BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — House staff faced a challenge on Wednesday, March 20, struggling to accommodate the influx of eager attendees into the centuries-old venue in Brooklyn Heights. A multitude of story-hungry Brooklynites gathered for an event centered around the theme of “finding beauty in life’s unexpected transitions,” featuring five storytellers.
The Moth, a renowned storytelling non-profit organization known for its popular Radio Hour series, curated the live event titled “A Point of Beauty: True Stories of Holding On and Letting Go!” Hosted at Books Are Magic, a beloved local independent bookstore, the event was skillfully guided by host Amber Wallin.
The evening commenced with Donald Harrison, a talented writer and pianist from Philadelphia, captivating the audience with his narrative of humble beginnings at Tavern on Camac, the city’s oldest gay bar. Amidst the lively ambiance of the bar, Harrison shared his experiences of performing amidst the spirited patrons.
Following Harrison, Muneesh Jain, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, shared his poignant journey of health struggles and his endeavor to visit all 30 MLB ballparks across the nation. Jain’s quest not only enriched his life but also led to a profound reconnection with his mother.
Mindy Raf, a multi-talented comedian, actress, and writer based in Brooklyn, delivered a blend of humor and sincerity in her account of coming out as polyamorous to her father. She humorously narrated the introduction of her partner to her father, following his initial meeting with her wife.
Becky Chan, a retired FBI agent hailing from Hong Kong, shed light on the challenges faced by her immigrant family and shared the story of another immigrant known as “Sister Ping.” Chan recounted her involvement in bringing Sister Ping into custody for the illegal smuggling of Asians into the U.S.
Chan attributed her storytelling debut to Moth senior producer Jenifer Hixson, recognizing her persistence in encouraging her to share her experiences. Hixson, a seasoned member of The Moth for over two decades, played a pivotal role in directing Chan’s performance, alongside guiding Harrison and the evening’s main speaker, Brian Jeansonne.
Jeansonne, a father of five diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2020, delivered a poignant speech through a computer connected to his smart wheelchair, with his wife Kristy by his side. Despite his physical limitations, Jeansonne’s message resonated powerfully with the audience, emphasizing the beauty of life’s complexities and the enduring presence of love.
In a stirring conclusion, Jeansonne left the audience with a profound reflection: “No matter where your life takes you, remember this: Life is a beautiful clusterf— and love is here,” eliciting thunderous applause and a standing ovation.