When Blood Collides
Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "A Balancing Act"A family's love is tested.
23 total reviews
Comment from Carole Rosa
Shari, This is a cute story. I enjoyed reading it and found a lot of it to be quite amusing. I tried to take care of my mother after my dad passed away. She ran away in the middle of the night, because the voices told her to do it. She had to go live in the home. Sad situation when parents become unable to care for themselves. I noticed one thing. Did you mean to write this, "himself upong her" Carole
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
Shari, This is a cute story. I enjoyed reading it and found a lot of it to be quite amusing. I tried to take care of my mother after my dad passed away. She ran away in the middle of the night, because the voices told her to do it. She had to go live in the home. Sad situation when parents become unable to care for themselves. I noticed one thing. Did you mean to write this, "himself upong her" Carole
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Oh no! Frank's mother had dementia and eventually the nursing home had to strap her down at night or she would wander all over and bother others. I felt so badly for her, but there was no way she could stay with us. My children were around ten and twelve.
I correct the error you noted.
Comment from alexisleech
Well done you for gritting your teeth and getting on with it. I'd like to think your mom appreciated your efforts but sometimes it's taken for granted that we women can cope with everything after we've had children. The difference is, it was our choice to nurture our babies and make sure they were safe and well. Looking after an elderly parent isn't the same!
I'm not sure about 'and almost ruined Mom's longed-for adventure who took it upon herself to wash his soiled briefs.'
Should it be; and almost ruined Mom's longed-for adventure when she took it upon herself to wash his soiled briefs.'
Just a thought.
Alexis x
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
Well done you for gritting your teeth and getting on with it. I'd like to think your mom appreciated your efforts but sometimes it's taken for granted that we women can cope with everything after we've had children. The difference is, it was our choice to nurture our babies and make sure they were safe and well. Looking after an elderly parent isn't the same!
I'm not sure about 'and almost ruined Mom's longed-for adventure who took it upon herself to wash his soiled briefs.'
Should it be; and almost ruined Mom's longed-for adventure when she took it upon herself to wash his soiled briefs.'
Just a thought.
Alexis x
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Thank you so much for noting that difference. It's a big one. I took your advice on rewording the sentence. You're right. It sounds much better. Appreciate.
Comment from padumachitta
Hi...geez, you have spent your life caring for others, have you not? This is just such a down to earht peice. i enjoyed the feel of it, the sort of conversational tone. it made me feel like we were having a chat on the phone.
padumachitta
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
Hi...geez, you have spent your life caring for others, have you not? This is just such a down to earht peice. i enjoyed the feel of it, the sort of conversational tone. it made me feel like we were having a chat on the phone.
padumachitta
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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No, Mom was the first. Both my children were healthy. But yes, now I'm a caregiver for Frank. The only good thing about it was an excuse to get out of jury duty three years. :-)
Comment from michaelcahill
Hahaha!!!! I can so relate to that last paragraph! I can imagine meeting some kid in an alley for my denture cream if I ever need it!! This is so much fun to read. It's familiar in tone as this is what families sound like. You've related it to perfection.
I even found a couple typos:
himself upong her.--upon
Thanks goodness,----thank
You probably planted those so I feel like a real reviewer! mikey
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
Hahaha!!!! I can so relate to that last paragraph! I can imagine meeting some kid in an alley for my denture cream if I ever need it!! This is so much fun to read. It's familiar in tone as this is what families sound like. You've related it to perfection.
I even found a couple typos:
himself upong her.--upon
Thanks goodness,----thank
You probably planted those so I feel like a real reviewer! mikey
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Corrected the typos. Yep, I did it just to see if you were on your toes. :-) Glad you enjoyed it. Part 4 will sound humorous, I hope, in spite of the fact, that a bad habit of Mom's annoyed the hell out of me.
Comment from jpduck
This continuing account of love and dependency maintains its good humour through thick and thin. Such is the sheltered life I have led that I didn't know what Depends is/are. But, worry you not, I have looked it up on the internet!
A few typos:
'lesson[s] plans to make'
'and twenty years of service.' (Enter a blnak line after 'service' to mark the new paragraph).
