Episode 604: Listener Tales 90
In this episode of the Morbid podcast, listener Cindy shares her family's intriguing history of supernatural and paranormal experiences. From her mother's eerie encounters with her late grandfather's spirit to her own ancestral connection to the last person tried for witchcraft in colonial Virginia, Cindy's tales explore the unusual.
The episode also highlights Cindy's eccentric and unforgettable grandmother, known as Kitty. Cindy recounts amusing anecdotes illustrating Kitty's fierce independence, mischievous antics, and unconventional approach to parenting. Despite her brashness, Kitty's profound impact on Cindy shines through, revealing a loving bond that encouraged self-acceptance and embracing one's uniqueness.
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1-Page Summary
Supernatural and Paranormal Experiences
A familial history of ghostly encounters
Cindy shares her mother's encounters with the spirit of her late grandfather as a child. Her mother's son would converse with the presence, later identifying Cindy's grandfather from a photo. Cindy's mother also had premonition dreams about birthing twin daughters that came true, according to Cindy.
Cindy's daredevil aunt narrowly avoided harm after giving a ride to a hitchhiker who turned out to be an escaped murderer. Her detailed description helped the police apprehend the criminal, Cindy says.
Cindy also cites her descent from Grace Sherwood, the last person tried for witchcraft in colonial Virginia, connecting her family's supernatural experiences to historical events.
Eccentric and Memorable Family Members
Kitty: A fiercely independent and mischievous grandmother
Cindy's grandmother, known as Kitty, was remarkably eccentric. Cindy's father recounts Kitty chasing him on all fours and biting his ankle during childhood.
Kitty would manipulate businesses that tried to wrong her. In one instance at a Verizon store, Cindy says Kitty feigned distress with mascara and snot running down her face to coerce an employee into giving her cash from his wallet to resolve a made-up billing issue.
Kitty's profound impact on her granddaughter
Instead of pushing conventional feminine interests, Kitty encouraged Cindy's passions for books and art, buying her supplies on girls' trips. Cindy felt Kitty was the only "cool girl" who made her feel welcome to embrace her uniqueness.
Humorous and Heartwarming Anecdotes
Kitty's antics provided comic relief
Kitty's elaborate Verizon ruse left customers leaving and employees hesitating to intervene when she grabbed an employee and flailed on a desk, according to Cindy.
Cindy's father recalls Kitty sending him to school in muddy pants to make it seem he'd had an accident.
Kitty's love and acceptance shone through
Though brash at times, offering advice like "fuck them up," Kitty comforted Cindy and supported her choices unconditionally, instilling courage to be herself, Cindy shares.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Grace Sherwood, known as the "Witch of Pungo," was the last person convicted of witchcraft in Virginia in the late 17th century. She was accused of bewitching livestock and was subjected to a trial by water, where she floated instead of sinking, a common belief of innocence at the time. Despite this, she was imprisoned for nearly eight years. Cindy's claim of descent from Grace Sherwood suggests a familial connection to this historical figure and the events surrounding her trial for witchcraft.
- Kitty's elaborate Verizon ruse referred to a situation where Kitty pretended to be distressed at a Verizon store, creating a scene with mascara and snot running down her face to manipulate an employee into giving her cash from his wallet to resolve a fictitious billing issue. This behavior showcased Kitty's unconventional and manipulative nature, using theatrics to achieve her desired outcome in a situation where she felt wronged. It was an example of Kitty's eccentric and bold personality, demonstrating her willingness to go to great lengths to handle situations in her own unique way. The ruse highlighted Kitty's ability to think on her feet and use unconventional methods to navigate challenging or unfair circumstances.
- Kitty sending Cindy's father to school in muddy pants could be a playful or mischievous act by Kitty to create a humorous situation or to teach a lesson. It might have been a way for Kitty to show her unconventional parenting style or to make a point in a lighthearted manner. This action could reflect Kitty's unique approach to parenting and her sense of humor in handling everyday situations.
Counterarguments
- The experiences of ghostly encounters and premonition dreams could be attributed to psychological phenomena such as pareidolia, confirmation bias, or the power of suggestion rather than actual supernatural events.
- The story of Cindy's aunt encountering an escaped murderer could be coincidental and not necessarily indicative of a familial predisposition to supernatural experiences.
- The descent from Grace Sherwood may be a historical curiosity but does not provide empirical evidence for a hereditary link to supernatural abilities or occurrences.
- Kitty's behavior, while portrayed as mischievous and eccentric, could also be interpreted as inappropriate or manipulative, particularly in the context of feigning distress to obtain money.
