At nine years old, Fenton Reese nearly drowned in a public pool, an experience that left him with a lifelong fear of water. Years later, in a cruel twist of irony, he found himself on the waves again—this time as a Marine, tasked with boarding enemy ships in the middle of the ocean. It was just one of many moments that tested his resolve.

But the hardest wave he ever faced wasn’t in the water—it was the day his mother drove away, leaving him alone with nothing but a choice: sink under the weight of his circumstances or fight his way to the surface.

In this powerful episode of Untold Stories, Fenton shares his journey from abandonment to the battlefield, from fear to resilience. With humor, vulnerability, and the hard-earned wisdom of someone who has stood on the edge, he reminds us that while we can’t control the waves, we can always adjust our sails.

Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.

 

At nine years old, Fenton Reese nearly drowned in a public pool, an experience that left him with a lifelong fear of water. Years later, in a cruel twist of irony, he found himself on the waves again&mdash;this time as a Marine, tasked with boarding enemy ships in the middle of the ocean. It was just one of many moments that tested his resolve.
But the hardest wave he ever faced wasn&rsquo;t in the water&mdash;it was the day his mother drove away, leaving him alone with nothing but a choice: sink under the weight of his circumstances or fight his way to the surface.
In this powerful episode of Untold Stories, Fenton shares his journey from abandonment to the battlefield, from fear to resilience. With humor, vulnerability, and the hard-earned wisdom of someone who has stood on the edge, he reminds us that while we can&rsquo;t control the waves, we can always adjust our sails.
Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.
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Untold Stories is a captivating live oral storytelling series that offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents to share their unique and inspiring experiences with the world. From artists and tradespeople to shopkeepers and professors, everyone has a story to tell, and Untold Stories provides a space for these narratives to be heard. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of life in Northeast Florida, one story at a time. Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Barbara Colaciello is the artistic director. The 2022-2023 season of Untold Stories at the Florida Theatre is made possible in part through the generous support of the Wolfburg family.