Reviews from

What We See

Viewing comments for Chapter 16 "What We See - Chapter 12"
A wrongly accused teacher reinvents his life

17 total reviews 
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Hi Jim, that was a sad outcome of this chapter. Alzheimer's is a dreadful decease, taking away everything that was once that person.
Now Alan's father has passed away but it looks like Ginnie will be there for him. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 24-Feb-2024
    One would hope that would be the case for a while, but life has a way of intruding sometimes, and we can never get too complacent.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This chapter is unbelievably riveting, filled with the pain of loosing a parent. I'm glad Alan wasn't alone when he got the news of his father's death. Just prior to the deadly phone call, Alan had a peaceful time with Ginny, Tommy, and Archie. Your characters are so well developed, and scenes so detailed, I find it easy to envision the character's feelings. Excellent storytelling.

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 23-Feb-2024
    Thanks so much, Lorraine, for this wonderful review and for the 6 stars. I'm honored to receive them.

    I like novels where you can really get into the minds of the characters, so I like to write that way too. I think they are more enjoyable when you can either relate to or be opposed to a character's behavior.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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I was sitting here eating sunflower seeds as I read, and I was so engrossed in the story that I ate the shells and put the seed in the bowl. You did an excellent job writing this. I wish I had a six left.

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    Thanks so much! Now that is funny, Barbara! I cracked up when I read that. I hope it didn't make you choke!
Comment from Mrs. KT
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Another well-crafted chapter, Jim.
How did we ever live without answering machines or texting? The detail about the note falling off the front door and into a bush was/is realistic.
As is the situation regarding Alan's father and his climbing a ladder...My mother suffered from Parkinson's disease and dementia; I was constantly worried about her falling - just from walking a short distance.

I appreciate the pace and realism of your post.
Thank you for sharing!
diane

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    Thanks so much, diane. Those earlier sticky notes weren't always sticky enough and a little wind was enough to blow it off the door.

    Indeed, safety is a big concern with Alzheimer's patients. The care that places take now to make sure they don't leave the facility on their own is quite remarkable. We've all heard stories about becoming lost.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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Poor Andrew, talk about not having a blessed life, just when things are seemingly looking up, we are back under, without the support of someone close like his dad the bottom must seem close, but already there are no options, well done, Jim, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    At least he has found a "new family" to support him in his time of need. If only he can keep it!
reply by royowen on 22-Feb-2024
    He has indeed
Comment from lyenochka
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Whew - at least, Ginnie didn't stay mad and let Alan explain himself. And I liked how they seemed like a family watching the baseball game, complete with Archie joining in. Ginnie likes Archie. Alan loves Tommy. It sounds like a perfect match! Now that Alan's father is gone, there's nothing to keep Alan in town except Ginnie and Tommy who are almost his new family.

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    Yes, good observation. Now, if only he can keep their trust. It will soon be sorely challenged.
reply by lyenochka on 22-Feb-2024
    Oh man, you're mean to your main character! When is the next Mr. Fixit lesson? 😊
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    It will be a relief to him in the end when it's all over.

    Next technical lesson will be of a little different sort and won't come for a while.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
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You've showed much compassion in the writing of this chapter, Jim as Alan sat by his father's bedside then shared pizza with Ginny and Tommy while waiting for the doctor's phonecall. Well written,
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    Thanks, valda. Do you detect any sense of foreboding here? The trust Alan has will soon be put to the challenge.
reply by Pearl Edwards on 22-Feb-2024
    I do feel there is more upheaval coming for Alan.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
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They already seem to be creating a little family to share evenings and meals. Alan is disappointed to lose his father although it may have been for the best. He could not have said goodbye to him as he was unlikely to know his own son.

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    That's a good point. He will miss his father, but he has, in reality, been mostly gone for some time now.
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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That is a very sad chapter! I am glad however that Ginnie and Tommy understand and accepted his reason for missing the ball game, and that they will be there to support him through the death of his father.
Well written, as always.
Wendy

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    Thank you, Wendy. This may prove to be rather short-lived as the next few chapters unroll. Stay tuned.
Comment from Carol Clark2
Excellent
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Ginnie is very sweet to comfort Alan. As a nurse, she would know what to do when a patient passes, so hopefully she will be a help to Alan later. It's good she and Tommy did not hold a grudge about Alan's missing Tommy's game. Another interesting chapter. Carol

 Comment Written 21-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 22-Feb-2024
    She is reasonable, yes. Let's see how she handles the next big challenge to her trust.