- Encouraging Cindy's interests is positive, but it's important to recognize that unconventional upbringing methods may not always result in positive outcomes for every child.
- While Kitty's antics are described as humorous, they might not be universally seen as such; some might view them as troubling or indicative of deeper issues.
- Sending a child to school in muddy pants to simulate an accident could be considered unkind and potentially embarrassing for the child, rather than a harmless prank.
- Unconditional support is important, but advice like "fuck them up" may not always be the most constructive way to instill courage or resolve conflicts.
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Supernatural and Paranormal Experiences
Listeners share personal stories showcasing a familial history steeped in supernatural encounters and eerie premonitions.
Listener's mother has encounters with her late father's ghost as a young child
Cindy, a listener, recounts her own spectral encounters and those of her family members, transporting us into a realm where the past and present intertwine. Cindy's mother, for instance, would frequently overhear her adopted son from Russia conversing at night with an invisible presence, believed to be the spirit of her deceased father as a child. The heartwarming discovery was made when the young boy identified the grandfather from a photo. Moreover, Cindy's mother experienced prophetic dreams about birthing twin daughters, which, despite initially being dismissed, eventually came to fruition.
Listener's aunt narrowly avoids harm after picking up a hitchhiking murderer
The narrative takes a turn towards the harrowing when the listener's aunt, characterized as a daredevil, unknowingly offers a ride to a hitchhiker who is later revealed to be an escaped convict and murderer. With a sharp eye for detail, the listener's aunt memorizes the hitchhiker's appearance. The chilling events culminate in her integral role in the criminal's capture following her report to the police.
Listener's fam ...
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Supernatural and Paranormal Experiences
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The belief in spirits and the supernatural is not supported by empirical evidence, and encounters with ghosts can often be explained by psychological phenomena such as pareidolia or the power of suggestion.
- Prophetic dreams are a common theme in folklore and anecdotal reports, but there is no scientific basis to confirm that dreams can predict future events. Coincidences can lead people to believe in the prophetic nature of dreams.
- While the listener's aunt may have had a harrowing experience with a hitchhiker, it's important to note that not all hitchhikers are dangerous, and the act of hitchhiking does not inherently involve criminal intent.
- The capture of the hitchhiker by the police would have been the result of investigative work and evidence, not solely based on the aunt's report, though her actions likely contributed to the apprehension.
- The descent f ...
Actionables
- You can explore your family history to see if there are any interesting stories or figures like Grace Sherwood. Start by creating a family tree using online genealogy services and reach out to older relatives for stories and records they might have. This can give you a sense of connection to the past and possibly uncover fascinating anecdotes or historical connections in your lineage.
- Enhance your dream recall to potentially experience vivid or prophetic dreams by keeping a dream journal. Write down your dreams first thing in the morning when they're fresh in your mind. Over time, you may notice patterns or themes that could be insightful or meaningful to your personal life.
- Develop your intuition and situational awareness t ...
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Eccentric and memorable family members
Within families often exist remarkably peculiar characters, and for one listener, their grandmother, affectionately known as Kitty, stands out as the epitome of eccentricity and mischief.
Listener's grandmother, "Kitty", is a fiercely independent and mischievous elderly woman
Kitty's zest for life is unmatched and extended into her parenting techniques, which certainly were far from conventional. Stories of her chasing her son up the stairs on all fours and biting his ankle have been recounted to depict her unorthodox methods. This peculiar behavior left an indelible mark, so much so that her son, the listener's father, was initially hesitant to leave his daughter alone in her care.
Yet, beyond the bounds of normal granny behavior, Kitty possessed a cunning ability to manipulate situations, primarily involving businesses that tried to take advantage of her. She was well aware of when someone wasn't being honest with her. One such incident took place at a Verizon store where, after they attempted to double-charge her phone bill, Kitty masterfully enacted a scene at an employee's desk to appear distressed and frail. With mascara and snot running down her face, she crafted the illusion of vulnerability to her advantage—a scam, but in her eyes, a justified retort to the store's original deceit.
Listener's relationship with her grandmother Kitty
Kitty not only left a legacy of anecdotes for her family but also played a formative role in her granddaughter's life. From introducing the listener to new experiences and perspectives to empowering her to pursue her passions, Kitty’s influence has been profound.
On girls' trips to the mall, Kitty would provide the listener money to spend on anything she desired, irrespective of what Kitty personally preferred. Her support was unconditional and empowering. Instead of guiding the listener towards more c ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Eccentric and memorable family members
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Kitty's independence and mischievousness are celebrated, some might argue that her unorthodox parenting techniques could be seen as inappropriate or potentially harmful, challenging the notion that such behavior is purely whimsical or harmless.
