Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

This is well written and entertaining. Joey sounds like a kid from hell, but one time when I went to see my 2 darling little grandsons, they had used the front room window for target practice with two dozen eggs. The problem with credit is how easily it spends and how hard it is to pay up. I think everyone has to learn that lesson the hard way. You might want to change: I (gave) my cousin . . . . . . woman (and) tossed . . .

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Thank you, Carol for your review and I am most appreciative of your corrections.
Merry Christmas
Mary

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

It befuddles me how many stories are related here to wedded abuses. My dad was fine till payday when he would come home well pass dinner time, and berate my mom. Even the dog hid under the bed when his car came in the drive. Somehow he knew it was to be a long night.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Thank you Tom for the review. I was lucky in that my dad while he drank heavily, he was not a mean drunk.
Mary

Comment from Navada

Excellent

Yikes! You've said Joey acted up "for a time", so I hope this means he grew out of it and went on to become a model citizen! Life can be tough for people at Christmas - sometimes the expectation seems to be that everyone has a perfect family situation and a perfect day for everyone, which is not achievable for anyone, really.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023

Thank you for your review. Joey grew out of it, but at 16 left to go live with his father. I think it was what he needed all along.
Mary

Comment from Wendyanne

Excellent

I found your well written piece of non fiction very interesting and felt quite sorry for Joey as he seemed to have needed more attention than he was getting so had to be naughty to get it?? It's a lovely feeling to give presents and end up in debt.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 17-Dec-2023

Thank you for your review. Joey finally behaved himself. He went to live with his dad when he was 16 and you could see him evolve into a responsible adult.
Mary

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

I love your Rose stories but now I guess you'll have to write us Joey stories! I'm so glad Rose had you to watch the kids during that difficult time. I guess the first time I had a credit card was with JC Penney. Thanks for sharing about the thrill of giving to spread joy.
Best wishes in the contest!

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 Comment Written 15-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 17-Dec-2023

Thank you Helen for your very kind review and words. I appreciate it.
Merry Christmas
Mary

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Mary, This is a very interesting story you have written about. I can relate to a charge card gone wrong. That happened to me. You used great descriptive words and very cute imagery. Best wishes in the contest. love and blessings, Teri

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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 19-Dec-2023

Thank you Teri for your review and kind words.
Best wishes,
Mary