Reviews from

Grammy's Memoirs 2018

Viewing comments for Chapter 5 "The Survivors"
Bits and pieces of my life for my grandchildren

40 total reviews 
Comment from bookishfabler
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Gone for a few days again and now I'm behind. I tell you, between you and Emptypage, I am so sad. YOU both have not had great lives. Makes one feel grateful for what we have.
hugs Heidi

 Comment Written 05-May-2017


reply by the author on 05-May-2017
    Hi Heidi; thank you so much for reading. I think both Marla and I are dealing with and have dealt with the past through writing. We're both in an okay place now,
    ~patty~
reply by bookishfabler on 05-May-2017
    I am glad
Comment from JJInfinity805
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You did a good job developing and portraying the sharp contrast between your brother and sister while simultaneously showing their similarities. Good Job.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 05-May-2017


reply by the author on 05-May-2017
    Hi; thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm glad you stopped by to read and review. Your comments are greatly appreciated,
    ~patty~
Comment from XGoneX
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Hi,

They seem happy in the picture, yes. I can understand why you didn't want to spend many holidays with them. When people act too much, the energy in the air may affect you.
Well written as usual and enjoyable to read.

 Comment Written 03-May-2017


reply by the author on 03-May-2017
    Thank you for your kind review of this chapter. Since writing this, a meeting of sorts has been set up for October. (My brother lives in Georgia and I can't handle that humidity.) Several other relatives are now weighing in - cousins, the one remaining aunt from that generation, and a few neighbors from our old house. Its getting real,
    ~patty~
Comment from rtobaygo
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Good afternoon, Patty

Family dynamics can be brutal. I think next to parental abuse and or neglect or both, sibling conflict can make for a toxic environment. Thanks for sharing.

Take care and stay safe,

Ray

 Comment Written 03-May-2017


reply by the author on 03-May-2017
    Hi Ray; thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. Writing and sharing the stories with my siblings has opened up a chance for some real communication. We're in the process of setting up a time for all of us to get together in the fall.
    ~patty~
Comment from Mrs Happy Poet
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Hello my friend your past has definitely had an impact on you all I think it great your brother now wants to talk to you , but I think the best way for you all to move forward is to get together and talk your feelings through, your sister may not feel she needs counselling but I think that maybe her only option she might think she is happy but deep down she inst she is masking her true feelings well-done regards Jill

 Comment Written 03-May-2017


reply by the author on 03-May-2017
    Hi Jill; my brother and I are hoping to get all of us together in the fall. (He lives in Georgia, and I just can't go there in the summer.) We are hoping Billie will come, but who knows? I'm traveling all the way from the west coast, but she may not want to make the drive down from New Jersey. I'm putting it all in God's hands. I appreciate your time to read and review this post - I also appreciate your thoughts,
    ~patty~
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
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At least your brother admits some fault and is willing to offer support.
Pity about your sister though - on the defensive. You would think she'd have more sense re smoking, after losing both husband and mother to lung cancer.

Life has struggles enough without family problems. I think
you were rather brave joining the army.

I hope you find life a true joy now, Patty.

Margaret

 Comment Written 03-May-2017


reply by the author on 03-May-2017
    thank you for your kind review and words of comfort. My life now doesn't reflect any of the past - there is just some scarring on my heart. Writing all of this out has been very freeing.
    ~patty~
Comment from P. G. Simpkins
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Hello

I could sense that this was non fiction before I even read the top, it just had that bittersweet and open feeling weaved through it. Thanks for sharing certain aspects of your life, I find it interesting.

It was well written and with a sense of hope, which I`m hoping you have aplenty.

You have gone through the wars and that can only make you more wise. I always remember this quote

`Victory always tastes sweeter when you`ve tasted defeat`.

Well done : )

 Comment Written 03-May-2017


reply by the author on 03-May-2017
    thank you so much for your time to read and review this piece. Your kind words of encouragement and warm wishes are greatly appreciated. I am full of hope and I've managed to build a completely different kind of life,
    ~patty~
Comment from nuthead
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Gosh families are messed up and mess us up. It sounds like you are on an entirely different, more healthy, conscious, aware path than either of your siblings. It's so hard, I mean there's a lifetime of memories - good and bad - and love, but also so much pain and dysfunction. I can really relate to so much of the relationship goings on and being pitted against each other.

Good writing, Patty.

 Comment Written 02-May-2017


reply by the author on 03-May-2017
    Hi Shirley; thank you for your time to read and review. I appreciate your comments and warm words of encouragement. I think I've been more open to personal growth than either of my siblings. My journey was on a different path.
    ~patty~
Comment from Selina Stambi
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Oh, my dear Patty,

This is tough ... and I suspect you haven't even really touched the tough part yet. I cannot also imagine your siblings being proud that you're writing what's included them as well.

A brave endeavour. Best wishes with the rest. I'm sure it's going to be a very healing journey.

Love,

Sonali xx


was eight and a half (months) pregnant ... no apostrophe required

 Comment Written 02-May-2017


reply by the author on 02-May-2017
    Hi Sonali; thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. I appreciate you catching the nit - I went and made the edit. Your kind words of encouragement mean a great day,
    ~patty~
Comment from emptypage
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Wow, Patty.

This is so sad. Thank God your brother was willing to admit some fault. He sounds willing to support you.

Your sister must have been bad. She's immediately on the defensive. That's scary.

Be careful. Don't be swayed unless it gets too hard for YOU.

 Comment Written 02-May-2017


reply by the author on 02-May-2017
    Hi Marla; thank you so much for your concern. I just answered your other review and shared with you what my nurse said. I'm very lucky to be surrounded by such caring people. I look forward to spending some time with my brother to talk over things he's never been interested in speaking about before.
    ~patty~