Reviews from

Our Family

Viewing comments for Chapter 5 "Remembering DJ"
Short stories about our family

31 total reviews 
Comment from Phil Kitom
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I have just read Remember, Unable to Forget and I think that you were right to release this eulogy to you beautiful grandson. Blessed you were to have him and blessed you are that he still walks beside you. Smile and know that he will never leave you...

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 18-Jul-2009
    Phil....You just started my morning out with a big smile. I needed someone to tell me that I was tight in doing this. After writing, I remember, Unable to Forget, DJ seems to be with me all day. So I thought it was the right thing t do. but wasn't sure others would feel the same. Thanks so much. You have a great day! Carol
Comment from Suzie B
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Oh Hon, I read the first story over 5 hours ago, and couldn't find a single word that didn't sound trite and insincere.

I wanted to say so much, and could not.
I want to take away the pain, I can not.
Do I think that his family will ever completely recover, I do not.

Did that wonderful young man know without doubt that he was loved, yes he did.
Did he know his special place in the lives of those he touched, how could he not.

the pain of these tragedies will remain, as will the memory of his smile, his laugh, his ability to give without
expecting anything in return.

I will think of you and your remaining dear ones, and know that on September 1st, you will need all the thoughts from all of us, as you all come together again, to mourn his death and celebrate his life.
I wish I could put my arms around all of you, consider it done.
Suzie

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 18-Jul-2009
    Suzie...Thank you from the bottom of my heart fro your caring and thoughtful words. I believe there is a typo in your first line which caught me totally off guard.....I pray you did not mean to write "didn't sound trite and insincere". But knowing how kind hearted you always are, I'll just have to give you 5 instead of 6 stars on your review because of the typo. As you can see, I am a bit better this morning and can laugh again. Thanks for the marvelous hug, the gentle thoughts and the smile. Have a great day! Carol
reply by Suzie B on 18-Jul-2009
    Oh my Carol...I re-read what I had typed and was totally horrified..I'm so sorry, hell... I meant to say that I couldn't find the words to respond, that Didn't sound trite and insincere..... Oh hell...For once I'm totally speechless...{Which will make my neighbors happy.}

    Thanks for your forgiving and kind heart.
    Suzie.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2009
    Suzie...I find you hilarious...I certainly knew that it was not intentional...Made me laugh actually.....Have a good night...Carol
Comment from darkgreennights
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That was hard to read. I can only imagine what it took to write it. I wont go into anymore stupid platitudes, young loved children shouldnt die. Its grotesque, wrong, I'm so sorry.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    darkgreennights...

    Every parent believes that they will die before their children or grandchildren...The pain of having the life cycle reversed has no words to describe it. Thanks for reading my personal tribute to my grandson...I loved him very much. Take care. Tomorrow will be a better day. Thanks again - Carol.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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There's nothing to say. I'm sorry. My prayers go out to the family and friends. Only God understands and heals pain.

This was wonderful.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    Barbara....

    Knowing that I have friends like you and that you reach out and touch my heart is more than any words will ever say. Thank you for always helping me. Your friend, Carol
reply by barbara.wilkey on 17-Jul-2009
    You're welcome
Comment from AlvinTEthington
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A very sad and poignant eulogy, illustrating grief extremely well. However, because it is so moving, it deserves to be presented in the best way possible. Here are some very minor suggestions for copy editing--

A teacher usually says that he or she is lucky if they have an effect on one student--"teacher" is singular; "they" is plural.

During those four agonizing days, our hearts broke not only for our loss, but for the family we had gained.-add "also" after "but."

before it's time.--I think here you want the possessive "its", not the contraction "it's." (I had this correction in the first review, but upon my read now, "it's" as a contraction for "it is" would work as well.)

Good juxtaposition of picture and poem.

There's a strong anamnestic quality to this work. I am sorry for your loss.


 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    Alvin...Through my tears (because of the unbelievable words and thoughts fanstory people have been offering) I have tried to make all the corrections that you suggested. I wanted it to be done right, so I appreciate your help. It was a very difficult and personal writing for me so I am glad that someone who can be objective took the time to point out my mistakes. Thanks again - Carol
reply by AlvinTEthington on 17-Jul-2009
    I did not feel good about making so many corrections, but I felt you would want this presented in the best way possible. I'll take another look.
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    Please tell me if I missed any. Like I said, crying seems to be the name of the game tonight. Carol
reply by AlvinTEthington on 17-Jul-2009
    I have changed the review and the rating. It is a wonderful, moving piece and the few corrections left to be made are extremely minor. Through your grief, you did an excellent job of editing.
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    Thank you so much. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day and I will proof once again. Thanks so much. Carol
reply by AlvinTEthington on 17-Jul-2009
    If you don't mind some free advice, grief takes time. Let it run its course and don't be afraid to feel. I grieved for six years after the death of my parents (they died within nine months of each other.)
Comment from Colette
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I am so sorry that you have to go through this terrible paid, I have been there in the bottom of the pit, I know what you are feeling so my thoughts are with you.
I wish you all the best Colette

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    Coleete...Thank you for your kind and most appreciated comments. Having friends always helps. Thanks again - CArol
Comment from Kristia
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HI,

This is very well written. I especially like how you spoke from different perspectives. Your Grandson was so very loved and is so missed. I know he is in heaven watching over all of you. My heart aches with imagining what pain you are all going through. God bless and be with you.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    Krisita...

    Thank you for your kind words and your generous and thoughtful wishes. He was loved by many.

    Thanks again for reading and understanding. CArol
Comment from BethShelby
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This is wonderful tribute to a very special young man. I sympathize with you in your loss. This young man touched the lives of so many and he loss will be felt for years to come. I guess there is some truth to the saying "Only the good die young. "I'm not sure how he died from your eulogy but if he were looking down and heard this, he must know how much he was loved and missed.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    BethShelby...

    I posted "I Remember, Unable to Forget" (today's contest) which explains the loss..a swimming accident. Thanks for your kind and generous comments about my grandson. He was deeply loved and is sorely missed. Thanks again - Carol
Comment from Blaidd Drwg
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Carol, what a wonderful Eulogy. Did you deliver it at his funeral or memorial? If so, I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye to be found. For the life of me I can not imagine how this could have been one whit more powerful. The way you have put yourself into the shoes of each person who came i contact with is absolutely astounding.

This is a masterpiece on so many levels. The craft you display in your writing, the creativity as you chose your words, the compassion as you speak of your grandson, and the tenderness with which you address those whose lives he had touched, and apparently still does.

Blessings to you, Carol, who has had to bear more than her fair share of heartbreak.

John

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    John... I wrote it, but I was unable to even think about reading it. That was someone else's job. My daughter and granddaughter have it posted on several websites and DJ's friends still leave comments. We miss him more than any words can ever explain.

    Thanks for your awesome review and your heartfelt words. You have touched my heart and I can't tell you how much that means to me. Thank you so much. Your friend, Carol
Comment from Kathryn Varuzza
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Wow.
I can see how much D. J. was loved by all of you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing people is so difficult. I lost my first niece when she was 8 months old to SIDS. And I lost my brother when he was 35 from a sudden heart attack, and I lost my best friend in a car accident. So, I understand loss and how difficult it is.
You wrote a beautiful piece though, that shows so clearly how your grandson touched all the people around him.
So, I send you a hug.
Kathryn

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 Comment Written 17-Jul-2009


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2009
    Kathryn...

    Thank you for your generous and thoughtful comments. In return I send my thoughts and prayers for you and all your loved ones. Losing someone you loves and having to go on seems unthinkable, yet we do it.

    Thanks for the hug and I return one to you. Carol