Liz Warren | Storyteller

You Cannot Hate Someone Whose Story You Know by Phyllis Ralley

Don't tell your beautiful wife, but I love you James Ashcroft!!! I love the cows in your stories – from the one that Uncle Ray used to teach you to follow directions to one who got in so much trouble changing forms at the Return to the African Village. I love the care with which you craft your personal stories to share with your family. What a gift to them.

I love you Ruth. Your amazing life stories, and your amazing life that has taken you on so many adventures. Thanks for letting me come along on some of them.

I love you Sally. You help me run a marathon, even though I can't run to the mail box and back!

I love you Louise, you and the adventurous princess you are, always looking for the good in the world, and usually finding it – ultimately.

I love you Anne, and the seafaring adventures you tell of your home by the ocean. Your stories are so vivid I get seasick, but always return safely to the shore with you.

And I love you Jim. Chickens will never sound the same when I hear them crowing in the wee hours of the morning. The story of Callum Blue touched us all.

This is my second semester with these storytellers, but I feel as though they are all part of my family. Every person in our class has so much to tell and give. There is no quicker way to fall in love than listening to someone's story. The power of storytelling is the giving and receiving of the great gift of our shared humanity.

I take away from your stories those parts of it that are mine.

7 responses to “You Cannot Hate Someone Whose Story You Know by Phyllis Ralley”

  1. Louise Laux Avatar
    Louise Laux

    Wow, Phyllis! Well said! I share your feelings, and love your stories about trail rides, listening to advice, and not leaving riders behind. I appreciate your enthusiasm, witt, and wisdom!
    What a touching post!

    Reply
  2. Jim Dennis Avatar
    Jim Dennis

    It is true that you love people more when you hear their stories. I remember when I first heard you tell one. I can still see that desert wash filled with rushing water and all sorts of things…even snakes! Wonderful post, Phyllis.

    Reply
  3. Carol Bedner Avatar
    Carol Bedner

    It is true, we get to know and understand someone when we listen to their stories. You have a great memory for the details of what you have heard.

    Reply
  4. Peggy Babbitt Avatar
    Peggy Babbitt

    Phyllis it nice to hear your enthusiasm and feeling about the stories. I am looking forward to your next story. Yes, the storyteller are know by the stories they tell. Good job.
    Peggy

    Reply
  5. James Avatar
    James

    Fist of all, thank you Phyllis, I too have come to love all those from last semester, and am feeling the same feelings for those this class. It is difficult to imagine hate existing in a world where we know each other and share stories and appreciations together. Even with all of our fancy devices for communications, however it amazes me how scarce true human communication is in our society. I think that is the aspect of storytelling that attracts – humanity being shared.

    Reply
  6. Nancy Newlin Avatar
    Nancy Newlin

    Phyllis, I too, love all the people in my storytelling classes and their beautiful stories. Even though I do not know all of you really well, I feel that I do because I know some of your stories. I look forward to this class every week because I know that I am going to get to know everybody just a little bit better each week. I can’t wait to hear your next story, your next adventure.

    Reply
  7. Sally Borg Avatar
    Sally Borg

    Beautifully said! I’m honored to be part of this wonderful storytelling community.

    Reply

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