Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Exceptional

Brilliantly and so sensitively written, Gretchen! You've skilfully and seamlessly moved from one scene to the other, building up the deep sadness of Iris in this final stage of her life. Never mawkish, always exactly on point, your fine dialogue touches the heart and stirs the emotions. (I'm actually in bits!) Deserving of so much more than 6. Debbie

 Comment Written 06-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023

Thanks so much, Debbie. It's getting tougher to write these scenes. I really appreciate the fine review and the outstanding rating. Gretchen

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

This is a sad post Gretchen and Iris is nearing her death and it is a scary moment for her and her friend, none of us like to thin of our life being over but we all know it will happen and none of us escape it, a poignant write, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 06-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023

It is imminent for all. One thing we all share as people. It's just the journey that differs. Thank you so much for this. Gretchen

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

I feel as though I am about to lose a friend. Iris needs to be with Jameson, not Gertrude, right now, so I am hoping he will be with her at the end. It's difficult for Iris not to feel afraid, but I am sure J will have to right words to give her comfort and strength. Well written, as always.
Wendy

 Comment Written 06-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023

Thanks so much, Wendy. My mother had pulmonary fibrosis. A thickening of the lung tissue. It's death by slow drowning. She was afraid for a long time, then just accepted it. Seems to be a usual process. Thank you for this. Gretchen

Comment from pome lover

Excellent

Love the clever ending. Iris can still make a funny.
I've got the swollen ankles, too, and I can't wear the compression hose because my arthritic hands can't get them on. Fun and games.
I wonder what you will have Jameson do with his inherited money from Iris?
You have certainly hit all the top numbers in rankings in all the categories! Congratulations!

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023

No poetry, or script writing. Both to difficult. Lol. Speaking of compression socks and hose, they sell a plastic gadget that can help you. It is also helpful to put talcum powder on your skin. Makes the hose slide over skin easier. I sell compression hosiery. I've got all kinds of tips and tricks. Thank you for this fine review. Gretchen

reply by pome lover on 06-Aug-2023

I have the plastic gadget. I can get the "not quite so tight" one on with it, but not the real tight ones. Even with gadget, hands can't handle it. I'll try the powder, tho skin's so dry as it is....
All tips and tricks are most welcome. Will buy from you if anything works.

Comment from Ric Myworld

Exceptional

The cycles of life. The good, bad, and all the things that could have been, if not for only . . .. And sometimes, just sit down and have a drink and say the heck with it all, because we can't change anything anyway. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023

Thanks, Ric. We certainly can't live our lives in regret. Another wasted emotion that's right up there with jealousy. Lol. Thank you for this fine review. Gretchen

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

This is just an awful lot like what is happening to me except she is still driving. I gave that up a couple of years ago.
All my friends are gone as well. Thank God for family. Well done Gretchen. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023

Thank goodness for family. You sound like you have a good one. Thanks so much for this kind review. Gretchen

Comment from lancellot

Exceptional

This is well written and deep and reasoned look on how a person can face the end of this chapter. A slice of life story that has an ending many of us shy away from.


I had to share it with no one.

-Does no on equal her deceased husband, Lou?

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023

Thank you for this. That was supposed to mean she didn't have to share the spotlight with anyone. The poem was just for her. I guess that wasn't clear. I'll reconfigure that line. I appreciate the extra star. Gretchen

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Exceptional

The end is coming so near, so frighteningly near. Iris is praying for it to be quick, and we can only hope for her that it will be. You do such a good job of writing that I feel as if I am going to lose a friend. You have built lovely character studies of Iris and Jamison.

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023

Thank you. It's tough to kill off a character. Especially a sweet old lady. I appreciate the stars and the review. Gretchen

reply by Carol Hillebrenner on 05-Aug-2023

You earned it.

Comment from Jay Squires

Excellent

Wow! Your drive to the end of this novel is getting more and more powerful at every turn. Reading the poem to her husband's picture, then following it up with a visit to his and her son's gravesites -- dynamic to the max. And then the true feelings expressed by her friend, Gert, and ending the chapter with a toast. So powerful.

Jay

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023

Thanks so much, Jay. I'm glad you like the chapter. It's getting tougher and tougher to do these types of chapters. But I'll finish it, I promise. Gretchen

Comment from Sankey

Excellent

Another meandering, good chapter. I guess Iris's time is not much longer. You treat this very gently and caringly. Looking forward to your next chapter. No spags.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 05-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Aug-2023

Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Gretchen