Understanding Connections
Stories within stories - listening to others.16 total reviews
Comment from Debbie Pope
I'm out of six star ratings, Lisa May, but this one deserves it for sure. Just as it deserves to be on the leaderboard. I was a little disgruntled with Andrew over the Covid episode, but I am so glad that you stuck with him.
This article makes valid points about therapy, relationships, and teenagers. Plus, it's engaging to read.
I just have to ask, "what is the game of draughts?"
Well done.
reply by the author on 13-May-2022
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I'm out of six star ratings, Lisa May, but this one deserves it for sure. Just as it deserves to be on the leaderboard. I was a little disgruntled with Andrew over the Covid episode, but I am so glad that you stuck with him.
This article makes valid points about therapy, relationships, and teenagers. Plus, it's engaging to read.
I just have to ask, "what is the game of draughts?"
Well done.
Comment Written 13-May-2022
reply by the author on 13-May-2022
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Thanks for such a positive review, Debbie.
Checkers (American English) = draughts (British English)... from Internet: 'a strategy board game for two players which involves diagonal moves of uniform game pieces and mandatory captures by jumping over opponent pieces.'
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thanks. I love draughts
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Lisa,
It seems to me I read a piece quite a while ago about your relationship with this young fellow. I'm glad to see you are still an important part of his life. I think you're right about not going overboard with preaching to him. It sounds like he gets enough of that from his grandmother. He needs a friend, someone he can talk to about the things that bother him. But as you say, his family appears to be "in a dysfunctional spiral". You are in a position to help, and that's what you're all about.
I especially like this line,
"Trees thrive best in a forest, rather than having to stand alone in storms."
Nicely penned for the Non-Fiction Writing contest. Good Luck!
By the way, (better late than never), hApPy BiRtHdAy!!!
Hugs,
Kimbob
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Hi Lisa,
It seems to me I read a piece quite a while ago about your relationship with this young fellow. I'm glad to see you are still an important part of his life. I think you're right about not going overboard with preaching to him. It sounds like he gets enough of that from his grandmother. He needs a friend, someone he can talk to about the things that bother him. But as you say, his family appears to be "in a dysfunctional spiral". You are in a position to help, and that's what you're all about.
I especially like this line,
"Trees thrive best in a forest, rather than having to stand alone in storms."
Nicely penned for the Non-Fiction Writing contest. Good Luck!
By the way, (better late than never), hApPy BiRtHdAy!!!
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 21-Apr-2022
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, Understanding Connections, is not only impressive for your storytelling ease, but for you yourself as a basically giving and empathetic human being. You definitely go above and beyond to find the weaknesses and strengths in this loosely fit family and weave relationship where space exists.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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This story, Understanding Connections, is not only impressive for your storytelling ease, but for you yourself as a basically giving and empathetic human being. You definitely go above and beyond to find the weaknesses and strengths in this loosely fit family and weave relationship where space exists.
Comment Written 20-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Super review, thank you Bill. Friendships come in all shapes and sizes and ages. Listening and laughter seems to be the key.
Comment from Judy Lawless
I enjoyed reading this excellent story about the life you share as a grounded friend to Andrew, LisaMay. I haven't read your work before, so I don't know the whole back story, but it sounds like you are making a difference in his life. He sounds a bit like my grandson, but with perhaps fewer issues. I wish him well.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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I enjoyed reading this excellent story about the life you share as a grounded friend to Andrew, LisaMay. I haven't read your work before, so I don't know the whole back story, but it sounds like you are making a difference in his life. He sounds a bit like my grandson, but with perhaps fewer issues. I wish him well.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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Thanks for your review comments, Judy.
I think young people are wonderful, but they also worry us a lot.
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You?re most welcome, LisaMay. I agree most young people are wonderful, but some have more to deal with than others.
Comment from Teri7
This is a very nice and very well written non fictional post you have penned for the contest. It was very interesting to read and you used very good descriptive words and very yummy looking imagery from the art work you chose. Thank you for sharing. love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2022
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This is a very nice and very well written non fictional post you have penned for the contest. It was very interesting to read and you used very good descriptive words and very yummy looking imagery from the art work you chose. Thank you for sharing. love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 17-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2022
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Thank you very much for this wonderful review and your kind comments!
Comment from royowen
In a world that's incredibly complex with similarly complex humans living in it, it's hard to fossick through the crap and work out what we keep and what we don't. And it's good to be neutral and on the fence, but still difficult to navigate, but I know you are impartial, and therefore have learned to live with yourself, so you'll be a great help to a young boy, and you are dealing with him wisely. And, if old, clever folk can't work things out, how can a young boy? We must always realise that ALL people are worthwhile, beautifully written blessings Roy
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In a world that's incredibly complex with similarly complex humans living in it, it's hard to fossick through the crap and work out what we keep and what we don't. And it's good to be neutral and on the fence, but still difficult to navigate, but I know you are impartial, and therefore have learned to live with yourself, so you'll be a great help to a young boy, and you are dealing with him wisely. And, if old, clever folk can't work things out, how can a young boy? We must always realise that ALL people are worthwhile, beautifully written blessings Roy
Comment Written 17-Apr-2022
Comment from lyenochka
Thank you for being part of that important root system for Andrew! And I know/hope that in the future, he will remember how your influence made it possible to remain part of his family even if he disagrees with them now. Best wishes in the contest!
