When Blood Collides
Viewing comments for Chapter 69 "Preparations for the Final Goodbye"A family's love is tested.
26 total reviews
Comment from Debbie Noland
A rich and poignant chapter, Shari, and deeply symbolic. You return to the toys of childhood for a number of reasons, I imagine. Perhaps it is a grasping to recapture a time when you and your sister were closer, before the divisive events of your subsequent lives intervened. Perhaps, in its focus on the vitality of youth, it is a defiance of the inevitability of aging and death. Maybe those toys/cake simply offered you an escape, however temporary, from the grim reality of the present diagnosis and the permanent loss stalking any future you could have shared. Maybe it is an effort at compensation for years lost to bitterness and emotional distance. Whatever the case, the symbols are apt concrete representations of your emotions in this situation, and the chapter conveys well the overwhelming ironies of those.
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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A rich and poignant chapter, Shari, and deeply symbolic. You return to the toys of childhood for a number of reasons, I imagine. Perhaps it is a grasping to recapture a time when you and your sister were closer, before the divisive events of your subsequent lives intervened. Perhaps, in its focus on the vitality of youth, it is a defiance of the inevitability of aging and death. Maybe those toys/cake simply offered you an escape, however temporary, from the grim reality of the present diagnosis and the permanent loss stalking any future you could have shared. Maybe it is an effort at compensation for years lost to bitterness and emotional distance. Whatever the case, the symbols are apt concrete representations of your emotions in this situation, and the chapter conveys well the overwhelming ironies of those.
Comment Written 06-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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Wow! What a terrific analysis. I would say you were right on all counts. Did you get the irony of her doll staying intact while mine succumbed to the ravages of time? That hit me when I first wrote this in a short piece five years ago.
I miss reading your posts. Busy with work?
I just went of line and plugged in my sister's name. She has a 275 page book on the future of community colleges. It's selling for $164.00! But, of course, you can buy one used. It's probably used as a textbook. I remember how expensive they were!
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Thank you for the reviewing vote. And, yeah, I have been busy with some off-site writing-related work. I plan to get back here, though, at least to some extent.
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Good to hear. :-)
Comment from Louise Michelle
This is such a wonderful chapter, Shari. That cake sounds delicious and I really enjoyed reading your detailed description about the dolls.
I can't believe all the trouble you went to in order to make the party a memorable experience for your sister. I just hope she showed appreciation. Hugs, Lou
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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This is such a wonderful chapter, Shari. That cake sounds delicious and I really enjoyed reading your detailed description about the dolls.
I can't believe all the trouble you went to in order to make the party a memorable experience for your sister. I just hope she showed appreciation. Hugs, Lou
Comment Written 06-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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I guess I loved my sister more than I realized. :-)
So glad I saved her doll.
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Well written and tells the saga of what can truly happen when miles, events, and distance separate sisters.
Some times, no matter what a person does, it just does not matter to the other party and nothing will bring them close again.
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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Well written and tells the saga of what can truly happen when miles, events, and distance separate sisters.
Some times, no matter what a person does, it just does not matter to the other party and nothing will bring them close again.
Comment Written 06-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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Don't miss the next two chapters, Brett. A lot of things happen that you wouldn't expect. Thanks for following. :-)
Comment from judiverse
So much emotion in this. It must have really cost you something to write it. Your efforts to wash and iron the doll's dress before giving it to Barbara were touching, as were your shopping foray to find the panda, crown, and coloring book etc. I guess we'll have to wait to find out her reaction. Interesting description of your husband's reactions to your efforts. I hope Barbara appreciated what you had done. Excellent details and presentation. judi
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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So much emotion in this. It must have really cost you something to write it. Your efforts to wash and iron the doll's dress before giving it to Barbara were touching, as were your shopping foray to find the panda, crown, and coloring book etc. I guess we'll have to wait to find out her reaction. Interesting description of your husband's reactions to your efforts. I hope Barbara appreciated what you had done. Excellent details and presentation. judi
Comment Written 06-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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Thank you so much for the exceptional review, judi. Writing it made me realize how much I really did love my sister.
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You're very welcome. Your efforts to give her a birthday to remember showed how much you cared. judi
Comment from ProSongwriter
HI Shari ...
What a great chapter! I'm curious to see how she is going respond to the party atmosphere. A chocolate cake, a Mama & Bay panda bear, party favors and all. Should be an interesting time!
Like I've mentioned before, your writing is so easy to follow ... it's as though you're sitting across the table from me, telling me this story. Nicely done again! Best wishes toy u and Frank.
Alan & Di
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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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HI Shari ...
What a great chapter! I'm curious to see how she is going respond to the party atmosphere. A chocolate cake, a Mama & Bay panda bear, party favors and all. Should be an interesting time!
Like I've mentioned before, your writing is so easy to follow ... it's as though you're sitting across the table from me, telling me this story. Nicely done again! Best wishes toy u and Frank.
Alan & Di
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Comment Written 06-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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Thanks, Alan. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Brought back some wonderful memories. I did have fun planning the party.
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You're welcome, Shari
Comment from Dean Kuch
Hey, don't you dare laugh but I still color in coloring books myself, Shari. My nephew who's ten, loves Batman, Iron Man, Spiderman, and just about any other super hero you could fathom. He hates SPAWN, however--says it scares him, lol.
I wouldn't know why.
Anyhow, I'll often sit and color with him in his prized collection of coloring books. Everyone else never seems to have the time or feels they're too "grown up" to be coloring with crayons in coloring books. But not me--no ma'am!
Well, even if Barbie wasn't able to taste your cake, I've no doubts that she appreciated the sentiments behind your baking it for her. Not only that, but the trouble you went through to find just the right sized panda bear to replace the one she'd used, and eventually lost, as a sleeping companion while a little girl was very sweet of you. Especially given the fact that Frank seemed none too pleased about the whole affair, LOL.
Given your usual cliff-hanger type ending I sense that Barb's health has taken a severe turn for the worst.
I will endeavor to keep reading further...
Great writing, Spit!
~Dean ;)
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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
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Hey, don't you dare laugh but I still color in coloring books myself, Shari. My nephew who's ten, loves Batman, Iron Man, Spiderman, and just about any other super hero you could fathom. He hates SPAWN, however--says it scares him, lol.
I wouldn't know why.
Anyhow, I'll often sit and color with him in his prized collection of coloring books. Everyone else never seems to have the time or feels they're too "grown up" to be coloring with crayons in coloring books. But not me--no ma'am!
Well, even if Barbie wasn't able to taste your cake, I've no doubts that she appreciated the sentiments behind your baking it for her. Not only that, but the trouble you went through to find just the right sized panda bear to replace the one she'd used, and eventually lost, as a sleeping companion while a little girl was very sweet of you. Especially given the fact that Frank seemed none too pleased about the whole affair, LOL.
Given your usual cliff-hanger type ending I sense that Barb's health has taken a severe turn for the worst.
I will endeavor to keep reading further...
Great writing, Spit!
~Dean ;)
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 06-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2015
Coloring is great therapy. Adult coloring books are all the rage now. I have one with mandelas, but have not found time to use it.
Bake the cake? No way. I didn't love that much. LOL
I ordered it from Publix. Screw the cost.:-)