Around this time of year, we always love to share some of our favorite stories of family and home. And some of those stories come from our favorite storytellers – tellers who carefully craft and deliver stories for audiences all over the country and all over the world. Others of those stories come from our own experience, or from folks just like you and me. 

Today, we’ll share with you a favorite story from a friend of ours named Niki Bean, who will tell us with tenderness about the bittersweet experience of talking to her young children about the passing of their grandfather, Niki’s father. You’ll also hear a story from the great Alabama storyteller Dolores Hydock. Filled with memories of her mother, during a time of important transition in the life of both mother and daughter.  The story is called “Occam’s Razor.” 

We’ll wrap up with an entry in the Radio Family Journal about Sam’s sons, who, when they were small, went up for the same part in the community play. There were lessons to be learned there, and Sam never forgot them. 

On today's episode, enjoy the following:

“Occam’s Razor” by Dolores Hydock (13:11)

In this story, Dolores Hydock shares memories of her mother, on the cusp of an important transition to assisted living for her mother. This sweet, funny tale illustrates the unforgettable bond between mother and daughter, and holds lessons for Dolores as she contemplates the way we care for one another as family. 

“Kevin” by Niki Bean (4:28)

Niki had lost her father long enough ago that none of her kids have a memory of it. And one day, in the car with those kids, an opportunity opened up to share some things. Niki took it, and discovered the importance of sharing the family stories with the next generation of family.

Radio Family Journal: “Oliver” (5:39)

In this story, Sam talks about his two oldest sons who, as little boys, auditioned for the same role in the community play. Only one kid could get the part. How would Sam’s boys react if it wasn’t them? There are lessons about brotherly love in this little tale.