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2022
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Thank you for being part of that important root system for Andrew! And I know/hope that in the future, he will remember how your influence made it possible to remain part of his family even if he disagrees with them now. Best wishes in the contest!
Comment Written 17-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2022
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Thank you for your generosity in awarding this rating. I appreciate your comments very much. I'm flying in the dark with advice/support for Andrew as I don't have child-raising experience - I'm just going by instinct in how to raise an animal: food, shelter, instruction, guidelines with praise/punishment, lots of cuddles and playtime.
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It's that you're not the parent that is your strongest skill. I think you're doing a wonderful job helping Andrew. Just listening is the biggest gift!
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I agree, listening is so important. One of our employees at the art society phoned me with an employment drama concerning a personality clash with another... I was on the phone with her for nearly an hour. I don't think my minimal input solved anything, but at the close of our conversation she thanked me for listening and very warmly said "at least I feel heard." I will also listen to the other's point of view.
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💖💕You gave her a gift with your listening!
Comment from Anne Johnston
God bless you for what you are doing for this teenage boy. Sounds like you are a blessing not only to him, but to his family as well. I like your philosphy: "My home-grown version of 'therapy' is good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation, non-judgmental honesty, and a bit of fun." It is so special what he did for your birthday, showing his appreciation . Your closing line is so true: "Trees thrive best in a forest, rather than having to stand alone in storms."
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2022
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God bless you for what you are doing for this teenage boy. Sounds like you are a blessing not only to him, but to his family as well. I like your philosphy: "My home-grown version of 'therapy' is good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation, non-judgmental honesty, and a bit of fun." It is so special what he did for your birthday, showing his appreciation . Your closing line is so true: "Trees thrive best in a forest, rather than having to stand alone in storms."
Comment Written 17-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2022
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Thanks so much for this wonderful review and your supportive comments! It's a pity I only see Andrew on one day a week.
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You are welcome. Happy belated birthday - I just saw a post letting me know that.
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Thank you! That would be Helen's sweet poem probably.
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Yes, she is so sweet to remember all the birthdays.
Comment from Pantygynt
I think I am right in saying this is the first time in these 'Andrew' stories that others of his own age have been mentioned and then impersonally with reference to schoolyard chat on the subject of castration. It struck me that of the many social interactions the lad lacks, conversation with peers is one. He has a largely unfortunate relationship with his adult relations and an excellent one with yourself.
It sounds as if he is not interested in a lot of 'boy' things - rugby etc. but i feel he really needs to develop some kind off relationship with kids of his own age. Puberty is almost upon him and while you can and no doubt will give him great advice he will have to learn to interact with his peers of both sexes before long.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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I think I am right in saying this is the first time in these 'Andrew' stories that others of his own age have been mentioned and then impersonally with reference to schoolyard chat on the subject of castration. It struck me that of the many social interactions the lad lacks, conversation with peers is one. He has a largely unfortunate relationship with his adult relations and an excellent one with yourself.
It sounds as if he is not interested in a lot of 'boy' things - rugby etc. but i feel he really needs to develop some kind off relationship with kids of his own age. Puberty is almost upon him and while you can and no doubt will give him great advice he will have to learn to interact with his peers of both sexes before long.
Comment Written 17-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
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I have the same fears as you regarding Andrew's lack of social interaction with other young people. I know nothing of what 'gaming' involves on Xbox computers but he does appear to be engaging with others via that medium. He exhibits anxiety in busy places, probably because he lacks experience in being in those situations. His older brother has come out as 'gay' at 17 (really??? he only mixes with girls); Andrew shows no interest in sport, riding motorbikes or even a bicycle, going hiking or camping - I am much more of a bloke than he is!!
Comment from Wendy G
I kept this one until I had a new supply of sixes, as I felt this was very well thought through and planned, and on a meaningful topic - relationships and their fragility. I enjoyed the honesty, the humour, as well as the reciprocal value of your deep connection with Andrew (very moving!). I thought your last sentence was superb, and relevant to everyone.
Congratulations.
Wendy
(and now I have just reviewed your next piece re Andrew having Covid. The price of being so important in his life may mean that you share in his illness. But I hope not!!)
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I kept this one until I had a new supply of sixes, as I felt this was very well thought through and planned, and on a meaningful topic - relationships and their fragility. I enjoyed the honesty, the humour, as well as the reciprocal value of your deep connection with Andrew (very moving!). I thought your last sentence was superb, and relevant to everyone.
Congratulations.
Wendy
(and now I have just reviewed your next piece re Andrew having Covid. The price of being so important in his life may mean that you share in his illness. But I hope not!!)
Comment Written 17-Apr-2022