Our story this episode comes from Regina Stoops, a comedian, storyteller, developmental disabilities advocate, and half of Six Feet Apart Productions. Her story was a vulnerable account describing the devastation and rejection she felt when she found out her toddler had Autism, and how another son’s brush with death moved her from rejection to acceptance in an instant. It was a tale that resonated deeply with many parents in our audience, who related to Regina’s concern for her children, but it also struck a chord with others of us, not only those who have had to learn to accept their own diagnoses and neurodivergences, but also everyone who has experienced the real and universal disappointment when things don’t turn out as expected.
Regina’s story is full of grace and wit; she shared her experience honestly, without pretending her emotions or reactions were anything other than what they were, and her willingness to be open with herself—and us—allows everyone a poignant glimpse of how freeing and relieving acceptance can be. Maybe acceptance is always present, waiting to be recognized, if we’re willing to look.
Visit Regina’s blog and find out where to watch her perform.
Regina is a co-creator of Six Feet Apart Productions, a platform where you can listen to and tell your own stories.
Prompt: is presented by In a Nutshell Storytelling
Hostest: Amy Bee
Mostest: Keith Lowell Jensen
Producer: Aaron Carnes
Thank you to:
DJ Yuma Tripp for allowing us to use his song “Lazy Skank” for our episodes and our live show.
Hyperpixel for audio and video services.
Sofia Theatre for a beautiful stage to gather around.
Babalou for watching over our event table and engaging with people in the best way possible.
