One man's journey to get clean
Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "A letter to Mom"Getting clean from meth isn't easy
27 total reviews
Comment from judiverse
This young man really has a range of disorders. It is a good sign that he is taking his medications like he's supposed to. He has multiple disorders. Writing sounds like a wonderful thing for him to be engaged in. As he states, it will make his mother happy, but in his letter he also analyzes how he's doing and expresses his love for his mother. He appreciates her for what she's been through. It might be said that he's cautiously optimistic about how things are going for him. Excellent presentation about Gary and his problems. judi
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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This young man really has a range of disorders. It is a good sign that he is taking his medications like he's supposed to. He has multiple disorders. Writing sounds like a wonderful thing for him to be engaged in. As he states, it will make his mother happy, but in his letter he also analyzes how he's doing and expresses his love for his mother. He appreciates her for what she's been through. It might be said that he's cautiously optimistic about how things are going for him. Excellent presentation about Gary and his problems. judi
Comment Written 27-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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Thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. I thought the letter would work as a vehicle to move the story line along, as it gave me an opportunity to show what Gary thought of his progress. I appreciate your kind and thoughtful words,
~patty~
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You're very welcome. I thought the letter worked in really well. judi
Comment from apky
This is a wonderful account and I can only wish that it is equally gratifying and liberating in the writing. So much subtle and sensitive details and I have learnt quite a lot about such disorders that I knew before.
It never stops to amaze me how complex we are as humans yet at the same time so fragile.
Great read.
~ Apky
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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This is a wonderful account and I can only wish that it is equally gratifying and liberating in the writing. So much subtle and sensitive details and I have learnt quite a lot about such disorders that I knew before.
It never stops to amaze me how complex we are as humans yet at the same time so fragile.
Great read.
~ Apky
Comment Written 27-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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Thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. Writing this story is very liberating. As I write, my dreams and wishes are put down on paper, and I know exactly what to pray for. Gary's story is full of my hope.
~patty~
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
This letter to Mom is not in true spirit and essence of a letter, rather it has been prosaic, writer writes this perhaps first time, anyway, it has all news about studies and diseases and present state and status with link of genetics, a good attempt appreciated, I liked.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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This letter to Mom is not in true spirit and essence of a letter, rather it has been prosaic, writer writes this perhaps first time, anyway, it has all news about studies and diseases and present state and status with link of genetics, a good attempt appreciated, I liked.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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Thank you for stopping by to read and review. Your kind words are appreciated,
~patty~
Comment from Sis Cat
I enjoyed this somber, hopeful read which reminded me of my mother being committed to a mental hospital after a breakdown, and of my father's second wife's drug treatment programs. Mental health and drug addiction effect nearly every family. I love how you weave Gary's writing style, spelling errors and all, with the clarity of his thoughts. As effective scene is when he asked what treatment his mother received:
"It is some kind of mood stabilizer. Have you ever heard of either of them? Have you ever had to take them? Did they work for you?"
I sense the tenderness of Gary, his desire to stay clean, and love his mother. His salivating over her home-baked cookies was a nice touch.
I think he has a long process ahead of him for recovery which will involve taking medications to control his disorders.
Your writing is crisp and clean with no spags. It is creatively arranged and held my attention.
Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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I enjoyed this somber, hopeful read which reminded me of my mother being committed to a mental hospital after a breakdown, and of my father's second wife's drug treatment programs. Mental health and drug addiction effect nearly every family. I love how you weave Gary's writing style, spelling errors and all, with the clarity of his thoughts. As effective scene is when he asked what treatment his mother received:
"It is some kind of mood stabilizer. Have you ever heard of either of them? Have you ever had to take them? Did they work for you?"
I sense the tenderness of Gary, his desire to stay clean, and love his mother. His salivating over her home-baked cookies was a nice touch.
I think he has a long process ahead of him for recovery which will involve taking medications to control his disorders.
Your writing is crisp and clean with no spags. It is creatively arranged and held my attention.
Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 26-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Gary's recovery is my wishes and hopes for my son,
~patty~
Comment from kriver
Hi Patty,
Good thing I read you author notes
before I wrote the review
I was going to say you were slipping up on
the grammar and spelling
But your notes took care of that
Over all it is a good chapter It seemed to read well
you might throw in a butter knife attack threat or something to one of the nurses just to throw the readers a curve and add some turmoil and conflict
Best regards,
K River
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Hi Patty,
Good thing I read you author notes
before I wrote the review
I was going to say you were slipping up on
the grammar and spelling
But your notes took care of that
Over all it is a good chapter It seemed to read well
you might throw in a butter knife attack threat or something to one of the nurses just to throw the readers a curve and add some turmoil and conflict
Best regards,
K River
Comment Written 26-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Thank you for stopping by to read and review. I appreciate your comments - you never know what may happen next.
~patty~
Comment from meganblue11
I enjoyed reading this, especially having first hand experience with addiction myself, as well close friends dealing with Bipolar, and other diagnosis. I worked in a family practice that prescribed lots of meds, and how it seemed a contraindication when Dr's give a drug to an addict in hopes to get them off their drug of choice. Like with heroin addicts being prescribed Methadone. I also enjoyed his letter to his mother and how he ended it, I love you Mommy. It shows his innocence and vulnerability with the situation he is in. Your writing is fluid and draws me in.
