Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill

Excellent

Tearing up again. I wish you would write for my contest "Murderous Intentions" everybody is not exactly flocking to it. The First time I submitted to "First Line" I was scared to death, and did not make the cut. That was "Mildred Moans Murder in an earlier form. I've already fanned you haven't I? Got to go read.
Karen

 Comment Written 17-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Aug-2023

Don't do many contests lately. Maybe I'll check it out. When is the dead line? Thank you for this. Gretchen

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

It's so sad but peaceful too. It must be hard to know death is near. Sometimes I think about it for a moment but let it go. I have no control of it.

I find myself looking forward to new chapters. I don't usually read prose but there are a few I enjoy.

I'm sad for Iris and Jameson. But I'm glad they have each other. It's very hard to loose somebody you love, I know. It took me a long time to let my ex-husband go. Obviously, dying is very hard too. Two different kinds of grief.

Well done!

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2023

Thank you so much for those wonderful comments. You are a very enlightened individual. I appreciate your candor. Gretchen

Comment from pome lover

Excellent

Another good one. Neat characters, both.
You keep the reader involved as these two good people help each other through their bad time. Pleasant reading.
Katharine

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2023

Thank you so much. I'm glad you are still enjoying this. Gretchen

Comment from John Ciarmello

Excellent

I've said this before, but it's worth repeating, Gretchen. Your writing, at some point or all, brings me into the action, whether sitting on a sand-filled bench oceanside or in a coffee shop having a conversation about life--I'm always there! That's what I enjoy about your writing! Another great chapter. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2023

Another frameable review. Thank you. When someone says that about my writing, it makes my day. Thank you so much. Gretchen

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

I feel that Iris is very fragile and I feel for her. I have a dear friend in the same position. Jameson is a dear, a very kind and understanding man to take her to the beach. It may well be her last chance to see and smell the ocean. This is a very moving story about an unlikely friendship.
Wendy
Typo: Claire came to get the rest if her stuff (of)

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2023

Thank you, Wendy. After this one finishes, I'm going back to my smart Alec characters. Gretchen

Comment from Jay Squires

Excellent

Poor dear Iris. I knew that the expansiveness of the beach would help level her emotions. Jameson's thoughts didn't match his answer to Iris about belief in the hereafter (which should be thereafter to me). His thoughts didn't sound like a solid basis for faith. But he must have felt it was what she wanted to hear. I would like to hear how Iris would have answered the same question ... but it was probably more evocative to leave it with Jameson's answer.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

I'm sure Jameson believes in something. But he knew Iris needed that reaffirmation. You read that correctly. Once I finish this one, I'm going back to smartass characters. Lol. This has been draining. Like reliving my mother's death all over again. Thanks so much fir this great review. Gretchen

Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)

Excellent

You seem to have reached a pinnacle of sadness now, except that Jameson is going to get better access to Finney. That can only be good. I wonder where you will go next. kay
then we head back him > then we head back home

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

Thanks so much for catching the spag. I appreciate your review. Gretchen

Comment from Sankey

Excellent

Another good read. JannyPan, here on FS has died and Iris is on her way. What will happen with Jameson after Iris passes? Just one spag. then we head back h(o)[i]m(e).

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

Thank you so much for this. I'm glad you are thinking about this. I heard about Jan. So sad. Gretchen

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

As I read these chapters, I find myself putting me in either iris's or Jamesons character. And I'm not liking the feel.
Each going through such difficult times and having the ability to rely on each other.

Another excellent post...
Cheers.
John

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

I'm glad you aren't really on either of their shoes. Thank you for this. Gretchen

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Excellent

He's feeling numb, losing himself in work and the mundane ways of life. Certainly better than going on a bender or shooting heroin. Men can be such quiet processors.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

Thanks, Rachelle. You understand perfectly. Gretchen

reply by Rachelle Allen on 26-Jul-2023

I am married to a quiet processor, and I am also the daughter of a quiet processor.