Dear Brother Bill
Short Story37 total reviews
Comment from lindalcreel
Alzheimers is such a debilitating illness. My husband's mother and grandmother both suffered with it. After a while because I was her primary care give, she didn't even remember who her son was. At times I was one of her sisters, but I played along because she was always happy. When it got too much for ut to take care of her we put her in assisted living so I could still bring her home and take her out for the day. Then she slowly withered away. Thanks for sharing this story. I'm sure other readers have some similar experiences.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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Alzheimers is such a debilitating illness. My husband's mother and grandmother both suffered with it. After a while because I was her primary care give, she didn't even remember who her son was. At times I was one of her sisters, but I played along because she was always happy. When it got too much for ut to take care of her we put her in assisted living so I could still bring her home and take her out for the day. Then she slowly withered away. Thanks for sharing this story. I'm sure other readers have some similar experiences.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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Thank you so much for relating your experiences with Alzheimers. You guessed that this story came from life. Thanks for the excellent rating, and the stars. irish
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My pleasure:)
Comment from GracieAnn
irishauthorme, this write is full of Irishness and interesting cultural and generational understandings. It is so true for many of the elderly. Solid dialogue and resolution to the story. :0 GracieAnn
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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irishauthorme, this write is full of Irishness and interesting cultural and generational understandings. It is so true for many of the elderly. Solid dialogue and resolution to the story. :0 GracieAnn
Comment Written 04-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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Thank you, Gracie Ann(Nice name!), for your kind comments, and the stars! Ah, yes, the Irish slant on life...
Thanks again, irish
Comment from MissMerri
I like this story so much. I like the premise and I love how you made the characters spring to life with your clear descriptions and the great dialogue. Dialogue adds so much to a story and you do it so well. I also thought the letter idea worked quite well in giving background information on the old man. Because I love so much of what you've done here, I wanted to give this a six but a few editing errors (easily fixed) and a few questions that I couldn't answer made me hesitate. I think this could be marketable with just a few changes. Great idea here!
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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I like this story so much. I like the premise and I love how you made the characters spring to life with your clear descriptions and the great dialogue. Dialogue adds so much to a story and you do it so well. I also thought the letter idea worked quite well in giving background information on the old man. Because I love so much of what you've done here, I wanted to give this a six but a few editing errors (easily fixed) and a few questions that I couldn't answer made me hesitate. I think this could be marketable with just a few changes. Great idea here!
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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Thank you for your insight, although I went over this many times, I value your expertise. Would love to hear your questions and the changes you suggested. irish
Comment from Badger_29
When doing a nostalgic commentary, you always have a smooth way of going into the past, but returning to the present AS THE READER GOES ON, IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT THERE IS SOME INTRINSIC CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO, SO THAT IT MUST BE READ THREE OR FOUR TIMES FOR ALL OF THE DELICATE nuances to become apparent. I always cry when I read these, well done, irish~
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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When doing a nostalgic commentary, you always have a smooth way of going into the past, but returning to the present AS THE READER GOES ON, IT BECOMES APPARENT THAT THERE IS SOME INTRINSIC CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO, SO THAT IT MUST BE READ THREE OR FOUR TIMES FOR ALL OF THE DELICATE nuances to become apparent. I always cry when I read these, well done, irish~
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2014
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Ah, thank you for your kind comments, and the stars! I know you have an insight, and can relate more than other readers, to this work. Great to hear from you! irish
Comment from onebrit
Alzheimer's is a terrible disease, it robs everyone of their beloved family member. Hopefully new research can slow its progress. I love the sweet, gentle, patient way this is written. A loving son indeed.
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Alzheimer's is a terrible disease, it robs everyone of their beloved family member. Hopefully new research can slow its progress. I love the sweet, gentle, patient way this is written. A loving son indeed.
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Thank you for your kind comments, and the stars! I have hope for the latest research to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Comment from arnie47
What can I say? This was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I know I have to keep writing or they will say I didn't write enough. It's one of the best pieces I've read on this site. Marvelous. Toora, Loora, Loora. It's one of my favorite songs and the rendition by Van Morrison live with The Band on their farewell tour is still one of my all time favorite songs. If you haven't heard it you should, it's on the LAST WALTZ album by THE BAND. Thank you for sharing this lovely story.
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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What can I say? This was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I know I have to keep writing or they will say I didn't write enough. It's one of the best pieces I've read on this site. Marvelous. Toora, Loora, Loora. It's one of my favorite songs and the rendition by Van Morrison live with The Band on their farewell tour is still one of my all time favorite songs. If you haven't heard it you should, it's on the LAST WALTZ album by THE BAND. Thank you for sharing this lovely story.
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Wow, thank you Arnie, for your kind review, and all the stars! I will look up that album, and listen to The Band.
