Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

Gretchen,

Excellent chapter, setting the stage for what's to come.

Check this out :
2nd paragraph-
Claire would catch me writing. In her eyes, I (???) wasting time, and not just my time

Keep the nice flow of the story going!

Cheers to Iris's strength!
John

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks, John. I appreciate this. And thanks go pointing out the spag. Gretchen

Comment from JSD

Excellent

There's a 'was' missing in the second paragraph. Otherwise this is more touching, tender and beautiful writing Gretchen. Well done, again. Love the last line particularly.

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed this. Gretchen

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Well Gretchen, you've certainly got that "gift" too! This is the loveliest story I've read on this site and, as well as wanting to have Iris as a dear friend, I've become deeply impressed by Jameson's intuition and kindness. They complement each other so well. As ever, there's not one thing I'd change. It reads perfectly. Debbie

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks. I think we all need an Iris and a Jameson in our lives. They both appreciate the little things. Gretchen

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

This is a beautiful story of friendship, their gift to each other. I am glad she has recognised his gift - I know he will finish his book to honour their friendship. Yes it is hard knowing how to die well. No one can give advice and it is a one-off so there are no practice runs.
Wendy
Typo paragraph 2: "I (was) wasting time")

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks, Wendy. It's getting towards the end. Then I start Miranda II. I need some humor. Terry Joe was serious and this story is sad. Bring on the laughter. Gretchen

Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)

Excellent

You paint the picture of the pain and perplexity of dying extremely well. I like the way you can focus on parts of the story only in a chapter, without too much of the rest filtering in. kay

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

I focus on the moment. I think about how I am with one on one meetings. A foreign thought might filter in but it's easy to stay focused. I appreciate this nice review. Gretchen

Comment from damommy

Exceptional

What a comfort Jameson is for Iris. She's wondering how one learns to die, a question a lot of us have. She can be sure Jameson is there for her. I'm glad she liked his story.

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks so much. I'm so glad you stuck with this. I really appreciate that. Gtetchen

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

This is going to be a lovely story, (Jameson's story) and be a best seller. By the time this book is finished, he'll be rich and famous and wifey will have missed out big time!! My only hope is, you don't feel sorry for her and write her back in because she won't be coming back because she loves him.
Iris is rapidly coming to the end of her days, and it will be hard for Jameson to cope with that for a while. They have both saved each other in a way. Even though Iris is dying, he has given her the best friendship she could have wished for, and it's not for her money, it's because he genuinely is her friend. And she has built up his confidence, and he's now writing for pleasure again.
This was a touching chapter, Gretchen, and I enjoyed it a lot. Well done, my friend. Warmest hugs. Sandra xx

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 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

No. Claire gets no encode in this. Jameson understands they live in two different worlds. I really want to thank you for this fine review. Gretchen

Comment from Sankey

Exceptional

This is still such a lovely read. I am gonna miss it when it is over. I can't remember if you are published, yet with any of your stuff. Can't see any spags. Hope we get back to your other story, soon.

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023

Published The 'Shine Baby
Sins of My Father
Baby Steps
Miranda Chronicles

I finished The Real Terry Joe McKinnon. Post the last chapter yesterday. I am going to start a new Miranda book in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for this. Gretchen

reply by Sankey on 22-Aug-2023

Sins of My Father looks interesting is that on Kindle?

reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

It is. It's the spin off of The 'Shine Baby.

reply by Sankey on 22-Aug-2023

Look forward to the new Miranda book.

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Exceptional

This is lovely. You are gifted as well Gretchen. I do enjoy your writing and I can't say that to very many writers. He is a Godsend to Iris but she is a Godsend to him as well. They need each other now and it is good. Well done. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023

Thanks so much. I had a neighbor who was dying of cancer. He said that to me. About no one telling you how to die. It broke my heart. Thanks again for this exceptional review and rating. Gretchen