The Moth Radio Hour: Parties, Plans, and Police Release Date: April 28, 2015
Overview In this emotionally charged episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host Kathryn Burns introduces listeners to a series of poignant and uplifting true stories that explore how individuals cope with illness and loss. Through humor, resilience, and heartfelt moments, each storyteller shares their unique journey of facing adversity and finding hope amidst despair. Highlighted are the narratives of Kevin McGeehan, Bruce Feiler, and Steve Osborne, each offering deep insights into familial bonds, personal growth, and the enduring human spirit.
1. Kevin McGeehan: Honoring a Mother’s Legacy Through a Farewell Party [04:39 – 19:42]
Story Summary Kevin McGeehan recounts the deeply personal experience of returning home to care for his terminally ill mother, Patty, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Faced with his mother's declining health and their brief remaining time together, Kevin and Patty make a pact to navigate this challenging period with dignity and mutual respect. To create lasting memories and honor his mother's wishes, Kevin takes on the monumental task of organizing a grand farewell party—a stark contrast to Patty's past experience of an unattended wedding shower.
Notable Highlights:
- Agreement and Role Definition: [05:30] “We made an agreement, a pledge to each other... my title was primary caregiver.”
- Daily Responsibilities: [07:15] Kevin details his dual roles: driving Patty to work and performing daily medical tasks to manage her illness, highlighting the delicate balance between caregiving and maintaining personal well-being.
- Turning Point with "West Wing": [10:45] A transformative moment occurs when Patty hears a quote from The West Wing, which inspires them to face their situation with courage: “We all fall and it matters, but when the fall is all you have left, it matters a great deal.”
- Organizing the Party: [13:30] Despite financial constraints and familial opposition, Kevin perseveres in planning the party, culminating in a heartfelt and joyous farewell that surpasses all expectations.
- Emotional Closure: [18:50] The story concludes with Patty’s final moments, emphasizing the profound impact of the party on both mother and son: “Thank you, Kevin. This was so much better than my wedding shower.”
Insights and Reflections: Kevin's narrative underscores the importance of honoring loved ones' wishes and the healing power of shared experiences. His meticulous planning of the farewell party serves as a testament to his love and respect for his mother, demonstrating how meaningful rituals can provide solace and strength during times of profound loss.
2. Bruce Feiler: Building the Council of Dads Amidst Illness [21:38 – 35:30]
Story Summary Bruce Feiler shares his inspiring story of facing a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent creation of the "Council of Dads"—a support network comprised of men who pledge to mentor and care for his twin daughters should he pass away. Confronted with his mortality, Bruce grapples with fears about his daughters' future without him and seeks to leave a lasting legacy of guidance and love through his friends.
Notable Highlights:
- Diagnosis and Emotional Turmoil: [22:15] Bruce describes the initial shock of his osteosarcoma diagnosis and the fear of not being present for his daughters’ upbringing: “Would they remember who I was?”
- Formation of the Council: [25:50] Driven by the desire to ensure his daughters have strong role models, Bruce rallies his friends to commit to supporting his family: “Will you help be their dad?”
- Personal Growth and Community Building: [30:10] Through the Council of Dads, Bruce and his friends discover deeper connections and a renewed sense of purpose, highlighting the transformative power of collective support.
- Legacy and Hope: [34:00] Reflecting on his recovery and the impact of the Council, Bruce emphasizes the enduring bonds formed and the positive influence on his daughters’ lives: “We all need a council in our lives.”
Insights and Reflections: Bruce's story exemplifies proactive planning in the face of mortality and the profound impact of community support. By establishing the Council of Dads, he not only secures a safety net for his daughters but also fosters meaningful relationships that transcend personal and familial boundaries.
3. Steve Osborne: A Father’s Final Lesson and a Son’s Promotion [37:23 – 52:09]
Story Summary Steve Osborne narrates the touching final days with his father, a tough NYPD sergeant grappling with cancer, while balancing his own career aspirations within the police department. As Steve prepares for a pivotal lieutenant promotion, his father's declining health becomes a backdrop for a poignant exchange that ultimately influences Steve's personal and professional life.
Notable Highlights:
- Strained Yet Loving Relationship: [38:30] Steve reflects on his complex relationship with his father—filled with mutual respect and tough love: “In life, my father was a royal pain in the ass.”
- Critical Moment in the Hospital: [45:20] Faced with his father's deteriorating condition and his own career pressures, Steve experiences a profound moment of connection: “You listen to me... you gotta promise me that you're gonna forget about me... and you're gonna hit this thing.”
- Resolution and Legacy: [50:00] In a heart-wrenching farewell, Steve honors his father's wishes, leading to the successful completion of his promotion: “I got promoted to lieutenant.”
- Emotional Closure: [51:30] Reflecting on his father's final act of love and its impact on his life, Steve underscores the enduring lessons learned: “He showed me how much he loved me. The only way he really knew how.”
Insights and Reflections: Steve's narrative highlights the intricate dynamics of familial relationships, especially when intertwined with career ambitions and personal loss. His father's last request serves as a catalyst for Steve's professional success, illustrating how love and sacrifice can profoundly shape one's destiny.
Conclusion
This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully weaves together stories of love, loss, and resilience, offering listeners profound insights into the human condition. Through Kevin McGeehan’s heartfelt farewell to his mother, Bruce Feiler’s innovative Council of Dads, and Steve Osborne’s poignant farewell to his father, the episode underscores the importance of community, legacy, and the enduring bonds that help us navigate life's most challenging moments.
Notable Quotes:
- Kevin McGeehan: “[...] when the fall is all you have left, it matters a great deal.” ([10:45])
- Bruce Feiler: “We may not have me, but we have each other.” ([30:10])
- Steve Osborne: “He showed me how much he loved me. The only way he really knew how.” ([51:30])
For More Information: To view photos of Kevin, Bruce, and Steve with their loved ones and explore the impact of their stories, visit themoth.org. Share your own story or pitch a story idea by calling 877-799-MOTH or emailing pitch@themoth.org.