that his son had died similarly. This mutual sorrow created a deep bond between them.

Their correspondence revealed more coincidences, such as both being involved in geology-related work. Howie sent Cynthia manganese nodules from the Marianas Trench, a rare mineral found in deep-sea environments, which fascinated Cynthia due to her own Antarctic research cruises.

Building Connection Through Shared Experiences

Their interactions grew richer as they exchanged personal items that symbolized their connection:

• Seed Packages: Reflecting their names and interests, Howie sent Cynthia seven seed packages, including hollyhocks (“H for Howie”) and catnip (“C for Cynthia”).

• Music: Howie shared a CD of a piece titled "Cactus on Mars," composed by his son, intertwining their creative and scientific passions.

Cynthia notes the evolution of their relationship, emphasizing the emotional support and sense of self-worth Howie provided:

“He gave me back a sense of great self-worth. And with that, I hope you all can find a Howie or his equivalent.” [03:19]

The Decision to Meet

Encouraged by her writing group, referred to as the "Wednesday writers," Cynthia decided to take the significant step of meeting Howie in person. Despite her initial reservations due to past abusive relationships and the age difference between them (she being 81 and Howie 90), the support from her group empowered her to embrace this new chapter.

With a ticket to California in hand, Cynthia expresses both excitement and apprehension about meeting Howie, questioning whether he still remembers her as the young woman from their college days.

Impact and Conclusion

Cynthia’s story culminates in her decision to meet Howie, symbolizing the rekindling of a long-lost connection and the healing power of shared experiences. Her narrative not only highlights the mysteries that life can present but also the profound relationships that can emerge from unexpected circumstances.

“This is wonderful.” [03:19]

Through her journey, Cynthia underscores themes of resilience, the enduring nature of human connections, and the beautiful complexities of life's unfolding paths.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Cynthia Riggs [03:19]: “I was born on Martha's Vineyard and coming here tonight, I got lost. I had to ask someone where Union Chapel is.”

• Cynthia Riggs [03:19]: “My first book was published when I was 70. I love this audience. There's hope for all of you.”

• Cynthia Riggs [03:19]: “He gave me back a sense of great self-worth. And with that, I hope you all can find a Howie or his equivalent.”

Conclusion

Cynthia Riggs' story on The Moth is a testament to the unexpected twists life can take and the meaningful connections that can arise from them. Her detailed recounting of decoding cryptograms, navigating personal loss, and ultimately finding love serves as an inspiring narrative of hope, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit.

For listeners who have yet to experience this episode, Cynthia's tale offers a compelling blend of mystery and heartwarming romance, illustrating that it's never too late for new beginnings and profound relationships.