Thank again, irish
Comment from humpwhistle
I really like your approach to this story, irish. You give it to us straight, but you temper the pathos with a couple of nifty twists, and even a bit of humor.
I love the way magic Irish elixir in the vitamin bottle brought the old boy right back from the abyss.
While I was caring for my mother, I kept plenty of elixir on hand. For me.
Great story.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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I really like your approach to this story, irish. You give it to us straight, but you temper the pathos with a couple of nifty twists, and even a bit of humor.
I love the way magic Irish elixir in the vitamin bottle brought the old boy right back from the abyss.
While I was caring for my mother, I kept plenty of elixir on hand. For me.
Great story.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Wow, thank you for your sharp insight, and the galaxy of stars! The elixir has many magic effects, depending on the situation. It is my 'Tough Times' consolation, and my evening companion, allowing me to relax and reflect.
Thanks again, irish
Comment from Kausar_Javeria
Hello there~!
Wow... this is an amazing work. That letter, that letter was definitely the highlight which I felt like re-reading so many times.
Well done!
JazakAllah Khair~!
(God Bless~!)
(^_^)-<~~KAUSAR~~>-(^_^)
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Hello there~!
Wow... this is an amazing work. That letter, that letter was definitely the highlight which I felt like re-reading so many times.
Well done!
JazakAllah Khair~!
(God Bless~!)
(^_^)-<~~KAUSAR~~>-(^_^)
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Ah, thank you so much for your kind comments, and all those stars!
irish
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Interesting premise and the letter was a good way to tell the old man's story. The son gave him whiskey, quite a lot of it, which he would most likely not do since his dad had just also taken medications. That part doesn't seem realistic.
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Interesting premise and the letter was a good way to tell the old man's story. The son gave him whiskey, quite a lot of it, which he would most likely not do since his dad had just also taken medications. That part doesn't seem realistic.
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Thank you for reading, and the stars. Story was actually taken from my visits and care of my father, during his last years, battling the Big A. Medications were for blood pressure, arthritis, heartburn, and a mild relaxant. Amount of Bushmills Irish Whiskey was about three ounces, and was intended to allow the old gentleman to go to sleep while listening to the letter.
Thanks again, irish
Comment from vickib
Show them (not then) the daffodils.
You put this as general fiction but I want to ask if this is personal. Is this your father? Is Robert you? But then again does it matter, its a story. But it seemed personal. I loved the part about him sipping the whiskey. When my husband was dying I used to give him whiskey. Just the right amount works wonders. I believe its good medicine in certain circumstances. I liked this so much because I wish my loved ones had left me with some memories I could pass down. I wish I had listened more carefully and asked more questions. I loved what he shared in the letter. Those first memories of life and the bond. And the moments he remembered. We all have a fate and I loved that you shared this. It's those simple things in life we need to hear.
Humpwhistle will share a lot or understand the importance of this if you have read his stories about his Mom. Thank you for sharing it Irish, I love the song she sang to her boys.
I wish we would have met up at Clark's Corner too, when you were closer! I was there a few weeks ago. Same! Lol! Your new land sounds peaceful and with less people and less convicts, I'd like that.
Keep writing, I enjoy it.
XO
Vicki
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Show them (not then) the daffodils.
You put this as general fiction but I want to ask if this is personal. Is this your father? Is Robert you? But then again does it matter, its a story. But it seemed personal. I loved the part about him sipping the whiskey. When my husband was dying I used to give him whiskey. Just the right amount works wonders. I believe its good medicine in certain circumstances. I liked this so much because I wish my loved ones had left me with some memories I could pass down. I wish I had listened more carefully and asked more questions. I loved what he shared in the letter. Those first memories of life and the bond. And the moments he remembered. We all have a fate and I loved that you shared this. It's those simple things in life we need to hear.
Humpwhistle will share a lot or understand the importance of this if you have read his stories about his Mom. Thank you for sharing it Irish, I love the song she sang to her boys.
I wish we would have met up at Clark's Corner too, when you were closer! I was there a few weeks ago. Same! Lol! Your new land sounds peaceful and with less people and less convicts, I'd like that.
Keep writing, I enjoy it.
XO
Vicki
Comment Written 03-Sep-2014
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2014
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Wow, thank you for your kind, encouraging words, and the galaxy of stars! The story was personal, I seem to do better writing about my life.
Miss Clark's Corner, glad you got to go back there. Perhaps we may meet someday, would enjoy exchanging ideas with you. irish
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That'd be great!
Everything I write comes from my life even when I try not to it sneaks in. I started writing to get all the junk out so it would stop rolling around in my head. It works well. Haven't had to write for awhile. But I have a few things starting to build up.
I forgot to mention I had to take a few swigs myself during that time. Growing old isn't for sissy's that's for sure.
See you on the corner someday. Haha oh, that sounds nice doesn't it?
Take care of yourself!
Vicki
