Comment from Sasha

Excellent

I clearly have a lot to catch up on so, once again, my responses will be brief. Great job with this one. I am off to read the next chapter.

Just a note to let you know I have sent this message to most of the unread posts in my message box:

Sorry, but I am sending out this cut and paste response to just about everyone. 140 reviews is just more than my tiny mind can handle. Obviously, I was not able to read this one. I still wish you all the best in this contest.

I finally decided it was/is impossible for me to catch up on the 140 unread posts in my message box, so I spent nearly 20 minutes yesterday deleting most of them. I am starting from scratch and pray I haven't offended anyone by doing that.

 Comment Written 28-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016

Way to go girl. It's not a life and deaf matter.

Comment from mountainwriter49

Excellent

Hi, Shari,

I thought I'd try reading prior chapters and I'm glad I read this one. It ties in so well with the chapter I read earlier in the week, thus giving it more meaning and context. This story is filled with love and reconciliation. Despite the kicker at the end, the story brought back some good memories of my own when some loved ones in my family have passed away. Thus, your story is poignant, beautiful and a delight to read tonight.

Ray

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016

I'm glad you connected with this, Ray. It was certainly an "aha" moment in my life.

Shari

Comment from Carolyn 'Deaton' Stephens

Excellent

The birthday party with all the childhood 'memory' gifts is a novel
and charming idea. Plus it made Barb happy for what you did, and made
you happy to see her smile.
The last sentence appalls me... Quite frankly.. my first thought was,
how could she do a thing like that to you.. Ban you from her funeral..
not hardly.. but I don't have the right to think that.. as I know this is true not fiction...
So sorry...
well done Shari,
:-) Carolyn

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2016

Thanks for your empathy, Carolyn. Trust me, I'm over it now. :-)

Comment from barkingdog

Exceptional

This was a fantastic birthday party. The presents brought back good memories. I think her final wish that day was because she wanted you and Bobby to remember her like this, not as weak and dying.

Well written. No mistakes.
:) e

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2016

That's the way I choose to look at it, Ellen. In retrospect, she knew the toll the pain medication would take on her. She needed all her strength to help her selected students work on their doctoral thesis. (They now came to her home for help). Her career was the most important thing in her life next to Bobby.
Ironic that he outlived her by five years. Thanks so much for the six.

Comment from alexisleech

Excellent

That must have been hard to take on board. Perhaps Barb felt that she was more likely to live on in your heads if you didn't attend her memorial service. At least you parted on good terms, which must have given both of you comfort and closure. She sounds like a brave lady, and very much in control of what was left of her life.

Alexis xxx

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016

I suspect you have touched on a sound reason. Yes, she was courageous throughout her life. And she did cross over to say goodbye to both Frank and I. Coming soon....:-)

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

It sounds like you had a wonderful day together reconnecting and reminiscing, and your sister was enjoying herself. Great hook for the next chapter. I am wondering what possible reason your sister could have for making her strange request.

 Comment Written 11-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016

I could only speculate. See the next chapter. Thanks, Debi, for reading and reviewing.

Comment from Muffins

Excellent

I think this request is all about pride. Your sister sounds like someone who keeps up appearances. The more sick she becomes the more her appearance or strength to keep them will hold up. The memorial service, well, maybe she's afraid you and Bobby might make an emotional scene and embarrass her even then.

As always your writing brings scenes alive with everyone in three dimensional form.

 Comment Written 11-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016

Wow! You're close, Muffins. At least that's what I speculated.

Comment from Glasstruth

Excellent

Lots of emotions flying around here. All the presents gives this a wonderful feel, and though, I haven't been reading much of the chapters, I still could get into it. The end of this chapter, in a way is and isn't surprising. I can understand someone wanting to be remembered in a good way. Great dialogue. Superb writing. Les

 Comment Written 11-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Jan-2016

Thanks, Les, for your reaction to this. I admit too that her demand could be understood.

Comment from sibhus

Excellent

This is really nice, Shari, it sounds like Barb enjoyed her birthday party. It's sad to think that it took the illness to make her stop and appreciate the things around her, but I guess we are all guilty of that. This was a good chapter, and I'm curious as to her showing you a panda, after her death.

 Comment Written 11-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Jan-2016

You'll be so surprised about the panda. At least I was. Yes, it took a death sentence to get us together. Still she has serious issues to be recorded in the next two chapters.

Comment from boxergirl

Excellent

Good job with this scene, Shari. I am glad that Barb appreciated all the special gifts you had for her. I am not surprized at her request but will be anxious to find out why.

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jan-2016

Thanks, BG. At first, I was relieved to think I didn't have to make the trip... then I got to thinking!