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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I enjoyed reading this, especially having first hand experience with addiction myself, as well close friends dealing with Bipolar, and other diagnosis. I worked in a family practice that prescribed lots of meds, and how it seemed a contraindication when Dr's give a drug to an addict in hopes to get them off their drug of choice. Like with heroin addicts being prescribed Methadone. I also enjoyed his letter to his mother and how he ended it, I love you Mommy. It shows his innocence and vulnerability with the situation he is in. Your writing is fluid and draws me in.
Comment Written 26-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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thank you for stopping by to read and review. I appreciate your comments and I'm honored to hear that my writing draws you in. More chapters to come over the next few weeks,
~patty~
Comment from ciliverde
I like this story. I'm not sure what your background is, but you seem to know something about psychiatric disorders and the medications. We have suspected that my sister might have BPD - she's very intelligent, but something is really off with her. Anyway, I find this story to be very interesting and I think that Gary's journey will continue to be captivating.
"It seems that I have a dual diagnosys just like you" - I was going to point out the spelling error, but quickly realized that that's Gary's spelling - needs work, lol.
well done, Patty!
Carol
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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I like this story. I'm not sure what your background is, but you seem to know something about psychiatric disorders and the medications. We have suspected that my sister might have BPD - she's very intelligent, but something is really off with her. Anyway, I find this story to be very interesting and I think that Gary's journey will continue to be captivating.
"It seems that I have a dual diagnosys just like you" - I was going to point out the spelling error, but quickly realized that that's Gary's spelling - needs work, lol.
well done, Patty!
Carol
Comment Written 26-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. Unfortunately, my knowledge about psychiatric disorders and medications comes from years of therapy, reading, researching, and working with therapists and psychiatrists to find a way to stabilize me.
I appreciate your words of encouragement and hope I can find the words to keep Gary's story captivating. He is an important character to me, as he is loosely based on my son. Though my son hasn't entered rehab yet, I can only pray that this story will eventually be turned into non-fiction.
~patty~
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It's amazing what we learn in times of adversity. I truly believe that knowledge is power, and can help give us control of our situation. I wish you luck on your journey! Hugs, Carol
Comment from doggymad
This is a very positive write on the progress that Gary is making. It is the sort of thing any mother would wish for.
The improvement in Gary's mood is obvious from the outset and he beings to assess his surroundings.
Spelling errors or not the letter is an indication of Gary finally coming out of his lethargy
hugs
Freda
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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This is a very positive write on the progress that Gary is making. It is the sort of thing any mother would wish for.
The improvement in Gary's mood is obvious from the outset and he beings to assess his surroundings.
Spelling errors or not the letter is an indication of Gary finally coming out of his lethargy
hugs
Freda
Comment Written 26-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Hi Freda; thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. Look for more chapters in the weeks to come,
~patty~
Comment from Tpa
Your story was very heartwarming and compassionate. Also, I thought it showed the enduring rehabilitation this young lad had processed. Enjoyed your implementing the skills or lack of in writing his letter. Caught it before reading author's notes.
WONDERFUL STORY!
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Your story was very heartwarming and compassionate. Also, I thought it showed the enduring rehabilitation this young lad had processed. Enjoyed your implementing the skills or lack of in writing his letter. Caught it before reading author's notes.
WONDERFUL STORY!
Comment Written 26-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Thank you for stopping by to read and review. This book is my own wishes and dreams for my son. He is currently addicted and very slow about deciding how to get help. So, I'm writing Gary's story - a fictional character, loosely based on my son, and his mother - well, loosely based on me.
~patty~
Comment from giraffmang
Hi there,
A good continuation of the story here and nice touches in the letters home, showing his feelings toward his mother.
A few things I noticed as I read which I hope are helpful-
Noises down the hall could be heard. The other patients were starting their morning routines - when you name senses (heard) and use 'were starting' it gives a sense of passiveness. Here for example you could combine both sentences into a more direct image, such as -
'Noise drifted down the hallway as other patients started their morning routines.'
With his head down, Gary watched as people shuffled into the lounge - I wondered about the mechanics of this. With head down, gary wouldn't be watching much, more likely staring at the floor. It may be an idea to say something like 'Avoiding eye contact / careful to avoid eye contact...'
Noises down the hall could be heard / The preparations for the morning meal could be heard from down the hall, - watch for repetitive set phrasing. These two appear in the same paragraph very close together.
Be careful of the passivity with 'was', 'had' and 'were'.
All the best
GMG
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Hi there,
A good continuation of the story here and nice touches in the letters home, showing his feelings toward his mother.
A few things I noticed as I read which I hope are helpful-
Noises down the hall could be heard. The other patients were starting their morning routines - when you name senses (heard) and use 'were starting' it gives a sense of passiveness. Here for example you could combine both sentences into a more direct image, such as -
'Noise drifted down the hallway as other patients started their morning routines.'
With his head down, Gary watched as people shuffled into the lounge - I wondered about the mechanics of this. With head down, gary wouldn't be watching much, more likely staring at the floor. It may be an idea to say something like 'Avoiding eye contact / careful to avoid eye contact...'
Noises down the hall could be heard / The preparations for the morning meal could be heard from down the hall, - watch for repetitive set phrasing. These two appear in the same paragraph very close together.
Be careful of the passivity with 'was', 'had' and 'were'.
All the best
GMG
Comment Written 26-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2017
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Thank you for stopping by to read and review. I appreciate your comments and will take a look at your suggestions,
~patty~