- The story of Kitty manipulating a situation at the Verizon store raises ethical concerns; some might argue that two wrongs don't make a right, and that responding to deceit with deceit is not justifiable.
- Kitty's influence on her granddaughter is portrayed positively, but one could argue that a more balanced view would consider the potential drawbacks of such a strong personality on a young impressionable mind.
- The unconditional support Kitty provided could be critiqued by those who believe in setting boundaries and guiding children towards practical and socially acceptable interests.
- The idea that Kitty encouraged individuality and self-expression is commendable, but it might be worth considering if her methods always respected the autonomy and developing judgment of the younger family members.
- The narrative ...
Actionables
- Embrace the spirit of independence by learning a new skill that challenges you, like a DIY home repair or a craft, to cultivate self-reliance and problem-solving abilities.
- By tackling something outside of your comfort zone, you'll not only gain a new ability but also boost your confidence in handling unexpected situations, much like Kitty's resourcefulness.
- Create a 'Yes, And' jar where you write down new experiences or activities you're curious about; each week, draw one and commit to trying it out.
- This practice encourages you to step into Kitty's shoes of introducing new perspectives into your life, fostering a mindset open to growth and exploration without the need for external validation.
- Start a 'Uniqueness Jo ...
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Humorous and heartwarming anecdotes
Familial bonds are often a tapestry of wild tales, heartfelt support, and life lessons that can be both poignant and hilarious. The listener shares stories about their Nana, affectionately known as Kitty, whose eccentricities and audacious spirit provided both comedic relief and unconventional wisdom.
Listener's family members share humorous stories and interactions
From the tales relayed, it’s clear that Kitty was a character with a flair for the dramatic and a knack for mischief.
Kitty's antics, such as her dramatic confrontation with a Verizon employee, provide comedic relief
Kitty’s escapades at a Verizon store have gone down in family lore as legendary. She faked frailty, made false claims about her age and health to manipulate employees, and even carried out an elaborate ruse, employing toilet paper from her purse to wipe fake tears. Her act of deception escalated when she forcibly grabbed an employee’s hand to feel her non-existent pacemaker, only to later flail on the desk and accuse the employee of impropriety when he tried to pull away. The result was Kitty managing to coerce the employee into handing over cash directly from his wallet to resolve a fabricated billing issue. The listener, feeling uneasy as an unwitting accomplice at age 11, watched as most customers left and employees hesitated to intercede.
The listener's father's childhood memories of Kitty's eccentric behavior are recounted
In recounting his childhood, the listener’s father remembered how his mother, Kitty, would not hesitate to chase and bite him if he crossed a line. The father recalls being sent to school in muddy pants, so it appeared as though he had an accident, adding to the list of Kitty’s unorthodox methods.
Listener's family members demonstrate deep care and support for one another
Beneath the humorous exterior of Kitty's actions lies a profound ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Humorous and heartwarming anecdotes
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kitty's dramatic confrontation with a Verizon employee involved her using elaborate deception tactics, including pretending to be frail and manipulating the employee with false claims about her health. She went as far as creating a scene, grabbing the employee's hand to feel for a non-existent pacemaker, and coercing him into giving her cash to resolve a fabricated billing issue. This incident showcases Kitty's audacious and unconventional behavior in a retail setting.
- Kitty's unconventional methods and eccentric behavior stem from her unique personality and approach to life. She often employs dramatic and unorthodox tactics to navigate situations, showcasing her boldness and creativity. While her actions may seem unusual or extreme, they are typically driven by a deep sense of love and care for her family members. These eccentricities contribute to Kitty's memorable character and the colorful tapestry of family anecdotes.
- Kitty, despite her unconventional ways, showed deep love and acceptance towards the listener ...
Counterarguments
- While Kitty's actions are portrayed as humorous and stemming from love, some might argue that her behavior at the Verizon store was unethical and manipulative, setting a poor example for the listener as a child.
- The idea that Kitty's unconventional methods were always from a place of love could be challenged by suggesting that some actions, like sending her son to school in muddy pants, might have been unnecessarily harsh and could have had negative psychological effects.
- Describing Kitty as both a guardian angel and the devil on the listener's shoulder could be seen as romanticizing behavior that might otherwise be considered inappropriate or harmful.
- The impact of Kitty's boldness and brashness is presented positively, but it could also be argued that such trait ...
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