Thanks Garyj! That was my primary message. Your kids deserve your best. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I had a lot of fun writing it but even more fun seeing it through others eyes. You made it special for me. Thank you!
You are so right. Button is turning into a good man who lives up to his responsibilities. As you said, he gets that from his family. Thanks Gary for your kind words.
Oh Gary! You got what tried to do. It means so much to me. This chapter was so hard to write but I couldn't ignore it. My hubby Ran still looks at me and says, you killed Andy. In the end, I had to be true. I also needed to show Button, and Brent's transition. Thank you so much. I'm glad you don't mind the tears.
You are more right than you know. I love your reference to the fog. It does burn away after this. Button grows up really fast from now on. Thanks so much Gary! I'm having fun, especially given the sequel starts this Wednesday.
Thanks Gary! Yes, once you see the genuine, the tawdry becomes quite obvious. Button is at a difficult age for everyone, parents included. I always feel bad for parents of teens, and the teens as well. Both sides try but figuring things out isn't easy. Glad you're enjoying it.
I am keeping you on your toes! Justin's visit in chapter seven will answer question number one. As to Peterson, you'll find out a bit more next chapter, just a bit. As for the English teacher, I don't know yet. As I have said, this story is as spontaneous as I can make it! Thanks Addy!
Peterson was a complete lark. He was the trade for the selfish Lonnie. His character wormed his way in. I don't know what's going on exactly but he plays a vital role, I think? Thanks Addy! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Boy am I glad you didn't wait, Addy! It is abundantly clear how they drifted apart and how it ripped the main character to shreds. Eric isn't blameless, but unfortunately these things happen. Zach the computer is hilarious and the perfect internal foil. I'm loving what you've done.
Thanks Bryce! Kendra is quite the gal. I Love writing her. As for Justin, he's a very loving young man who still has his teenage brain. He really likes his father a lot. I hope that comes through. I'm glad you want more. I suspect we have much tale to tell yet. Thanks for reviewing!
This was a difficult chapter for me. I knew what I needed to write. I knew what this guy would do. It hurt to see him do so. Throughout this story, I had to remind myself to be brave. Teens, even sweet, thoughtful ones, do incredibly dumb things. Rebellion happens and parents bear the brunt of it. I appreciate your understanding of that. Thanks Gary!
*bites lip about Brent and Kevin* I loved writing Josie's coming out story. I giggled throughout it. I have a couple of friends whose daughter did something akin to this. Sometimes it's easy to forget what their norms are. Button does think about things. I believe parents that model this give their kids an example to deliberate. Craig and Graham certainly do that. Button's not thinking stage is coming up, in spades. Thanks Gary! I'm reliving the story through you.
Fantastic story! I've loved reading this story of transformation. It wasn't just Toshi who changed, though he did at last. It was a story of Jason's finding more of himself as well. Such a great action story which isn't easy to write. You did so clearly and with a sense of proportion. Great job and thank you for sharing it with us.
Why thank you Bryce! That is a very nice compliment. I do like to sprinkle a few references from our cultural and historical past to give us a context where we've been. It feels good to hear you like the dialogue. I Like to think I'm improving. I struggled with that torso long. Anyway, thank you for the review! ☺️
Thanks for the kind words Gary. Button is starting on his journey to manhood along with his friends. The teenage years aren't really describable without the friends and peer group. There will be much of the kids and less of the adults. I'm glad you're loving it!
Haha! Sorry Gary. I will try to dial back the sentiment. Actually, you are getting into the grittier part. There will be less cuteness and more drama. Button is entering his teenage years after all. Thanks for the review!
I'm so glad that came through. This is Button's first independent friendship. I thought it showed how in Tweens they begin to seek their own friends. Yes, Kevin continues to be Kevin. That is a given at this point. Thanks Gary!
Thanks Gary! I found many times in my life the parents attitude is reflected in the child. At least so when they are young. Sometimes people grow out of it. Sometimes not. Thanks for the review!
Boy, Deon is a stubborn SOB. His mother let him have it. So did Marcus. Anyway, I love Neil's storyline. His situ is so common. I remember having the same thoughts and fears. Great chapter again Graeme. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks Gary! Sarah definitely brings another element into Button's life. I'm glad you are loving on him and Craig and Graham. They are good people doing their best. I appreciate this look back. It's fun for me.
Thanks Gary. The impact of this on Button is the key. You got what I tried to convey. That is heartening. Kids have so little control yet it affects them. As you say, they are resilient and learn from their model's example. I Appreciate your sentiments.
He is improving due to love and hard work by Craig and Graham. Aimee has one redeeming feature. She recognized she couldn't deal with Button and gave him to Craig. You'll see more of this. The path is rarely smooth. Thanks for your kind words! ☺️
Gary, your experience is one I've heard before as a teacher and researcher. People have different stages of development and their abilities are diverse. You are right, it is easy for institutions to use too many generalized ways of dealing with issues. Kudos to you for being a fierce advocate for your son. Parents and caregivers who do so are the best ones to help kids find their solutions. I'm glad you recognized this theme. It's embedded throughout the story. Thanks Gary!