Reviews from

Our Family

Viewing comments for Chapter 16 "Believe in Your Tomorrows"
Short stories about our family

44 total reviews 
Comment from dmt1967
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This story could have been mine and, with each word, I felt a little more of my life story exposed. I have never been able to write a lot about the pain I felt as a child so, thank you for that. If this is your story, you are a strong and courageous woman and I wish I was that brave. Congratulations on a well deserved win and thank you for sharing. Stay safe.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2021


reply by the author on 15-Jun-2021
    Yes, it is my story. I write to express myself and my emotions, but most of the time, I will list it as fiction... easier than explaining to every reviewer. those who really know me... can already guess if the story is true or not. I am sorry your footsteps were so close to mine... Thanks for the review and I wish you well too. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Excellent
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Congrats on your win, I remember I read this story and here it is again. Your words of wisdom it shows us that life comes full cycle:"
Before I go, I want to leave you with one last thought, something to get you through all the rough spots you'll have to face during your lifetime.

Grab those lemons and turn them into lemonade, and then raise a glass in recognition of who you are ... a woman who isn't afraid to begin again.

Thank you for sharing and good luck wirh your writings.

 Comment Written 30-May-2021


reply by the author on 31-May-2021
    Grab those lemons and turn them into lemonade, and then raise a glass in recognition of who you are ... a woman who isn't afraid to begin again.

    I salute you with my glass of zinfandel... a reward for digging holes and planting flowers today. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Alaskastory
Excellent
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"Believe in Your Tomorrows" is extremely advisable, much like an order, or sermon, or general advise from a sister to her bother/sister. Not a detail appears missing. Amazingly well done.

 Comment Written 30-May-2021


reply by the author on 31-May-2021
    Thank you so much for reading my story. I greatly appreciate your time, efforts and review. Smiles, Carol
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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These are great words of encouragement, Carol. Thanks for sharing and I wonder how much is biographical. We all have wounds from the families we grew up in but God can heal us and remind us that we are precious to Him.

 Comment Written 30-May-2021


reply by the author on 30-May-2021
    Ten years ago I wrote this story to myself... and of course it's biographical. Reading it yesterday while searching for something else moved me and I thought I would share. thanks for the review. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Leann DS
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is so raw and honest and poignant. It took a lot of self reflection to write this, and it could not have been easy. Kudos to you for such an honest and well expressed essay! I can see, even without reading the other entries, why this was chosen as a winner! Love and hugs.

 Comment Written 29-May-2021


reply by the author on 30-May-2021
    Good morning, Leann... I was delighted to be greeted by you this morning but even happier as I read your review and the sparkling stars caught my eye. I am so pleased that you and the other readers felt the emotion within this post. I wrote it ten years ago, but when I reread it the other day, I was overwhelmed again...thus, I reposted it. Smiles, Carol. Have a great weekend.
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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You did a great job with your contest entry (I know it has since passed). I understand why it won. Your words to yourself as an adult speaking to you as a child make perfect sense. Everything you mentioned shows the wisdom of age through the pain of your childhood. Your 'advice' is spot on. Although you as a child did not see it at the time, your struggles made you into the woman you became. I love the ending and can see where you got your pen name for FS.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 29-May-2021


reply by the author on 29-May-2021
    Thank you, Jan. I've been going through my portfolio searching for some quick shorts that my son could film... things with only two or three actors. He wants to do one-day shoots with his extras in search of new talent. Anyhow, I stumbled across this post, and after reading it, I was moved by my own words. I decided to share, and I am so thrilled that I did. So many people have loved it. It makes me glad that my writing affects others too. Thanks for the kind review. smiles, Carol
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Excellent
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Brilliant--ingenious take on the theme--clever opening hook to observe her and then "snoop" in her diary-- masterfully rendered monologue in heartbreaking detail--not surprised you won! Thanks for reviving this!

 Comment Written 29-May-2021


reply by the author on 29-May-2021
    Hi Liz... i too am glad that I decided to revive it. Stumbled across by accident, but after rereading it moved me and I thought I wanted to share it again. Appreciate your review.Smiles, Carol
Comment from Judy Lawless
Excellent
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This is a perfect whisper to your inner child, Carol. In fact, I wish I'd whisper some of these things to myself. Even if you had been able to tell yourself of all that was to come, you couldn't have endured it the way that you have. You found the strength and belief to become the very strong woman that you are. Very well done. I'm glad you won the contest.

 Comment Written 29-May-2021


reply by the author on 29-May-2021
    I agree, Judy. It took living and learning step by step to become who I am today. It also took my time to trust in my faith and know that I could stand alone with Jesus by my side. Thank you for your review. Smiles, Carol
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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Don't worry I spent several decades trying to please my mother, and it took that long to realise perhaps I never would! When Elaine and I finally received it, (she was constantly criticised for her lack of housewifely skills, even though she was language faculty head at the same time) we were virtually the only ones there at the end of her life, I discovered that approval ship had sailed, but she was still my mum, and God's commandment... she brought me into the world, and life is good. (My daughters are the apple of my eye, no sons, but 4 grandsons, and a beautiful granddaughter) sorry about not addressing the story, but we seem similar in many ways, well done Carol, , blessings Roy

 Comment Written 29-May-2021


reply by the author on 29-May-2021
    I love hearing about how things turned around and life's blessings fell on you thanks to the grace of God. I know my story...We are so similar and I feel so blessed. Smiles and hugs, Roy. and one for Elaine as well. Always, Carol
reply by royowen on 29-May-2021
    The parallels are amazing. God knows.
reply by the author on 29-May-2021
    I will be forever grateful that we are friends...you have no idea how often your messages set me back up on my feet. Smiles and hugs, Carol
reply by royowen on 29-May-2021
    Me too Carol
Comment from Susan Newell
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is an incredible mini-bio, packed with circumstances and responses to them -- responses that always seem to come from a position of unrecognized strength, kindness and Godly love. I'm so glad I had an opportunity to read this.

Ever the proofreader, I found a few typos.

When you lay in bed at night, ==> lie

You're right, but who's going to care about you, especially when you don't. ==> ?

pat on the back from dad, ==> Dad

feel bad about those cursed words you smothered. ==> curse (?)

 Comment Written 29-May-2021


reply by the author on 29-May-2021
    Thank you Sue... I can't believe I wrote this ten years ago and the words still moved me when I reread it. It just seemed like the right thing to do so I reposted. I am awed by its acceptance and high approval. As for the proofreader..hurrah! because I guess I didn't get it right back then either. LOL Smiles to you, Carol
reply by Susan Newell on 29-May-2021
    Those words would ring true at any age, to any young girl or inner child with challenges both behind and ahead of her.