When Blood Collides
Viewing comments for Chapter 111 "Epilogue: Closure at Last "A family's love is tested.
22 total reviews
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Sounds like things are better than ever, with the exception of Frank's illness getting worse. You had one of those dysfunctional families, I guess. We all do to some extent. I'll have to write a piece about my family and how they let me down terribly.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Sounds like things are better than ever, with the exception of Frank's illness getting worse. You had one of those dysfunctional families, I guess. We all do to some extent. I'll have to write a piece about my family and how they let me down terribly.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Compared to others, my problems were minor. Your story sounds far more dramatic. :-)
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Not at all dramatic, just verrrry disappointing.
Comment from TheWriteTeach
Nice chapter, Shari. It was very interesting. I hope all things remain well/fixed with family members. It's been a long haul, for sure. I am glad things are looking better for you.
I picked up on some things.
{His} lived six more years than predicted (Just a typo - the first word needs to be something other than 'his.')
and outlived his mother[,] who died of cancer at sixty-five. For those of you (comma where indicated)
my psychic-medium spiritual classes[.] (I suspect the 'period' at the end of the sentence got lost in an edit.)
Still alive, healthy[,] and part of my blood line (need comma where indicated)
I pray Nichole[,] too[,] has put to rest bad (need commas where indicated)
Looking forward to reading about the visits from deceased family members.
Suzanne
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Nice chapter, Shari. It was very interesting. I hope all things remain well/fixed with family members. It's been a long haul, for sure. I am glad things are looking better for you.
I picked up on some things.
{His} lived six more years than predicted (Just a typo - the first word needs to be something other than 'his.')
and outlived his mother[,] who died of cancer at sixty-five. For those of you (comma where indicated)
my psychic-medium spiritual classes[.] (I suspect the 'period' at the end of the sentence got lost in an edit.)
Still alive, healthy[,] and part of my blood line (need comma where indicated)
I pray Nichole[,] too[,] has put to rest bad (need commas where indicated)
Looking forward to reading about the visits from deceased family members.
Suzanne
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Commas will always be my nemesis. Sigh. Thanks for the editing. Looking ahead to the future, I have to say that my growing spiritual awareness helps tremendously.
Comment from judiverse
The elephant really made a precious, very fitting ending. You saw it as representing unresolved issues, things that hadn't been worked out. It seems that would be mainly with Nicole. Excellent recap. of past events you've related. You have quite a task being Frank's caregiver, but you're managing it with grace. Loving you unconditionally is all-important. I don't know if you ever read the book "Still Alice," about a woman who has early Alzheimer's. She sees herself as a person who still has life. She still has her family. Her emotions are still there. judi
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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The elephant really made a precious, very fitting ending. You saw it as representing unresolved issues, things that hadn't been worked out. It seems that would be mainly with Nicole. Excellent recap. of past events you've related. You have quite a task being Frank's caregiver, but you're managing it with grace. Loving you unconditionally is all-important. I don't know if you ever read the book "Still Alice," about a woman who has early Alzheimer's. She sees herself as a person who still has life. She still has her family. Her emotions are still there. judi
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Yes, I've read the book which BTW is better than the movie. A coworker of mine in her fifties had early onset too. No one could figure out why she accepted invitations and never showed up. I couldn't figure out how to end this until she sent me the elephant. Even more fitting with her death.
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The elephant story does make a perfect ending. I haven't seen the movie of "Still Alice." I really liked the book, though. Especially sad when a young person develops Alzheimer's. judi
Comment from Mary Wakeford
This was a great read, Shari, and reflects the challenges as well as the progression you have made in this relationship with your daughter and her choice. I think it's the old alpha female thing going on, but it seems you are both in a good place. I love how you ended this, bringing it back to Frank and your relationship with him, and in the end, it really is the sustaining love that matters so very much.
I'm so sorry about Rosie. I don't know that I can watch the video, but I will try. Happy 2017!
(That says a lot about my cooking.) -> ).
"Does it bothers you that Jeff is free to pursue his dreams of acting because you work long hours to support him?" -> bother vs. bothers
like to think my daughter has turned a corner forgiven old grievances. -> remove extra space between corner forgiven
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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This was a great read, Shari, and reflects the challenges as well as the progression you have made in this relationship with your daughter and her choice. I think it's the old alpha female thing going on, but it seems you are both in a good place. I love how you ended this, bringing it back to Frank and your relationship with him, and in the end, it really is the sustaining love that matters so very much.
I'm so sorry about Rosie. I don't know that I can watch the video, but I will try. Happy 2017!
(That says a lot about my cooking.) -> ).
"Does it bothers you that Jeff is free to pursue his dreams of acting because you work long hours to support him?" -> bother vs. bothers
like to think my daughter has turned a corner forgiven old grievances. -> remove extra space between corner forgiven
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Thanks for catching the nits, Mary. The video doesn't show Rosie's demise, but focuses of her hanging around with her best friends.
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I watched it and was relieved. Poor Rosie! We had a local zoo elephant at the Phoenix Zoo named Rosie years ago, and she was quite the artist. Many of her prints were framed and brought high dollar figures. When she was euthanized, the entire state mourned her loss. They are such wonderful creatures.
