I played softball for a little bit as a kid, but totally sucked at it. lol I was on the track team in high school. I was always happy if I wasn't last. My biggest sport was equestrian. I rode horses and used to compete in jumping shows. I was much better at that than at traditional sports.
I'm glad that Mr. Stevenson was able to get the guardian ad litem for Andrew. I have a feeling that things aren't going to go so easily with the Carlsberg PD. Does Mr. Stevenson and the judge know about Uncle Ray? Andy didn't mention anything when the judge asked about family. I know the judge read his journal, so he must know about him...I just hope the bastard doesn't apply for custody. Another great chapter, Parker.
Thanks, AC. I'm glad that so many people like them.
@Slytherin - I'm sure that I will revisit these guys at some point, at least in another short or two. Can't say when, though. lol
I'm a huge fan of the old claymations. The story I referenced above- "Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey" is one of those. It was a huge deal when I was a kid when those came on TV. Another fave is "Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas".
Thanks for the feature, Cia! I loved reading everyone's responses. I have to echo what Mann said about "A Christmas Story". I saw it for the first time in '86 and have loved it since. I laugh every single time Ralphie's mother tells Randy to show her how the piggies eat. I swear I have most of it memorized. LOL
Thanks for including the breakdown. And thanks again to W_L, Renee, AJ, and crew for offering such a great contest and to all who wrote stories and voted. It was a tremendous amount of fun and I look forward to the next one
So the truth is out. I bet it won't be an easy road, but I'm guessing that the Stevensons will fight tooth and nail for Andy. Good thing Mr. Stevenson is a lawyer. Great chapter.
I loved this story. I thought you portrayed the reality of caring for someone with disabilities well. Jude got the break and release that he sorely needed. Great job!
This was an interesting story. I don't think I would have been as forgiving, but it's our differences that make the world interesting. I still enjoyed the story, though.
This was such a heart-warming story. I had a feeling that Josh may be the husband and I was glad to see I was right. Congrats on the tie for 3rd place. I'm honored to share it with you
I want the next chapter now!!!! It's good that Andy finally came clean. Or will come clean. Hopefully he'll have a home now with the Stevensons and can get his legal matters settled so he can start to heal and live his life in peace. You portrayed the reaction of an abuse victim perfectly when Zander tried to touch him. It's going to take a long time for Andy to come to terms with it. Great chapter!
"The Little Drummer Boy" is one my favorites, too. I think my all-time favorite is "Do You Hear What I Hear" by Bing Crosby. I also love The Barenaked Ladies version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". Another fave is "The King" by Loreena McKennitt.
My not so faves..."I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and "All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". I have a love/hate relationship with "O Holy Night". It's a beautiful song, but my mom and aunt used to sing it every Christmas Eve very loudly and very out of tune. Drove me nuts. LOL
Thanks, LL. Penguin wasn't going to let his kitten go anywhere. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the review and your support. It's appreciated, as always