I Will Be Your Father Figure - Blessing Digha

“He used to call me his princess, his Cinderella.”

I Will Be Your Father Figure

In this special episode of The Moth, we listen to five stories about fathers — from embarrassing jokes to tender moments shared on the road. The Moth’s Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness, interviews the fathers in her own family. And we hear two pitches from Moth listeners Bob Barin and Eric Wenger. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Adriane McGillis’ father's favorite joke lands him in the hospital.

CJ Hunt reflects on mix-tapes and memories from his past.

Blessing Digha fears she has fallen short of her father’s expectations.

Harwood Taylor reaches for a father who is out of touch.

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Stories in this Episode

04:20
The Bad Joke

by Adriane McGillis

Adrianne McGillis’ father's favorite joke lands him in the hospital.

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06:10
Against the Wind

by CJ Hunt

CJ Hunt reflects on mix-tapes and memories from his past.

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10:55
A Father’s Cover

by Blessing Digha

Blessing Digha fears she has fallen short of her father’s expectations.

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06:13
My Father’s Hands

by Harwood Taylor

Harwood Taylor reaches for a father who is out of touch.

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Extras From This Episode

I Will Be Your Father Figure Extras

Adriane McGillis

Adriane Mc Gillis Mrh 1813 Extra 1

Per Adriane: My father, brother, and I are the three laughing in the face of the river. This photo was taken on a family vacation when we went white water rafting near Glacier National Forest.

Adriane Mc Gillis Mrh 1813 Extra 2

The drawing that started the story! Two men, walking abreast.

CJ Hunt

Cj Hunt Mrh 1813 Extra 2

CJ Hunt with his father. Taken 1-2 years before his story takes place.

Cj Hunt Mrh 1813 Extra 1

The action figures in CJ's father's office!

Harwood Taylor

Harwood Taylor Mrh 1813 Extra 1

Harwood and his Dad on the way to a Houston Rockets Basketball game at The Summit in 1977. Harwood says "I was 13 and my dad was 53. Coincidentally, I’m now one year older than my dad was in this photo."

Eric Wenger

Kayla 01 18 2006

Kayla Wenger

Kayla Elementary School Graduation With Sam Laurie Eric And Madeleine Wenger 06 14 2011

Kayla's elementary school graduation.

Image 3

Kayla, Madeleine, and Sam Wenger. This was the last day Kayla was home with her family.

Image 4

Eric's bottles of cologne. One from Kayla, and the other from his son, Sam.

Eric Wenger

Eric wrote in to tell us:

My son bought me another bottle of the cologne. That way I can save the original she gave me and still wear the brand she picked out for my gift.

If you would like to read more about Kayla Wenger's life, please visit www.KaylaWenger.info

Bob Barin