Before Listening

Jody and Julienne.

In Part 2 of “The Run,” David tells about life as a single father to two daughters after the death of his wife Jessie. We hear about the challenges of raising two children, and about dating later in life, from two perspectives: David’s own feelings, and the thoughts of his daughters Jody and Julienne.

As you listen, keep these questions in mind:

  • Was it easy for David to be a single parent? Why or why not?
  • Jessie died when their daughters were very young. Can she still be a presence in the lives of David and the girls?
  • Now that Jody and Julienne are adults, is their father still a part of their daily lives?
  • How would Jody and Julienne feel about their father’s thoughts of finding a new companion?

While David speaks in a measured, thoughtful pace, Jody and Julienne are much more spontaneous, sometimes finishing each other’s thoughts and speaking rather quickly. Listen for how often they use  the word “like” as an informal filler word…

  • We were discovering, like, what pranks were. 

…as well as in the more standard meanings:

  • Julienne and I sort of like to think we looked…
  • It feels like a success.