Tabitha sat across from Martie McNabb, the host of “Things That Matter,” prepared to open up about the small but meaningful keepsake in her hand. On the surface, the keychain looked ordinary—just a collection of trinkets bound together with a zip tie. But to Tabitha, every piece carried the weight of her journey: the travel bug that bit her when she chose French in middle school, leading to study abroad adventures in Paris and eventually to a career as a flight attendant where she discovered the world’s complexity, and met people from all walks of life.

Her story took a new turn when Tabitha decided to become a mom—a decision marked by perseverance and hope as she navigated the path to parenthood as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Within eighteen months, she welcomed three children into her life; all three were later diagnosed with autism. Living in rural Indiana, Tabitha quickly realized that resources for her children were scarce, so she created them herself, founding a nonprofit and a podcast to advocate not just for her kids, but for countless families like hers.

At the heart of her journey was the memory of her grandfather, a farmer and the first feminist she ever knew. He encouraged her to do what was right, no matter what, and held onto her travel mementos with pride, hanging them from his rearview mirror as symbols of her adventures. After he passed, the keychain returned to Tabitha as a family heirloom—a simple but powerful reminder that advocacy, love, and courage can ripple outward, transforming not only her own family’s story but also the wider world.

To learn more about this multi-passionate woman, check out her autism advocacy podcast by searching for Staring Down the Storm Autism Advocacy in America on Apple podcast, Spotify & YouTube.

You can connect with her through most social media platforms by searching for her unusual name.

Looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com

Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨

If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/