sojourn

You post some of the most interesting and entertaining comments. I really do look forward to them. Raymond really grew up with two families. The first until he was five and his Dad died and he second when Uncle Joe brought him home from the diner. Thanks so much. Jim

There may be rough roads ahead before they get to the "happy trails". Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Is there some problem I don't know about? Jim

I had an internal debate about including Raymond. It was not an oversight that he was left out. Keep your eyes on Raymond, there is more to be revealed. thanks, Jim

Is this De je vue? I think we already had this discussion and I corrected that error. If that is the case please ignore this late response. I still appreciate the fact that you want to make this a better story for the next reader. Thanks, Jim

Thank you for taking the time out between inhaling chapters to post your comments. Jim

Who knows maybe a "boy from the Midwest" will stumble onto the ranch looking for sanctuary. thanks for posting your comments. Jim

You are still he only reader to make that connection between Paul and Raymond. I'm not saying you're right... just hold that thought.? As to the two baddies, one is a egomaniacal, homophobic sociopath with a badge and a gun and the other is the evolutionary equivalent of stagnant pestilential pond scum noted only for it's ignorance and bigotry. It's not hard to confuse the two. Thanks for posting your insightful comments. Jim

I will let you draw your own conclusions regarding Miss Julie. Remember this story started on 17 Dec 2016. It has only progressed to 24 Dec 2016 in 18 chapters. My how time flies.? Thanks so so much for posting your insightful comments. Jim

I remember as soon as my middle son learned the rudiments of reproduction he wanted a new baby brother. One he might like better than the current model. thanks for memory... and I still love that song. Still remember hearing it on the radio as an oldie. Jim

LOL! You're lucky that discussion wasn't instigated amidst a crowd. Isn't it astounding that society insists on training for every profession except the most important. In my world no one will be allowed to reproduce until age 25 and having completed approved parenting classes. In service training is to be ongoing and age appropriate until the youngest child is grown. Just sayin... Thank you for posting your comments, they make think and sometimes laugh. Jim

Good observations. But, I am looking forward to Paul's conversation with Julie. He seemed irked that she had such a "familial" discussion with Maria. Thanks for posting your comments, as I said before I look forward to them. Jim

Hey! Read the chapter intro Editor, you were given credit there. For those of you who need more detail... I had written an eloquent explanation from Paul to Maria outlining where Santa Claus / Saint Nicholas came from and why we give children presents, in his name, on the anniversary of Jesus' birth. Maria's only question was, "am I too old now to get presents from Santa"? Jay pointed out that Maria was at the perfect age for believing in Santa and that should not be stripped away. After contemplating Christmas Past, I concurred and amended the dialogue.

Remember, Jeff and Paul are going to discuss the issue of issue. You like Maria, believe what Julie says is law.? Thanks for posting your comments, they keep me motivated. Jim

Being a parent to a five year old can be a sometimes humbling experience. Thanks for your comments. Jim

Thank you. Originally I submitted chapter one as a standalone story. I felt there was more to Jeff and Paul's story. Then, Jeff's return to Chicago was as far as I could project the story. Right now I can't really see the end. If people continue to like it, I will continue to write. Thanks again for your comments. Jim

WOW! Jeff, I would have paid you more if I'd known your comment would be this flattering. I took off work to register my first born in kindergarten. I am 6'2". I had to sit in one of those tiny wooden chairs. The old, grizzled teacher covered some amazingly modern educational concepts. Suddenly without preamble, she said, "Mr. Ford, I want you to know, I don't lie to the children." She paused long enough for the silence to become uncomfortable. I was racking my brain for a suitable response. Finally, I sputtered, "Jason knows as much about sex as any five year old. We answer his questions honestly, but we don't elaborate." She screwed up her face in an even more distasteful expression, "Mr. Ford, I was referring to Santa Claus!" I literally felt myself shrink to fit the chair. The greatest compliment of my life to date was when I told my son I was proud of how he was raising his own sons. He replied, "Dad, we are raising them just like you raised us." Thanks for the nice comment and thanks for the memory. Jim

LOL! Yes, it's a time many are heard to call out in ecstasy, "Oh God!". Thanks for the comment. Jim

LOL! Yes, it's a time many are heard to call out in ecstasy, "Oh God!". Thanks for the comment. Jim

I admit "orgasmed religion" made me smile. Thank you for leaving your comments. Maria especially likes your comments, they encourage her.? Jim

Yeah. Seemed an awful lot was crammed in this chapter. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Jeff was not surprised when Sam and Dave insisted on leaving the get together with them. Throughout the night they had never been far away. Each time he would check on Maria, he found one of Ilya’s men shadowing her. He sighed as he realized, for the immediate future, bodyguards would be an everyday part of their lives. He would have to get Paul used to the idea. He had lived with personal bodyguards a few times before. One or two had tried to get downright intrusive. Even as a teenager he

If Mel and Rachel team up there could be real trouble. Write more, post faster. Jim

LOL! Julie with an advice column... if you notice her gift is really encouraging people. Maybe she should be a motivational speaker. thanks for posting your comments. Jim

So glad you are enjoying the story. Someone reminded that Jeff might go for Ilya cleaning up the mess but Paul definitely would never go along with a coverup. thanks for posting your comment. Jim