Reviews from

When Blood Collides

Viewing comments for Chapter 99 "Putting Puzzle Pieces Together "
A family's love is tested.

16 total reviews 
Comment from Walu Feral
Excellent
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G'day Shari. Very sad stuff, mate. I can imagine, Chris' shock and heartbreak at the wake, it must have been terrible. It's got to be one of the worst illnesses for the whole family to go through. Delia's mother has it and it's like a nightmare.

"To fill the gap, he joined (the) Chess Club,"

Great work and a brave write.

Cheers Fez

 Comment Written 06-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 06-Aug-2016
    Thanks, Fez. Frank is still in the early stages, thank goodness.
Comment from Donya Quijote
Excellent
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Once again this chapter discusses familiar territory for me. The most shocking part was your son's confession and his confusion about his father's condition. The experience sounded very scary. Does you son and his family visit you more now? Your daughter remains difficult to convince.

Your hubby likes Criminal Minds. So do I. I'm fascinated by the psychology and the art of profiling.

I didn't find any nits.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016
    Glad you noted I fixed it so you could review it here. Son and family are very busy with their new house and the kids. But they'd drop everything in a second and be here when needed. Of course, we are welcome to drive up for a visit anytime.
    Alex has a severe allergy to cats which limits their stay. We usually meet at an upscale restaurant and dine out.
    Here's the scary part-- much as Frank loves his son, he's content with just telephone contact. He tires easily and again, is content to watch reruns. I love CM too. The characters are fifty percent of it. Reed and Garcia are my favorites.
    The stories are spooky. It's interesting to find out what the killer's background and trigger are.
reply by Donya Quijote on 02-Aug-2016
    Love Garcia too. Was so sad when Shamar left. What eye candy he was!!! Oooo la la....
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016
    You're right about that. They never found a good replacement for Prentiss. I miss her too. Maybe they'll both come back after a time out.
Comment from Muffins
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The writing is easy to follow and filled with descriptive details. Frank's decline, especially the episode with him at the food line with Chris, is heartbreaking to read.

As for your daughter, informing her of the situation in graphic details minus the guilt trip tone, is perfectly fine, some people need a little kick in the pants.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016
    Thanks for the review, Muffins. Your reactions are just what I'm looking for.
Comment from aldiago665
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excelant job on the creation of your background charachters. dialogue and real life situations weave together and thus form into reality the tragedy of the human condition...well done and thought provoking.

keep up the good work.

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016
    Thank you, aldiago, for step in at such a late date. In truth, my saga is close to the end story wise. From time to time, I'll add a chapter as Frank's condition deteriorates. For now, he's reached a plateau.
Comment from visionary1234
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Hey Spits - good to see you're still writing up a storm! Sorry I've missed previous chapters here, but just thought I'd pop in to some of my favorite people. I'm sorry to hear of Frank's decline - though it sounds like a much slower onset than some (my mom!) You have a difficult road ahead and my thoughts are very much with you. The piece is easily recognizable as your usual, straightforward, well communicated style.
Big hugs,
Sharyn

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016
    It is slow-moving, thank goodness. Guess that's why he's in denial. When I hear of others who have serious problems right now, I consider myself lucky. Thanks for taking a look.
reply by visionary1234 on 02-Aug-2016
    If it really is slow, you're relatively lucky, Spits. My mother's was supposed to be slow, too - but she hit a point where her decline was rapid. My sisters in Australia, bless them, were there much more than I was. Not an easy path.
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016
    Yes, I'm waiting for that point-- but no hurry. I have my ducks all in a row. :-)
Comment from wheels3657
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Whew! I thought for a moment I would need another tissue. I like the clarity of your story. It was easy to get involved with the characters and get an idea of what each
personality was like.
Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease can creep like a cat burglar and progress with stealth like precision. Stealing precious memories and often taking joy and peace with it.
The ending was - spot on. I am looking forward to Nichole's decision.
Thanks for a great piece of writing. Wheels3657

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016
    Welcome to FS, Wheels, and thank you for the highest rating. Your tears tell me this moved you. For that I am grateful. I never imagined I'd be dealing with this in my retirement years. Still, it could be so much worse. Hubby has a wonderful sense of humor. And I take patience pills. LOL
reply by wheels3657 on 02-Aug-2016
    You are Welcome. Write On, Write On !
Comment from Kaydoe
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How hard for Chris to experience the reality of Alzheimer's. Hope your daughter
grasps the situation and will visit. Life is so short and she needs to get her priorities in order. I know you don't want her to feel guilty but she may feel more guilty in the end if she doesn't take the initiative. May be you could say, " Nichole
I would encourage you to make this trip, while your dad still has some memory.
There may come a time that you will feel regret because you didn't take the initiative. Nichole, I will always love you whether you come or not, but this
is for your father and this could be a meaningful experience for both of you." Think about this and let me know of your plans. That is how I would approach my
children, if I were in that situation.

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016
    Actually, Kay, I said something similar. Not to worry, she finally visited in May 2016. More on how that turned out later.
reply by Kaydoe on 01-Aug-2016
    Can't wait to hear the next episode!
Comment from liz burgoyne
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This is a great and helpful story. I'm going to go back and read the first part. You have the ability to put your thoughts out simply and let the content get the attention. I think I've learned something about good writing today but I can't give you any advice. Your writing is flawless.

 Comment Written 01-Aug-2016


reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016
    Thanks for reviewing me as I always return the favor and in doing so, found a talented poet whose work is flawless too as far as I can see.
Comment from boxergirl
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Shari,
Great job of continuing your story. This, I'm sure is a hard one to share but important to show the slow progression and possible early symptoms of dementia. I could feel Chris's
reaction to his father not recognizing him. My mom is dealing with her sister's memory issues...the latest issue...not being able to drive anymore.

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 31-Jul-2016
    Giving up driving is the hardest thing for someone to do. Frank doesn't do much anymore and I don't dare let him go alone. He forgets where to turn and doesn't watch traffic as much as he should. When I mention he give it up, I get a very nasty "NO!"
    Thank you so much for the six, BG. It means a lot.
Comment from Mary Wakeford
Excellent
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Dementia is such an aggressive illness, robbing its victim of sanity, as well as loved ones of peace. You have written this with such heart and reality, the passage with your son brutally descibed the horror many families experience.

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 31-Jul-2016
    Thank you, Mary, for your sensitive review.