Reviews from

Laminate Status

A Letter to the Editor

66 total reviews 
Comment from Aislinge
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wonderful! This is a poignant piece, and I'm not surprised there was a petition to replace it on the bulletin board. This reminds us that so much of what happens on a 'bad' day is so much less than what happens to so many others.

Thank you for a great read!

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Thanks again!
Comment from spellbound
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

As you wanted this left as written, I just read for the enjoyment. (although I'm sure there are few mistakes, if any, as none jumped out)

This is an excellent piece drawing on many different emotions. Each encounter also brought out a reminder that there is someone out there worse off than us.

I loved your wife's response: a hug and a kiss, she said, "I wonder what wonderful things God has planned for us now?"

Don't know a better way to keep a good outlook.

I believe in your 'laminate' status you have reached your 'platinum' status goal. I'm sure your article is stashed away in a book somewhere, on other bulletin boards, cupboards, mirrors, etc.

Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    I very much appreciate your feedback. I am so glad that you enjoyed the letter. My wife is still my best buddy and together, we are doing fine!
Comment from Josipher32
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

bhogg,

"Laminate Status" was a wonderfully written nonfictional letter. I look forward to reading more of your work.

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Thank you very much - please visit my portfolio.
    Bill
Comment from jmdg1954
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is an outstanding piece. I commend you for the strength not to write this, because I can sense it came from your heart, but for your strength in moving forward. As one who has been fired a few times (honestly not for reasons I can understand) I certainly feel for you.
John

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Thanks again John!
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an excellent letter to the editor. I will not comment on a stray comma, because I hate commas myself. This is worth reading and should be posted on bullentin boards everywhere.

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Hi Barbara - probably the newspaper helped me out some. The letter to the editor part, they probably edited. For me, I'm totally capable of a boo-boo at any time. Thanks for your kind words!
Comment from vandawalker
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Great message! It can be summed up as, "You can always find someone worse off than yourself." But your writing describes that old saying in a very picturesque way. It's a true lesson for us all to find others to pray for and be concerned about other than ourselves. Good work and thoughtful writing.

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Thanks for your kind words and the five stars. I visited my old Church this morning and saw the portrait of the female Rector that I wrote about 7 years ago. She ultimately lost her battle with cancer. As bad off as she was the day I wrote about her, 100% of her focus was on helping me through a difficult time. I miss her!
Comment from Sally Carter
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I will come straight out and say I am not a religious person, but your account brought a lump to my throat. Specially to know that the second half is real, and written hot on the emotion of your being laid off. What a great message and reminder to all of us about keeping perspective.
Sincerity always shines through writing, and it certainly did here.
Clearly the fact this is still on the notice board means many felt the same way. Very, very uplifting.
Just to share an interesting quote I read in a book yesterday, the gist of which was that if we say we will laugh about something "one day" - why not save time and do it now? I thought that was one I would hang on to.
Thanks for the pleasure of reading this piece.
Sally

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Thank you Sally - I appreciate your kind words. I do think that people have found comfort in that letter, but looking back on it, I know that part of the reason I wrote it was for me. Writing can be a powerful catharsis and this letter was that and more.
    Regards, Bill
reply by Sally Carter on 02-May-2010
    Oh yes, I don't doubt it (the catharsis that is). So often putting things down in words gives it a new perspective. All the best. Sally
Comment from rmdelta
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

bhogg,

this is an excellent writing filled with a multitude of emotions all hitting you at one time. Fortunately, I managed to actually retire without being fired and can only imagine how it must've felt after twenty-seven years.

Great work--great attitude.

Reggie

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Thanks Reggie - much appreciated. I'm about half way retired myself, but work enough to keep my sanity and to help preserve my wife's as well.
Comment from BJean
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is such a great story that is very pertinent to what is going on in our world today. I, too, learned the secret years ago to alway look at how much worse it could be and then you can truly be thankful. Great post. The six is a thanks for sharing this for many people need to hear this. Love, Jean

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Jean - thank you again!
Comment from Expat Wife
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very well written and very thought provoking. Thank you for reminding us that even in our lowest times we should never look "inward" but "outward". Most of us would like to think that one day our writing will be well-read and well-known in the larger sense, but I think that you've managed to reach and touch more people on that church bulletin board than you will ever know. God bless.

 Comment Written 02-May-2010


reply by the author on 02-May-2010
    Thank you for your kind and thoughtful feedback. I've thought about it many times, and realize that a primary reason that I wrote that letter was for me. Writing can be a great catharsis and I know this was.