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That's amazing!
Comment from nancy_e_davis
I know about bad backs and difficult daughters.
Too bad about the elephant. Can't wait to hear
your story about the psychic-medium spiritual classes.
That sounds interesting. Well done ! xoxo Nancy
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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I know about bad backs and difficult daughters.
Too bad about the elephant. Can't wait to hear
your story about the psychic-medium spiritual classes.
That sounds interesting. Well done ! xoxo Nancy
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Sneaky of me to put that promising hook in there, Nancy. The ability to get in touch with our spirit guides is in all of us. Some more than others though. I have a long way to go.
Comment from Heidi M
Congratulations on completing this story! Huge accomplishment. It was bittersweet to read. Sad because of Rosie's death, but sweet because of where your journey has taken you. I liked the idiom of 'the elephant in the room'. Quite fitting.
I laughed at this line: That says a lot about my cooking
'Consider(ing) what happened to my elephant, I like to think my daughter has turned a corner (and) forgiven old grievances'
I have enjoyed reading your story.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Congratulations on completing this story! Huge accomplishment. It was bittersweet to read. Sad because of Rosie's death, but sweet because of where your journey has taken you. I liked the idiom of 'the elephant in the room'. Quite fitting.
I laughed at this line: That says a lot about my cooking
'Consider(ing) what happened to my elephant, I like to think my daughter has turned a corner (and) forgiven old grievances'
I have enjoyed reading your story.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Whew! I'm glad it's done. I didn't know how to end it until Nichole sent me the elephant. Thanks for spotting the nits.
Appreciate the sixer so much.
Hugs,
Shari
Comment from patcelaw
Shari, I think I have read most of the chapters. I must say your life journey has had many ups and downs along the way. Nicely done. Patricia
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Shari, I think I have read most of the chapters. I must say your life journey has had many ups and downs along the way. Nicely done. Patricia
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Patricia, the downs are how we learn about the strength of our souls. Thanks for the compliment.
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
This an exciting and involving read, it was brilliantly put together and I will be reading the whole story for sure. It is simply fantastic, masterfully written and much liked brilliant, and outstandingly good.Such sadness as well, but reading it brought me great joy! Meia :)
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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This an exciting and involving read, it was brilliantly put together and I will be reading the whole story for sure. It is simply fantastic, masterfully written and much liked brilliant, and outstandingly good.Such sadness as well, but reading it brought me great joy! Meia :)
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Thank you for the outpouring of compliments. Now to edit it for the final product.
Comment from Realist101
Hello Shari...My heart breaks. And thrills too, with the reading of this chapter. Beautiful account of reality for your family. Rosie was so special. What a rare thing to have your own elephant...wow! :) My elephants in my room sat on me again tonight in the form of another low helicopter over the house. Everywhere I go. And here, we're so far from any airports there's no excuse. But anyway, I'm an awful reviewer. I apologize. Your post is wonderful dear friend...my very best to you! x
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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Hello Shari...My heart breaks. And thrills too, with the reading of this chapter. Beautiful account of reality for your family. Rosie was so special. What a rare thing to have your own elephant...wow! :) My elephants in my room sat on me again tonight in the form of another low helicopter over the house. Everywhere I go. And here, we're so far from any airports there's no excuse. But anyway, I'm an awful reviewer. I apologize. Your post is wonderful dear friend...my very best to you! x
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2017
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LOL. I'm not a great reviewer either. Would prefer to just rate it. Thanks so much for the exceptional rating. Anyway, you can use those helicopter vibrations as sex toys? :-)
Comment from barkingdog
Congratulations on finishing your book, but there is always more to tell even though you've written a conclusion.
It's good that at this point you feel content with the way things are. Peace with Nichole and you've accepted Jeff(sort of), and of course, your in a new routine with a full day as Frank's caretaker.
You need to get out if you can. Accept that Frank has lost his sense of time and he will complain. But for you own health and mental stability, you should treat yourself. Maybe, dinner with a friend.
Now, I look forward to your spiritual contacts that you mentioned. I believe it's possible.
Take care and as always, best wishes.
:) ellen
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2017
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Congratulations on finishing your book, but there is always more to tell even though you've written a conclusion.
It's good that at this point you feel content with the way things are. Peace with Nichole and you've accepted Jeff(sort of), and of course, your in a new routine with a full day as Frank's caretaker.
You need to get out if you can. Accept that Frank has lost his sense of time and he will complain. But for you own health and mental stability, you should treat yourself. Maybe, dinner with a friend.
Now, I look forward to your spiritual contacts that you mentioned. I believe it's possible.
Take care and as always, best wishes.
:) ellen
Comment Written 12-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2017
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Full day is right. I don't get on FS until nine-thirty or ten when he goes to bed. Getting out for a walk helps. Seems every day I have four tasks that need to be done. Tonight, the garage door refused to come down automatically. We did it by hand, but I'll have to get a kind neighbor to fix it, if possible.
Thanks a lot for the sixer, Ellen.
