travlbug

Dementia--with its slow destruction of personality--is certainly a tragic end, but the story itself reflects on a life well spent. Not every parent earns the love and respect of their children, but Peggy certainly does: while Peggy (like my own mom) may have forgotten her children, the children will always remember the loving woman from before the ravages of illness. (And they never abandon her--not even Jim!)

A curmudgeon redeemed, and a child loved--so glad that Colin finally found meaning in his life. (And ultimately, it is humans who provide that meaning. [Note that he has no dogs after Daisy passes--at least, as far as we know.]) Even if Colin dies now, he has succeeded in his goal of launching a well-prepared Bailey into adulthood, and he can rest easy: he has actually made a difference. I can't even be sad that he dies alone, as his beloved Daisy, whether real or imagined, remains by his side to the last. I love this story. It's thoughtful, well written, beautiful. And I don't see death as an unhappy ending. Rather, it emphasizes a life well lived.

In this chapter. Dabeagle contrasts dogs and people. Guess who wins.

The problem with posting so late is that everyone else has already posted my thoughts. (They are obviously mind readers. ) My mother's last dog was an elderly shelter poodle. She wanted to give it a last loving home, and the poodle adored her. Sadly, my mother died first, and the dog was inconsolable. Neither my sister nor I was in a position to take the dog, but we couldn't send it back to the shelter. We wound up sponsoring him at a dog reserve--something like a summer camp but for dogs. He lived for another year, but at least he was happy there.

Fantastic prose, as usual. I say it often, but it's true: Dabeagle has a way with words! I love Colin's character: Bailey may have been repressed, but so has Colin, and Bailey turns out to be the catalyst that allows them both to grow. (And it's been so much fun to watch!)

The curmudgeonly facade has not necessarily cracked open (Colin still doesn't have a high opinion of adults), but it has at least become permeable to children! His interactions with kids show him to be a "natural" (potty mouth excepted ), and his sense of responsibility is now extending to include other children than Bailey. He has seriously entertained the possible consequences of keeping Bailey (and I doubt that the argument of "what will people think" would really deter him). I love that he is trying to do what he thinks is best for Bailey, while the mother--in making discipline videos--is clearly doing what she thinks is best for herself. (The idea that she would publicly exploit her children like this is truly disgusting.)

I love that Bailey shows initiative (even assertiveness/confidence) when not being bullied by his parents: his willingness--and ability--to act like a salesman shows the true personality waiting to emerge when he's not being disparaged or punished. I also love how quickly Colin thinks on his feet: His statement to Sheriff Nola that they're on Candid Camera may have prevented a violent outcome. (That said, the Sheriff is clearly comfortable with using intimidation--not a good sign for the future.) "In a small voice the kid asked, 'What's a dildo?'" Don't you love how kids zero in on the important stuff?

"What happens at 40?" The warranty expires! Colin is a born child psychologist: he not only clarifies (for Bailey) the difference between stupidity and ignorance, but he also provides a confidence-building exercise (using the truck and snow plow), such that Bailey is actually excited to plow snow at the car lot. While it would not usually be kosher for a child to be left in the custody of a non-vetted non-relative, I agree that Trooper Cooper has made the right decision. (I wonder if anyone else thinks that the trooper's first name is Clarence, but perhaps the name of "Bailey" put that thought in my head. )

For a curmudgeon, Colin is rather introspective. He also loves his dog (so how bad can he really be?). Now, an abused child has come along, and his actions show him to be a caring individual despite his words. (The "good guy" character in Colin has been latent, and I wonder if Bailey will be the catalyst to bring it to the fore.) While Bailey may draw out the best in Colin, I'm fearful that Colin (and Bailey) may bring out the worst in Deputy Nola (not a good thing when the antagonist wields a gun!). We'll have to wait and see.

Fiona, Flynn, McKenzie--I wonder where the characters are living to have so many names with a Gaelic flavor! I, too, am curious as to the events which have molded Colin into a curmudgeon (and, shudder, owner of a used car lot! ). Interestingly, he is "out," at least to Annabelle. Whether he is out to the town in general (and if so, how he came out) remains to be seen.

This chapter is intriguing in what it accomplishes--and what it does not: From a practical perspective, the grandparents have provided a safe haven--a "base"--for the budding adults to plan their immediate future, and the invitation is open ended so they don't feel pressured. The situation has crystalized Rion's plan to scale back his educational goals. Bry and Rion's mothers turn out to be solidly behind their sons, and their trip to visit Claudio's family at least raises hope for a future reconciliation (though "maybe things would heal over time" is not a ringing endorsement for a happy ending). Most importantly, however, the chapter shows that adversity has strengthened Claudio and Rio's bond (as opposed to diminishing it). Unfortunately, the chapter leaves us in the dark regarding several issues: First, while Bry's plans remain unchanged, what happens to Marina? Her solidarity with Claudio has cost her the rest of her family (excepting Mauricio), her home, and her job; and while Bry can visit her on weekends (how's that for a consolation prize?), what can she do otherwise to reconstruct her life? Second, how will Mauricio deal with similar issues (and his problems include paying tuition and rent!)? His decision to support his sibling has clearly made a statement, but at what cost? Third, while the moms and Claudio's family hold a discourse, the truth is that "we disagreed, a lot." Rion's mom may "believe" that Claudio's family could eventually finance his education and have a "sense" that their opposition won't last forever, but she provides no specifics (no insights) on how their religous-based animus against homosexuality can ever be neutralized. Not everything in life works out; but for me, the crux of the story is the continued growth/strengthening of the love between Claudio and Rion, the siblings' willingness to support Claudio in the face of adverse consequences, and the addional support provided by (and shared with) their rational family and friends. At least I'm sure of one thing: they'll make their own happy ending!

"Time to mark this journey 'complete.'" NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! What I mean to say is thank you. IT CAN'T BE!!!!! AUGGHHHH!!!!!!! The spirit wolf stories are amongst my favorites on Gay Authors. BANG...HEAD...AGAINST...WALL.... The characters are what really make the stories great. That said, kbois' ideas--from Lex's tattoo to hybrid shifters--are creative and unique. GOING...INTO...WITHDRAWAL.... And the best thing about finishing a kbois story is knowing that her next story will be just as good! MORE!!! NEED...MORE!!! And if it takes some time, I'm willing to wait. TILL TOMORROW. TOMORROW WOULD BE GOOD....

Ah, a beach house! The perfect place for the next installment.... A lovely, peaceful, and joyous send-off for Elijah, Tyler, the twins, and the rest of the Williamson clan (not to mention Elijah's parents and Kage). It's a great love letter--not to say good by, but instead au revoir.

Superbly written chapter. As always, Dabeagle shows us that he has a way with words. (He's a bona-fide word whisperer. ) I love the juxtaposition of Rion's family's reactions and Claudio's: the more extreme reactions of Claudio's older relatives are clearly cultural/religious; and it is no accident that Marina and Mauricio--who were raised in the US--don't share their views. Claudio's mother is the only family member to watch the kids leave. In hugging herself, she signals her unhappiness with this outcome, but she isn't strong enough on her own to go against her husband and the abuelos. (She may, however, prove a future ally to the kids.) Can't wait to find out where we go from here!!!

The calm before the storm. (Cooking and love--of course they're linked! )