'and proceded to force himself upon[g] her'
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
This continuing account of love and dependency maintains its good humour through thick and thin. Such is the sheltered life I have led that I didn't know what Depends is/are. But, worry you not, I have looked it up on the internet!
A few typos:
'lesson[s] plans to make'
'and twenty years of service.' (Enter a blnak line after 'service' to mark the new paragraph).
'and proceded to force himself upon[g] her'
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2015
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Thanks for noting the typos. I love your theme on this:
account of love and dependency --I hadn't thought of it, but that's what it is.
Comment from royowen
I like that friends with benefits quip concerning your sister, I remember years ago when teaching was a little more liberal, one of our was pretty liberal, although a bit silly I think! although I think of she was never caught she might have lost her job, some students with benefits, it could be called! I enjoyed your essay based on family relation, entertaining and readable, quite engaging and characterisation, blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2015
I like that friends with benefits quip concerning your sister, I remember years ago when teaching was a little more liberal, one of our was pretty liberal, although a bit silly I think! although I think of she was never caught she might have lost her job, some students with benefits, it could be called! I enjoyed your essay based on family relation, entertaining and readable, quite engaging and characterisation, blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2015
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Teachers got away with a lot more before students started bragging about them. Interesting that this reminded you of that. :-) In college, some professors also dated their students. Thanks for reading and commenting, Roy.
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Most welcome
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Not so bad so far. She seems independent enough not to need constant companionship or entertainment. When my mom moved in with us, she loved to cook, and she'd watch TV in her room. But she got bored and lonely at other times and wanted me to drop everythign and entertain her... do something WITH her. So I did. And I'm so glad I had those few months. Some good memories of spending time with my mom after all those years so many miles apart. :)
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
Not so bad so far. She seems independent enough not to need constant companionship or entertainment. When my mom moved in with us, she loved to cook, and she'd watch TV in her room. But she got bored and lonely at other times and wanted me to drop everythign and entertain her... do something WITH her. So I did. And I'm so glad I had those few months. Some good memories of spending time with my mom after all those years so many miles apart. :)
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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My mother was a great cook, but didn't care about doing it anymore. Trust me, I would have been delighted to take her in. As it was, she had lived a fifteen minute walk from me for the past thirty years so I saw or called her at least once a week. Dad especially was a great one to dial just to say hello.
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We're both without parents I guess. Feels weird... made me realize I was the next one standing on the crest of the cliff, waiting to fly off the edge.
Comment from mermaids
This story is so priceless. I took care of both my parents, I worked full time and was working part time towards a master's degree in psychology. I had to do all those extra things you mentioned, finding time to pick up groceries and prescriptions and other stuff. I am looking forward to the next chapter.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
This story is so priceless. I took care of both my parents, I worked full time and was working part time towards a master's degree in psychology. I had to do all those extra things you mentioned, finding time to pick up groceries and prescriptions and other stuff. I am looking forward to the next chapter.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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Wow, you had a heavier load than I did.
Comment from gypsycaravan
Shopping for your mom reminded me of a story that happened a long time ago. I must write it. Thanks for the memory job. You are such a great writer, Shari. You have a way of making the mundane interesting. I heard that line the other day but it does really pertain to you. Good job of relating this entire live-in mom thing.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
Shopping for your mom reminded me of a story that happened a long time ago. I must write it. Thanks for the memory job. You are such a great writer, Shari. You have a way of making the mundane interesting. I heard that line the other day but it does really pertain to you. Good job of relating this entire live-in mom thing.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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What an encouraging review. Thanks gypsy. I like it too when a post jobs my memory.
Comment from chasennov
A balancing act. When Blood Collides, part 3 I reckon you do a pretty good balancing act, Shari. This is a most interesting story about some interesting people who I would never have known. Well done.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
A balancing act. When Blood Collides, part 3 I reckon you do a pretty good balancing act, Shari. This is a most interesting story about some interesting people who I would never have known. Well done.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2015
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Thanks, Chase. Every family had skeletons. I'm just bringing mine out. LOL
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You're right there, we all have our fair share.