An Ex Fabulous Experience
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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

An Ex Fabulous Experience

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March 8, 2015

By Dawn Helmrich, United Way Staff

I wasn’t quite sure what I was in for when showing up to 3041 W. North Ave. The innovative approach United Way takes in spreading messages never ceases to amaze me. When I walked into the building I was amazed at the crowd and the energy in the room. Anyone present that wanted to had the opportunity to put their name in a hat to speak about fatherhood. No props. No paper. Just old fashion storytelling.

After the first three stories of love, heartache, heartbreak, longing to do better, be better or be just like, I felt inspired. They were lacking names in the hat so I threw mine in. Before I had come to the event I thought about my own husband and his fatherhood skills, what an important role model he has been for our two children and how lucky I was to have him. I almost wish he was there to watch his wife rave about him on stage. When I was done my palms were sweaty, my hands were shaking, but my heart was full.

I sat back down and listened, really listened to the remaining six storytellers. Some were visibly nervous, some were seasoned vets, and each one of their stories was compelling. Fatherhood is an interesting thing, the ups, and the downs, the things we remember about our own fathers, the way in which they influence us, whether positive or not. When everything was over I was almost looking for more, although I felt emotionally spent. I think we forget to remember that each and every one of us has a story. You can’t tell by looking at someone what their experiences are, but everyone has a story, if you just stop and listen.

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