The Moth Podcast: Stacy Keene & Robert Weinstein – StorySLAM Favorites

Release Date: November 20, 2012

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy presents two heartfelt stories from the StorySLAM series. These stories, performed live at storytelling competitions, delve into profound themes of love, loss, fear, and the enduring bonds between generations. Featuring Stacy Keene and Robert Weinstein, this episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into personal experiences that resonate universally.

Stacy Keene: A Legacy of Love and Resilience

[02:12] Stacy Keene opens her narrative by honoring her grandfather, describing him as her "first true love" who embodied qualities of cleverness, modesty, bravery, and quiet strength. Her story intertwines the joy of impending motherhood with the sorrow of her grandfather's terminal illness.

• Pregnancy Announcement Amidst Grief: Upon discovering she was pregnant, Stacy's foremost desire was to share the news with her grandfather. However, shortly after her announcement, she learned that he had been given only four weeks to live. In her words, "the phone call was the same as every other phone call... Hey Grandpapa, I got good news..." Yet, his response sparked a unique tradition.

• Nightly Lifeline: Despite his prognosis, Stacy began calling her grandfather every night to update him on her pregnancy. "The responsibility of keeping that lifeline going was really heavy, but beautiful," she reflects, highlighting the deep emotional connection and mutual support they shared during this challenging time.

• A Defiant Choice: As Stacy approached her due date, complications arose, and both she and her grandfather were hospitalized. In an extraordinary act of love, her grandfather chose to delay his planned assisted suicide to witness the birth of Stacy's child. "He was like, I'm going to stay for nine months. I'm going to do this. I'm going to stay alive and see my great grandchild and be there for my granddaughter," she recounts poignantly.

• Heartwarming Farewell: The climax of Stacy's story occurs when her family discreetly brings her newborn to visit her grandfather one last time. This act of defiance and love culminates in her grandfather's passing the day after bringing his great-grandchild home. Stacy concludes, "Now I know that he loves me as much as I loved him," encapsulating the profound bond they shared.

[07:07] Stacy Keene, an aspiring children's book author from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, draws inspiration from her lively family, channeling her experiences into stories that touch and inspire others.

Robert Weinstein: Finding Joy in the Face of Aging

[07:40] Robert Weinstein shares a touching story about his visit to his Grandma Rose in a West Bloomfield, Michigan old folks' home. At 28, he grapples with the emotional weight of witnessing his grandmother's aging and the environment of the facility.

• Initial Discomfort: Robert describes his discomfort in the old folks' home, noting the residents' struggle with lucidity and the challenges of watching his beloved grandmother age. "Watching everyone, that if I felt that way, I couldn't even imagine what these guys felt like," he admits, revealing his empathy and internal conflict.

• A Spark of Connection: During a Perry Como music session, an event that initially seemed impersonal, Robert meets a woman in a wheelchair who shares her love for dancing during the war. Her story ignites a desire in Robert to bridge the emotional distance he feels.

• Spontaneous Dance: Overcoming his reservations, Robert invites the woman to dance. This gesture sparks a chain reaction, leading to a spontaneous dance party among the elderly residents. "Pretty soon we had our... we had snowballed into this great big geriatric cotillion," he describes, illustrating the transformative power of shared joy.

• Deep Realizations: As he dances, Robert reflects on a conversation from his grandmother's 75th birthday, where she shared her theory about being locked into a certain age. This memory underscores his current experience, leading him to confront his fears about aging and loss. "It was good old complicated fear. It was a bunch of fears, actually," he acknowledges, highlighting his emotional growth.

• Cherishing the Moment: The dance becomes a metaphor for embracing life despite its inevitable challenges. Robert realizes the rarity of seeing loved ones as they see themselves and cherishes the connection formed through dance. "And I felt very, very lucky," he concludes, emphasizing the profound impact of that shared moment.

[12:57] Born in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Robert pursued theater studies across Kansas, France, and Italy before settling in Brooklyn. Currently advancing his education in information and library science at Pratt Institute, Robert continues to honor his grandmother's memory through his heartfelt storytelling.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth masterfully captures the essence of human connection through Stacy Keene and Robert Weinstein's stories. Stacy's narrative underscores the enduring bonds of family and the sacrifices made out of love, while Robert's tale celebrates the moments of joy and clarity that arise amidst the fears of aging. Together, these stories offer listeners a profound reflection on love, loss, and the strength found in shared experiences.

For more stories and live events from The Moth, visit themoth.org.