Comment from Brett Matthew West

Excellent

The "pleasure of writing." Isn't that what writing is all about?

This has all the markings of a very enjoyable story about the old lady's friendship with the spry younger man.

She spoke the truth when she said no one tells a person how to die. In most cases the terminally ill are on their own to figure that little detail out for themselves.

 Comment Written 24-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Aug-2023

You got that right. If writing becomes overwhelming or a chore, stop. And my late neighbor said the part about not knowing how to die to me. Sad. I couldn't offer anything to him. Gretchen

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

I'm really enjoying this story. I can see everything as in unfolds. It does seem as if Iris is getting worse as she has trouble breathing when she is moving around very much.

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Aug-2023

She is definitely getting worse. Thank you so much. Gretchen

Comment from Jay Squires

Excellent

What a delicious last line: "While I clean up the kitchen, Iris takes me back with her to play in the fields with John and Daphne." Not just talks about John and Daphne, but "takes me back with her." Good job with that.
Jay

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Aug-2023

Thanks, Jay. I wanted him to "be there" so he could write about Violet, the girl in the story, with authenticity. I'm glad you got that part. Not many have. Lol. Gretchen

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

These two are good friends who understand each other and these sorts of friendships don't come along everyday. I enjoyed the gentle dialogue between them, Iris still wants her independence, but it is slowly slipping away and Jameson is sympathetic and understanding, a fine post Gretchen, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks so much. I'm so happy you are enjoying this story. Gretchen

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

The nearer you come to Iris's end the more I feel like I want to cry. You have done a wonderful job of bringing Jamison, Iris, and Claire to life. I knew Claire belittled him, she's just like my daughter-in-law. You have a missing word: I (was) wasting time. . .

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks so much for this. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. Gretchen

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Exceptional

Oh, its getting very sad. I like to read about Iris and Jameson friendship. They are so good for each other. It sounds like Iris doesn't have too much longer to live. You have a gift too. You are a wonderful writer.

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks so much. I feel less like a writer than a story teller. I learn something about writing every day here on Fanstory. Thanks very much. Gretchen

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Good

I am going to miss Iris when she dies. That's a mark of a good author. One who gets you invested in the characters.

photo shows a boy about six or seven standing next to her parents. (standing beside her)

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 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks Barbara. I'm glad you are enjoying this. Gretchen

Comment from pome lover

Excellent

Well, I'll tell you something, MS GWHARGIS, you have a gift, too. I just love the way you write - you don't have to describe your characters, they present themselves in the most natural, captivating way. You write as if they're friends of yours, which in a way, they probably are. I look forward to reading about Jameson and Iris, and am already dreading when Iris is gone. Thanks for another lovely chapter.
Katharine

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thank you. That was a very big compliment. I really appreciate this. Gretchen

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Exceptional

So beautiful. I love how they're heaping in all this important time together. Jameson is so caring and compassionate, but in a totally loving and respectful way. And she loves him and trusts him enough to let down her guard. She knows he 'knows,' and she lets him be chivalrous and protective of her. Very, very sweet.

In that first paragraph, add in the word "was." In her eyes, I WAS wasting time.

Another beautiful chapter, Gretchen. xoxox

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thank you Rachelle. The part where she talks about no one tells you how to die is based on a conversation I had with my neighbor who passed from cancer. It was heart breaking. So alone and frightened. I really appreciate this. Thanks for spotting the error. Gretchen

reply by Rachelle Allen on 22-Aug-2023

I have two friends (and one friend's husband) who are all "up there" now, and I pay attention to every last thing they say as far as aging and death, etc. because I know that is how I'll learn to do it and know what to expect. Of course everyone's experience is different, but still, it gives me some guidelines and a bit of a head's up...truly just "a bit". But, planner-aheader that I am, I'll take any crumbs I'm offered.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

What an interesting relationship, there's hardly ever a relationship like this, apart from grandmother to grandson or daughter, but hardly like this. Iris who is really dying, has been a good friend in the time she has known Him, great tale Gretchen, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023

Thanks so much. My mom and my nephew were like this. More teasing and pranking but there for each other. He was with her when she passed. Thanks so much. Gretchen

reply by royowen on 22-Aug-2023

That?s wonderful, we do write. from life.