pvtguy

Each chapter deepens my love of this story! People helping each other, making the best of each opportunity that arises. It is a very warm story! Tony

How did I miss this posting last week? Another volume in the CJ series is always a welcome event! I'm already loving the direction this is taking. I love how you integrate compelling issues into the story and this is not going to disappoint! Tony

I have waited until the end to post any comment. I read the story completely before making any comments as I wanted to see the development. It is very well written (some chapters need a bit of editing to correct grammar errors - just enough to be annoying to a grammar freak such as I, lol!) and I love the twists and turns I knew the ending before you actually made it happen - after all, would this have been a HEA otherwise or would it have been as satisfying? Absolutely not! You've crafted a story which kept me riveted from the first chapter. You've presented topics from different points of view very craftily: I especially liked the whole approach of religion vs. atheism = you showed that religion did not have to be thrown out in order to accept oneself as gay, but without any preaching! You chose to show that there is a positive message in the Bible as well as a negative. You presented characters from the very shallow to the very deep, both of whom are complicated. I really liked this story and will look for more from you!

I got to this a little late this time! Still, a great chapter and lots of wonderful comments! Just continues to show how well written this story is and how it evokes the responses! One side note: how did you know I live on Pheasant Run (actual name of my condo association)?

I love this family! The honesty, and the love is palpable! I wonder if the same values would be seen by many with today's transient values of "what suits me now" vs. true commitment to making things work with respect for each other! Great story!

You have succeeded in telling a well-crafted story. Both of you are wonderful writers singularly, and together you have melded your talents into a very enjoyable read!

Such a lovely story that covers the time from Christmas to Valentine's day in the life of a single father with a young son. It is heart warming, very well written and not at all schmaltzy!

And now we have some real drama! Keeping Peter and Eric safe has consequences. I sure hope Cosmo's wounds aren't mortal!

I know you're really passionate about Hank and I have my thoughts too, but I don't want to be too harsh. Yes, he is overreacting and, as much as we can see at this point, he is being a true ass. What do we really know about how he has been in the past? We only have Chase's description and that could well be idealized from his own feelings of guilt and inadequacy. And, it adds to the drama of the story! We only know what is assumed by Chase about Kevin. Who knows - perhaps he is also Hank's Dawson... In any case, in that we all feel so strongly only confirms the fact that this is a really well-written story which evokes such passion. Thank you Gary for giving us this gift!!! Tony

I did have the feeling Terrence would move to Gail's side...still, the drama was great! Is this definitely the end or is there more to come?

You have accurately described the conflict that some forms of Christianity create with those who aren't of their very narrow point of view, which view I would argue is not the mind of Christ as they proclaim it to be as they are quick to quote scriptures that do not come out of the mouth of Jesus but many other sources. In any case, I like that Trace is a strong voice to challenge Pate! I know I will find out how these conflicts are resolved in the subsequent chapters, but limited to just this and the first chapter, well done!

Once again, you've created an intriguing story and captivating characters. Looking for more of these!! Tony

Having grown up with the attitudes and values learned by my parents who grew up through the Great Depression and WWII, I can totally identify with how they are approaching life. Spence's desire to live in the brownstone has added benefits: he gets to see Ann! And now on to the next posting - which I hope is soon!

I am wondering about Frank: he goes to the garage after Ike leaves and tries "to understand why he felt like he was coming apart at the seams". He has given Ike "permission" to fall in love. He and Ben seem to be developing a strong relationship as it should develop with friendship as a strong base. That they haven't "consummated" anything yet, I almost felt as though he might be having some reticence. I love the style, the "story within a story", the characters and the excellent writing by you both! Tony

So much to say about the story and some of the comments, but I will reduce it to these points: 1) We don't know that Hank is seeing Dr.Chorney, but it is definitely possible. However, he apparently has not worked through his feelings about his mother as is evident by his responses to Chase. Thus, I'm withholding judgment still until we know more. 2) Chase is making progress, but he has yet to absolve himself of the guilt he feels. He wants Hank's forgiveness, but he is withholding forgiveness of himself until Hank absolves him. That is still a lingering issue he needs to work through. 3) Dawson is proving to be a real friend! As for the common friends, we only know of the one set of friends who did not seem to take sides. Chase has not pursued them either. 4) Hank is taking Rex for apparently allowing him a great place to play. Yet, it also seems another example of controlling Chase by denying him what he wants. I see it as a more overt manipulation. Another great chapter, Gary!! Tony

Having grown up as the first generation post-Depression, I still experienced the values learned by my parents through their experiences, in living very modestly. We never had extra things, but neither did most of our neighbors. This story reminds me so much of the friendships we had and the lives formed out of the necessity to create from very little. It had a richness all its own - and something I find lacking in a lot of today's youth. Thanks for continuing such a wonderful story. Tony

Respect is a top value in the mob hierarchy. It exists between Don Martinelli and Vladimir and was sorely lacking in V's grandsons. Seems they will get a strong lesson from their grandfather, but I, too, think there's just too much literary opportunity for greater drama if they don't get the lesson fully without some acting out... Great chapter, Carlos!

And now we get back to the family at the palace of Makarovia and see the real values of the country come out as they back King Olek! Helga will receive overwhelming support! At least that is my view!

Another well-done chapter! Looking forward to the next chapter.

Hank's whole interpretation of his and Chase's relationship changed in an instant. Yes, he is being unreasonable. Yes, he needs therapy. But he hasn't hit his bottom yet. I would caution against taking sides just yet. The tension created here is what will keep us hoping the next chapter gets posted quickly!

Great chapter. Spence is a lot more gracious than he could have been. Viewing this through the lens of the Great Depression, that they were escaping the bread lines was amazing in itself...but now that graduation has taken place, we'll see how long it takes to find jobs. I love the historical perspective.

I have been reading this off and on for the last two weeks, but more this week. It started out slow and I found it hard to stay with it for a long period of reading. Still, it kept calling to me and I've been reading every chance I have had for the past few days. It has truly captured me now! So well written, so engaging. I was wondering when it would hit that Doc and Mary would discover their real feelings for each other. Now, I'm eagerly awaiting to see how you develop the rest of the story!

Sorry....did not mean to ignore @Mikiesboy. My oversight! You're doing a great job of collaboration!

The intrigue builds! You're doing it again, Wayne - you're creating a story that pulls us into it and then leaves us hanging at the end of the chapter. I know...more to come later! (And I don't mean just Ike, Devin, Ben or Frank!) Tony

It would be easy to assume something from Hank and Kevin...but I do hope whatever it is might serve to allow Hank and Chase to confront their issues and lead to a resolution that helps them both. I do agree with the observations about his dad...it often happens that when the person who has held the family together dies, the family goes in various directions. I'm glad there is a realization that they need to work on reorganizing and reacquainting. Keep the chapters coming, Gary! Tony