Reviews from

At Home in Mississippi

Viewing comments for Chapter 22 "Our Neighbor, Joe Seay"
Growing up in the 40 and 50 in MIssissippi

20 total reviews 
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
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What an interesting chapter, Beth, about some very unusual characters. I can imagine that, as a child, it would have been difficult to like Joe for all his foibles and quirks, but you grew to understand him and appreciate him for who he was. Virgie was most definitely an interesting character too. Nicely written. - Jim

 Comment Written 06-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
    Thank you Jim. They were quite a pair. I'll likely wrtie more about them.
    Beth
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
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Joe Seay lived quite an unusual life, but seemed to be a very generous and likable person. I'm amazed the government built him a house and provided him with a pension and free cheese and coffee. Those were the days. I'm curious how you were still in contact with Joe after you married and left home. I'm sure future stories will tell.

 Comment Written 05-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
    Thank you for the great. He was generous in spite of not haveing much to share other than what he grew. He was an interesting character.
    Beth
Comment from joann r romei
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This was great, I can't believe he said both wives were trying to kill him but somehow I think he was right!,and that he lived till ninety. This could definitely be a scene from a movie. And I'm glad your parents got the land they seemed to be the only people who cared.

 Comment Written 05-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
    Thank you Jaann. I really appreciate you liking th story well enough to giver it six stars. The last one with all those personalities might have actually been dangerous.
    Beth
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
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This is the perfect example of why every chapter you post is a six in my opinion. As I've said a million times, stories aren't about plots and themes, they are about characters, and what they do is the plot. And your characters area always as good as they get. Wish I had an extra star. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 09-Jun-2024
    Thank you Ric, Joe was so different for most people so he was good to try to bring to light. I found he interesting but always dreaded having him around. I enjoy you nice comments.
    Beth
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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This story, Our Neighbor, Joe Seay, tells an interesting tale of this odd neighbor who was essentially accepted and understood by your folks. I can see how such a person might be seen by a kid, depending on how that impression is handled with peers.

 Comment Written 04-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 06-Jun-2024
    Thank you BIll. I wasn't very kind to Joe, when I was yourg but only when I was at my grandparents house, who I knew wouldn't tell on me.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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Thank you for sharing this memoir with us. I believe most of us grew with a person somewhat like Joe. Our small town and one. I'm betting many did. I enjoyed reading.

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 05-Jun-2024
    I'm gure everyone has know a person a bit like Joe. There are so many different personalities in the world. They are all people we learn to deal with, or not. I'm glad my parents treated Joy right. Not everyone did.
Comment from Brenda Strauser
Excellent
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I enjoyed reading your story. It was very interesting and sad for Joe. I'm glad your parents cared for him. I could follow along very easily. Great job.

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 09-Jun-2024
    Thank you Brenda. i'm glad my parents took care of Joe too. He needed someone to look after him.
    Beth
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
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What a fascinating story about Joe and how kind that your parents looked after him the way they did. He obviously needed that care and appreciate your parent's compassion. But what choice of wives too and what danger he must have been in, never fully understanding about mental illness! Your lovely chapter portrays Joe is a humorous but also very genuine and informed way. Clearly that mischievous, all-seeing child isn't going to be quite so empathic!
Some small edits:
(the) juicy flavor of wild plums; Joe was (i)lliterate; (weighed) over 600 pounds; We all felt a little sorry to see it end that way(.) (the full stop has fallen off the edge); Joe had left them the 15 acres of (?) he'd inherited..

Another excellent chapter in your book! Debbie

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 09-Jun-2024
    Thank you Debbie, I really appreciate the review on my neighbor, who was quite a character. His second wife was even more of a character. As always, I appreciate you pointing out what you find that needs editing.
    Beth
Comment from jim vecchio
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What an excellent character studied! You painted a very vivid picture of Joe. I sympathize with you as I had a brother with problems and I could've been much more understanding. I did change my life but my daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teen. However, we brought her up in The Lord and she received the right medicines and is doing fine now.

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 09-Jun-2024
    Thank you Jim, I'm so glad you enjoyed my character study of Joe Seay and his wives. I really appreciate the six stars.
    Beth
reply by jim vecchio on 09-Jun-2024
    I'm not trying to drive you crazy, but I swear I replied to this before, though the page shows no reply.
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2024
    Yes you did review it and I got six stars from you on that one.
reply by jim vecchio on 10-Jun-2024
    Great! Thanks!
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
Excellent
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I was captivated by your picture and had to read your story. I found your tale of Joe to be quite interesting, but most of all, I was impressed by the kindness of your parents.

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 09-Jun-2024
    Thank you Verna. He was quite a character and I'm glad he had my parents on his side when he needed help.
    Beth