Podcast Summary: The Moth — "Kevin Wilson: Out of Print"

Episode Information

• Title: Kevin Wilson: Out of Print
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Release Date: November 2, 2009

Introduction In this episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy introduces a heartfelt and introspective story by Kevin A. Wilson, a freelance automotive writer from Waterford, Michigan. Recorded live at the first Detroit Moth Story Slam at Cliff Bells, Wilson's narrative delves into the complexities of young love, personal growth, and the enduring impact of written words.

Story Overview

1. Early Connections and First Love Kevin Wilson begins his story by painting a vivid picture of his teenage years, highlighting the stark differences between himself and Susan, his first love.

“She wore White Shoulders perfume and went to honors college at Michigan State and I wore my hair long and parted in the middle as I still do and went to Michigan Tech and a mechanical engineering program.” (03:55)

At 18, before the era of instant digital communication, Kevin opted for the tactile intimacy of letter writing as a means to connect with Susan. He meticulously crafted daily letters filled with youthful musings and budding romantic sentiments.

2. The Art of Letter Writing and Poetic Endeavors Kevin's dedication to expressing his newfound understanding of love led him to compose poems, albeit imperfectly.

“I remember rhyming orange juice with syringe use.” (04:30)

Despite his creative efforts, the sheer volume of his correspondence began to impact his academic performance, ultimately leading to his departure from engineering school.

3. Personal Struggles and Life’s Unfolding Path Post-college, Kevin found himself working at the Ford Utica trim plant, a stark contrast to his engineering aspirations. Life seemed to move without a clear plot, marked by societal events and personal setbacks.

“And I ended up in a hospital. Susan only came once, long enough to hear chronic lifelong incurable Crohn's disease, and she never came again.” (06:10)

Susan's battle with Crohn's disease introduced an unforeseen challenge in their relationship, leading to prolonged separation.

4. The Return of the Letters Years later, as Kevin's son prepared for college, a nostalgic moment triggered the rediscovery of his old letters.

“I went fishing in the drawer and there was the book.” (07:45)

The 60-page binder, once a symbol of his youthful love and creative expression, now served as a tangible memory of a bygone era.

5. Reflections on Love and Legacy Kevin reflects on the evolution of his relationship with Susan and the lessons learned from nurturing love beyond mere words on a page.

“Love wasn't something I'd create on a page, but sort of a seed we'd nurture and grow together.” (08:35)

The story culminates in the poignant realization that genuine love transcends written expressions, requiring mutual growth and understanding.

Insights and Conclusions

Kevin Wilson's narrative offers profound insights into the nature of love, communication, and personal development. Through his journey from heartfelt letter writing to real-life relationship challenges, he underscores the importance of genuine connection over superficial expressions. The rediscovery of his letters years later serves as a metaphor for introspection and the enduring impact of our early experiences on our present selves.

Notable Quotes

• “She wore White Shoulders perfume and went to honors college at Michigan State...” — Kevin Wilson (03:55)

• “I remember rhyming orange juice with syringe use.” — Kevin Wilson (04:30)

• “And I ended up in a hospital. Susan only came once...” — Kevin Wilson (06:10)

• “I went fishing in the drawer and there was the book.” — Kevin Wilson (07:45)

• “Love wasn't something I'd create on a page, but sort of a seed we'd nurture and grow together.” — Kevin Wilson (08:35)

Conclusion Kevin Wilson's story, "Out of Print," is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human capacity for love and growth. Through candid reflections and vivid anecdotes, Wilson invites listeners to contemplate their own journeys of love, loss, and the words that capture them.

Additional Information For more stories and to support The Moth, visit themoth.org. Consider attending the annual Moth Ball or explore membership opportunities to become a part of this vibrant storytelling community.