“Coming of age” happens at all ages and is called by many names—realization, revelation, epiphany. The storytellers on this evening survived absent parents, life-threatening organ malfunction and deer collisions. They lived to tell the tale, learn from it, and teach us all. Thursday September 17 was a beautiful evening of life affirmation (and excellent beer) at the Sugar Maple in Bay View. 

Paul Stabell grew up too fast in some ways. His dad’s absence meant that he raised younger siblings. Therapy led to realization and compassion when he came to understand his dad’s complex history. 

D Kirshling learned the benefits (and limits) of self-reliance at 12 when she rode her banana-seat bike through a historic flash flood to get to a doctor’s appointment. She wondered why the cars seemed to be floating. Clinic receptionists gave the soaking child dry scrubs and the doctor called to yell at her mom. 

Tracy Stockwell had to bring home a note that read, “Tracy makes friends easily, but talks too much.” A seven-year-old, she was punished by being taped to a chair and having her mouth taped shut. After parent objections, she was made to stand behind a chair at the back of the room. Tracy developed a truly unusual alliance with the chair and together they pioneered an effective form of active resistance. She was never made to stand behind a chair again.  

Tom Creasey His  father left three times by the time he was seven. He remembers his father’s red Corvette had a license plate that read “Karen.” His mom’s name was not Karen. When Tom’s mother died, he realized at 23 that he would need to be the real and lasting father to his 2-year-old brother. 

Katelyn Nye had a heart attack at 17 while playing basketball. This led to difficult medical decisions, including an implanted defibrillator  that shocked her 15 times over 20 years. Eventually, she survived a heart transplant. She is retiring at 40 to spend more time with her dog, her RV, her water aerobics class and her bucket list. 

Carla Pennington Cross was diagnosed with bladder cancer at 25. Huddled in bed that night, she asked her boyfriend, “What if it’s metastasized?” Her boyfriend said, solemnly, “THEN, IT’S PROBABLY OVER.” Suddenly, they both laughed. That comment, and the laughter have fueled a lifetime of conversations. Safety? Not gonna happen. Risks are here to be taken. Let it go. Let it all go. 

Andy Heck had a creative response to deep depression. He quit his corporate job, moved into a van and eventually into his brother’s apartment. One day, an unknown woman walked in, unannounced. Through twists and turns of an unusual relationship, Andy kept listening. He learned that her name was Lindsay, and that she was deeply unpredictable too. One day, Lindsay came by to say that she had found the strength to go to drug rehab because of Andy, who was the only one who listened. 

Erin Johnston remembers being so uninformed about getting her period, that she asked her mother where the blood was supposed to come from. She contrasted this embarrassment and mystery around women’s bodies to the welcome and honor she felt among the Lakota at a 1999 Inipi sweat lodge ceremony. Women who were menstruating were invited to go to the “Moon lodge,” where they were treated with honor and given time to create and reflect… as well as chocolate-covered strawberries. 

Jess Palmert At 16, Jess was on her way to George Webb when she hit a deer. Hard. It bounced off her car and across the median to bounce off the hood of an oncoming car. During the phone call to her dad, she expected to be grounded and yelled at. Instead, her dad said, “Glad you’re coming home in one piece.” and “You better tag that meat. That’s yours.” 

One of the “UltraShort” stories of the evening honored Mary Ann Fisher, a long-time Ex Fabula volunteer who frequently served on the UltraShort Team, passing out small pieces of paper for audience members to write short stories to be read from the stage. Executive Director Megan McGee told of reading music-themed UltraShorts at Mary Ann’s bedside on her last day of life, and then making a zine out of those UltraShorts plus a few stories from Mary Ann’s adult children. The zine is available at our monthly Slams, so grab one and join us in celebrating and remembering Mary Ann. 

Our winner tonight is Carla Pennington Cross who will be invited to share a story at ALL STARS in May. Congratulations Carla, and thank you to all the tellers, the emcees Alexis Outlaw and Elaine Maly, the volunteers, attendees, and our amazing venue Sugar Maple. Thanks also go to event sponsor Lulu Café and Bar and to our Season 18 Sponsors: Radio Milwaukee, WUWM 89.7 FM,  Transfer Pizzeria and Café, Wisconsin Public Radio 90.7 FM, Red Oak Writing, Gagne McChrystal De Lorenzo & Burghardt, and Athena Communications LLC.