The Moth Radio Hour: The Places We Tell Our Stories Release Date: October 16, 2018
Host: George Dawes Green

Introduction: Storytelling in Unique Venues

George Dawes Green, the founder of The Moth, opens the episode by emphasizing how the environment where stories are told can profoundly influence the narratives themselves. He recounts a memorable Moth event held in the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn—a 478-acre historic graveyard. The serene yet eerie setting, adorned with marble mausoleums and ancient oaks, provided a poignant backdrop for storytellers like Edgar Oliver and Sherry Holman to share their deeply personal tales.

Story 1: Sherry Holman on Losing and Finding Through Adversity

Speaker: Sherry Holman
Timestamp: [05:30] – [20:28]

Sherry Holman delivers a heart-wrenching narrative about her son, Linus, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, at just three months old. The story unfolds with Sherry recounting the initial symptoms she noticed—Linus's unusual lack of eye contact during nursing sessions [07:45]. Despite reassuring diagnoses from her pediatrician, Sherry's intuition led her to seek further medical opinions, ultimately saving his sight through timely chemotherapy [15:30].

As Linus battled cancer, Sherry faced inexplicable misfortunes at home, including mysterious dirty diapers appearing on their porch and unsettling behaviors from her daughter, Ella [10:10]. Believing their home was cursed, Sherry embarked on a quest for supernatural explanations, consulting a botanica in Flatbush [14:50]. However, a pivotal encounter with a mysterious shopkeeper shifted her perspective. He challenged her to consider what she might have done to "deserve" her family's suffering [16:19], prompting her to reevaluate the stories she told herself.

Sherry concludes by reflecting on the power of storytelling to navigate grief and guilt. She emphasizes the importance of cherishing each moment, aligning with the cemetery setting where tales of life amidst death resonate deeply. Her son, now a thriving 14-year-old, embodies the resilience and gratitude that emerged from their harrowing journey [20:28].

Notable Quote:

“I realized the only control I had over this situation, my own personal santeria, was to let go of the story that I needed to tell myself and live more, like Emily had said in our town, to realize life every minute.”
— Sherry Holman [19:05]

Story 2: Larry Kerr's Vietnam Love Story

Speaker: Larry Kerr
Timestamp: [23:35] – [41:55]

Larry Kerr shares a poignant love story set against the chaotic backdrop of the Vietnam War. As a young Captain nearing the end of his second tour in Vietnam, Larry grapples with personal turmoil and professional responsibilities [25:00]. He recounts missing out on a relationship with Omi, the woman he believes was his destined partner, only to receive a heartbreaking letter informing him of her divorce [28:45].

Determined to rectify his past decisions, Larry orchestrates a meticulous plan to reunite with Omi in Bangkok [32:10]. His journey is fraught with unexpected challenges, including being called back to active duty during his preparation to meet her [35:30]. In a surreal twist typical of wartime experiences, Maggie Ray, the beloved patron saint of the Green Berets, intervenes to help him secure passage to Bangkok [38:50].

Larry's relentless pursuit culminates in a heartfelt reunion with Omi, leading to their eventual marriage and a lasting relationship spanning 46 years [41:00]. His story underscores themes of love, destiny, and the profound impact of making amends for past choices.

Notable Quote:

“This sad tale is not just me. This is my mother as well. We raised one another. We practically grew up together.”
— Larry Kerr [27:30]

Story 3: Anoush Frunjan on First Love and Family Acceptance

Speaker: Anoush Frunjan
Timestamp: [42:37] – [52:44]

Anoush Frunjan narrates her transformative summer experience as a 19-year-old Armenian American college student working as a box office manager in Sharon, Connecticut [43:00]. Despite being an "old soul" who initially avoids partying, Anoush indulges in drinking and marijuana, leading to her first sexual experience [44:15]. This newfound intimacy leaves her grappling with guilt and confusion about her emotions and physical well-being [45:30].

Struggling with her feelings, Anoush experiences a breakdown during a family visit, prompting a candid conversation with her father [48:00]. Her father's straightforward yet compassionate inquiry—“Did you use a condom?”—allows Anoush to open up without judgment [49:20]. Encouraged by her mother's advice to invite her boyfriend over for dinner, she confronts her insecurities [50:10].

The dinner becomes a turning point as Anoush's family warmly accepts her boyfriend, helping her reconcile her self-image and embrace her experiences [51:30]. Through this story, Anoush highlights the courage required to return and accept oneself fully, revealing that true acceptance often begins within the family circle.

Notable Quote:

“I realized that you can have a lot of courage to run away from home and to try new things, but it takes twice the amount of courage to be able to come back.”
— Anoush Frunjan [52:00]

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Place in Storytelling

George Dawes Green wraps up the episode by reflecting on how the venues of storytelling—be it gravesites, war zones, or intimate family homes—enhance the emotional depth and authenticity of the narratives shared. He encourages listeners to attend local Moth events to experience firsthand the magic that occurs when stories are told in spaces that breathe life into them.

Closing Remark:

“The spirit of the place always seeps into the story... get a crowd of people and a microphone and someone with a story to tell and the spirit of the place will come out.”
— George Dawes Green [26:22]

Key Takeaways:

• Environment Influences Narrative: The unique settings of storytelling events can amplify the emotional resonance of personal tales.
• Resilience Through Storytelling: Sharing experiences of adversity, such as battling illness or navigating love amidst war, fosters healing and connection.
• Family and Acceptance: Supportive relationships and familial acceptance play crucial roles in overcoming personal struggles.

Notable Quotes with Attributions:

• Sherry Holman:
  “I realized the only control I had over this situation, my own personal santeria, was to let go of the story that I needed to tell myself and live more...” [19:05]

• Larry Kerr:
  “This sad tale is not just me. This is my mother as well. We raised one another...” [27:30]

• Anoush Frunjan:
  “I realized that you can have a lot of courage to run away from home and to try new things, but it takes twice the amount of courage to be able to come back.” [52:00]

Final Thoughts:

"The Places We Tell Our Stories" episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully illustrates how the settings of storytelling can enrich and shape the narratives presented. Through the deeply personal stories of Sherry Holman, Larry Kerr, and Anoush Frunjan, listeners are invited to explore themes of resilience, love, and the profound impact of supportive environments. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in connecting us to our shared human experiences.

For more stories and to attend a Moth event near you, visit themoth.org.