sojourn

I like to think solid, more mature Wylie ain't bad either.? Thanks again for posting. Jim

Thank you for taking your time to post comments on my story. You will learn what John really likes, father into the tale.? Jim

Damn! Twice now I started this response to verify things and twice I lost everything I had written... here goes the third and final time. From the top. But, before that, let me say thank you for taking your time out to comment on most every chapter you read. Original idea for response starts now! It has been a challenge chasing you through all twenty chapters, over the last couple of days. I used to get emails when anyone "liked" or posted a "comment" on one of my stories. That stopped long before the latest update and long before I gave up using my laptop with Windows in favor of my iPad. Now, I get "notifications" only when I log into GA. Those "notifications" give the name and say they "liked" a certain chapter... not of which story. So, I have to click on that notification, which takes me to the noted chapter. I then have to scroll down to see if there is a comment or not. I hope I didn't miss any. It is, and has always been my intention to respond to all "comments" and emails. I knew it was "special" to have a reader actually take time to acknowledge your efforts. Like most readers, I used to read without any sense of obligation to email or comment regarding a story. I have come to realize, thanks to a reader on this story, that feedback can improve the story for the next reader. For example, that reader suggested I change a single word. Then Jay T and Blindambition commented that the intro to chapter fourteen was... (Damn it! even though I specifically went back to check the verbiage and lost what I wrote to this point I still don't remember the words they used.) Anyway, they said it wasn't good, so I rewrote it. Later, Jay T suggested that Maria mention Joe running for Mayor and that a five year old should still have visions of sugarplums. So I changed how Paul dealt with Maria's questions regarding Santa Claus. DaddydaveK reminded me that the flocati "goatskin" rug that I actually purchased in Athens, Greece was in fact "sheepskin". (Old age is hell on memories.) So you see, while it was a challenge, it was also a personal delight to read your comments. So, I will write more and please continue to post your comments. Thank you, Jim

I Believe, this is what it is like whenever "good" people are brought together. "Good" people are unassuming, unpretentious and unbelievably nice. They are also dignified and strong. I am fortunate in having met more than a few in my time. thanks for posting such nice comments. Jim

Wow! That's a lot to address in a comment. I was deeply closeted. As a young man I tried to get god to "make me normal". I never found, as you may imagine, a local church that made me feel any hope. I meet a "Mormon" in upstate New York, while in the Air Force. His church's doctrine included, life on other planets (BattleStar Galactica was based on this doctrine.) as well as Jews from ancient Egypt coming to visit early Native American civilizations. Plus they told me I could be attracted to other men as long as I never acted on that attraction. That was a far cry from outright condemnation. Eventually I did, admitted to it, and was excommunicated. Trust me, I was then and am now, more than a little "odd", but boringly normal. As to extraneous commas... long story short, I actually missed out on my high school grammar education. I missed the first few weeks each of my high school years in order to pick cotton. As to editors I have tried three. The first insisted on changing a pivotal part of this story (that you will read soon.) the second, I found myself correcting his work and the third was good, but pretty much ignored me and sat on chapters too long. I removed his access, after several admonishing emails. I have a couple of college degrees, but not a good education. So, if your volunteering to remove extraneous commas and maybe more, step forward. As to "fancy" I grew up with 9 siblings, in real poverty. I recall never having matching plates or flatware, even sometimes no food. I did have innate intelligence. I eventually became a Regular Naval Officer. (lieutenant was my highest rank.) I attended state functions such as cocktail parties and formal dinners, we called them "Mandatory Fun" as in you 'WILL go and you WILL have fun'. So, as you can imagine, I, initially,felt out of place. you never said whether you liked the story... (How many extra commas did you count in this response?) Jim

Thank you. I like that Julie is a "fantastic nuisance". Daniel and Raymond will have their first big test tomorrow, they will be alone. Thanks for the comment. Jim

That can be ominous... I can only hope you found some redeeming value? Maybe I should say thank you? Jim

Thank you for your kind words. Maria knows no shame, and she is guileless. She definitely gets some of the best lines and is by far the readers favorite character. Miss Julie is definitely in second place. At first, I wasn't sure how "visible" Maria would be. Guess we both see how that turned out. Thanks again, comments keep me motivated. Jim

I think I heard it said that 'every man has two families, the one your born into and the one you build'. I'm not too sure about taking it slow, but they are on the same sheet of music now. Thanks for posting your comments, Jim

You sound like a real live barrister. I had an interesting discussion concerning the Sheriff's "stupid" behavior. I believe the Sheriff was an intelligent but very troubled man. Doesn't mean he wasn't a bad man, but he definitely had his demons. Small town closets can be especially confining. I insisted that he was mentally strung out from the pressures of being a closeted, elected official with no real support base for his gay feelings. I think Paul was more of a catalyst than an object of persecution. Unlike Sheriff Daniel Lovan who has a support base and sufficient coping strategies. This man is not worried about being outed. He knows eventually he will come out to everyone. He just wants to do it on his terms. Thanks for your comments. Obviously, they make me think. Jim

kids can ask the most difficult questions at the most awkward times. That last statement warms the cockles of my heart. Now, if only I knew what "cockles" were. Thanks for taking time out to post your comments. Jim

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You came a little later than usual to comment on this chapter. I was wondering if you had lost interest. Ok, you are right. Julie knows a lot more than she reveals. If you ask her, she will tell you, like she told T.R. In "T.R.'s Tale" you can always trust her guidance/instruction/directions. What ever could be happening at 6:00 am on Christmas morning? (Insert evil grin here.) No doubt about it. I'm gonna need better emojis. Thanks again for your comments. This one made me laugh out loud. Jim

Yeah, but they really should invest in soundproofing materials. Thanks for posting your comments, they are appreciated. Jim

Thank you. I did rush to post the next chapter. Even with that there were a few moans and groans. Thanks for commenting. Jim

Well, I post a chapter usually within a day of writing it. So I already know about Raymond and Danny and the Sheriff. So all I'll say is you are a good judge of characters. Thanks again for posting your comments. Jim

Hey Jeff, I just checked a while ago and you were the first to comment on this story. Thanks for hanging in there for twenty chapters. Thanks for posting your comments they keep me motivated. Jim

You are the only reader to pick up on the impact Uncle Raymond has on Paul. At some point you're going to say... so that's the reason. And that's all I'll say about that. Jim

Thank you for posting your comments. I think first love, or even first crush can have a lasting effect on you life. Raymond was Danny's first love, first crush, first kiss. All those firsts can make quit an impact. Thanks again, Jim

Thank you for posting such positive comments. But, I think you meant to say, "between Jeff, Paul and Maria". In any case with supportive comments such as yours, I expect to see their relationship to endure. I am a sucker for happy endings. Jim

Thank you for your comments. I have decided to address them in a private message. Jim

Thanks for your kind words. I certainly appreciate you taking the time to post your comments. I had already written the scene of Jeff vs Bumpkis, when I realized he had quoted from the film "Taken". I think Bumpkis got the message. Jim

Could there be a nicer complement? Thank you, you've literally brought a smile to my face and that keeps me motivated. Jim

Why, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I said it before, comments like yours keep me motivated. Seriously, Thank you, Jim

Brian, I assure you, it is I who is made happy by your post. I don't think the bad guys will go down without a fight. (pretty sure no guns will be drawn.) I like the idea that someone might be enjoying my story on an otherwise dreary day. Thanks, Jim