Women share stories on motherhood, find camaraderie at annual local show

Women share stories on motherhood, find camaraderie at annual local show

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LEHI — In a brief, two-week time period, in 41 cities and across two countries, people everywhere are giving motherhood a microphone.

Heather Johnson has been directing and producing the Listen To Your Mother (LTYM) show since it first came to Utah in 2013. She will never forget that first year. When auditions were held, Johnson began to meet many amazing and brave people. People willing to share their stories on motherhood. A cast of 15 was chosen, and LTYM Utah was born.

"That first year, Julie talked about being a supermom, only on her cape, there was a "T" for Tired mom," Johnson said. "Her family motto of, 'Get your hands out of your pants’ had the audience belly laughing right out loud.

“You can think of LTYM like Ted talks, but all on Motherhood, and it's everyday people that get to tell their stories. People come to our shows, they laugh, cry and relate to the wonderful and challenging experience that is motherhood. They repeat over and over, 'This is amazing!' "

The one thing that everyone in the world shares is the fact that we all have a mom, know a mom or are a mom. Whether our experiences with motherhood were good, bad, hilarious or tragic, Johnson wants people to know that LTYM is an opportunity for anyone to stand up on stage and bravely share their stories with their communities.

“Although every story is auditioned, rehearsed and beautiful, the topics are not all rosy," Johnson recalled. “There are stories of abuse, postpartum depression and even the loss of a child. Last year, a woman talked about the fact that her dad abused her mom their entire marriage.

"Another woman told the audience she couldn't stand her 8-year-old adopted daughter. She came to realize she was jealous of her little girl, who had a bubbly and happy personality, everything she wasn’t. She realized this little girl was inadvertently showing her all the crap about herself that she didn't like, and she was unintentionally holding it against her. The woman told us how she had to take that little girl in her arms, apologize, and tell her that she wished she was more like her.

"The show is raw, fantastic and honest. To stand up and say those things, it’s very brave and empowering."

After stumbling across a past show from another city online late one night, Johnson knew she had to get involved. "I knew this show had to come to Utah too. Now in its fourth year, the community audience can’t wait to celebrate Mother’s Day together.”

"It gives us the opportunity to share those stories that connect us with others and humanize us. We need more of that," Johnson said. "It's through those stories that we feel understood, that we know we aren't alone. It's then that we cheer; then that we finally get to exclaim, 'Me too!' ”

It is Johnson's hope that this year, more people than ever will come enjoy LTYM.

The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. May 5 at Thanksgiving Point. To buy tickets, visit the website.

"Bring your mothers and friends," Johnson said. "It makes a perfect gift for Mother's Day."


![Kate Rose Lee](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2549/254934/25493448\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65)
About the Author: Kate Rose Lee \-------------------------------

Kate Rose Lee is a Utah native, mother of three and author. You can read more of her writing as well as her books at www. momentsofchunder.blogspot.com. Contact her at momentsofchunder@gmail.com.

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