Valkyrie

These are tough to read, and I'm sure they were tough to write. It's such a difficult subject that's way too prevalent, I'm afraid. And you are so right about men being victims too. People tend to forget that.

Cool I'll check them out.

I'd like to see more challenge/technical prompts. I enjoy those a lot.

Thanks, Michael. I appreciate your thoughts.

Sounds like it was a great experience, despite the minor hiccups.

Thanks Moggy. That's exactly what I was going for.

Thanks, Defiance. Our whole community is in mourning. All of our dayhab rooms at work today had the funeral on. The local news live streamed it on TV.

Thank you for your kind words.

Thank you so much, Gary

Thank you so much, Parker

Thank you, Tim. From what I've read of this officer, he loved his job and was a vibrant part of his community. He served for 17 years in Iraq. He was a K-9 officer in addition to being on the underwater rescue team. Our whole area has been in mourning. Stores sold out of blue light bulbs because so many people put them on their houses front lights in tribute. The news posted a pic of a rainbow over the Niagara River (where he died) this morning. The caption read that even mother nature was paying tribute.

The officer was part of the underwater rescue team. He died during a routine training operation when his tether snapped. It took five days to recover his body. Hence the reference to water.

Requiem Red, white, and blue snaps to attention, The crisp air allowing no respite for the fabric Hanging at half-mast. The northern breeze rends orange, crimson, and brown From now-naked limbs saluting the sky In a November silhouette. Roiling waters swirl rapidly, Driven by wind, rain, and anguish. The one they claimed will not rest easy Or go quietly, As the skies release a community’s grief.

I really enjoyed this story. I felt the tension throughout and while I wasn't surprised at the ending, I liked it. Nice job.

I'm glad I saw this because it's reminded me that I need to write mine.

Is there going to be an author reveal for the Halloween contest so we can guess who wrote what before the winners are announced?

Those ninjas are damned sneaky. I totally wasn't crying when I wrote it either.

I agree with your opening sentiment completely. I enjoyed this. Broken pencils still have worth. Lovely.

Wow! I was riveted from the moment Ollie started telling his story. The senseless murder was heartbreaking to read. Great story, HH.

Thanks for sharing the link, Tim. I wish more business owners would realize the benefit of hiring individuals with disabilities. All they want is to be treated like everyone else.

October is Down syndrome awareness month, so I'd like to do my part and spread awareness of this often misunderstood syndrome. In 1866, Dr. John Langdon Down, a British physician described the syndrome and called it "mongolism". Until the 1970s, people with Down syndrome were called "mongoloids". In 1959 a French geneticist discovered that individuals with Down syndrome possessed an extra chromosome. The correct name is Down syndrome, not Down's syndrome. In the past, individuals with Down syndrome were placed in institutions, hidden away from society in often deplorable conditions. They were treated as subhuman and not allowed the opportunity to show just how capable they are. Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, NY was one such place. In addition to the abuse and neglect the individuals who lived there suffered from indifferent staff, overcrowding, and even other residents, they also had to suffer from subpar medical care and even medical experiments performed without permission. I first learned about the horrors of Willowbrook during my orientation when I started working at my current place of employment. I've had several people on my caseload who used to live at Willowbrook and it breaks my heart whenever I see that in someone's history. I am thankful to organizations like the one I work for who provide safe and stable homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. There are safeguards in place to prevent abuse, and while it does still happen at times, it is not the rampant problem it once was. People with Down syndrome are actors/actresses, business owners, and athletes. They can do anything neurotypical individuals can; it might just take them a little longer to learn how. They are loving, friendly, and full of joy. Next time you see someone with Down syndrome, give them a smile and a little wave and see what you get in return. I bet it will make both of your days. Information about Down syndrome: http://www.ndss.org/about-ndss/our-team/ambassadors/goodwill-ambassador/straight-talk-with-chris-burke/down-syndrome-awareness-month/ http://www.nads.org/about-us/history-of-nads/ History of Willowbrook: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowbrook_State_School Link to my April Fool's Day contest story "Downhearted", which, while fictional, is based on the mannerisms and behavior of several individuals on my caseload:

I live on a street with quite a few children and only get maybe two or three groups of trick or treaters every year. This was a nice vignette of boy looking forward to Halloween. I'm glad it was just a dream he had!

Funny story. Dom had quite the Halloween!

It sounds familiar, but I can't place the name or author. Hopefully someone else here will remember.