pvtguy

Sounds normal to me, lol! Family...

The more things change, the more things stay the same...idiots will always exist, apparently - and they breed! Still, good to see some positive changes in Jeff and Gavin. There is always room for hope, but not without knowing some will resist it!

In the last chapter, I was disappointed that Tony hadn't told Aaron about the house, but you made up for it in the most romantic and visceral way in this chapter! One could feel the total atmosphere through your very descriptive and masterful imagery! Wonderful chapter!

I agree about Jon's parents not asking about his sons, but, as close as Jim is with Alex and the fact that the relationship with Keith has begun to return to one of mutual respect and love, I am surprised that Jim didn't mention them, as proud of them as he is. You may be correct in the way that the discussion will take place later. I would not be surprised that Alex might accompany them.

Hmmm...all very lovely, but no mention of his sons! I would have imagined that he would have talked about them too....

I do feel sorry for Sandy - she is receiving the consequences for her actions, but she really needs intensive work on self-love and compassion. We know that her mother made her apologize for her actions, but was mother aware of what was going on with Sandy before this? I'm not blaming mother, but I do believe something is amiss there. I guess I just want to see some good in her. In her desire to 'belong', she was led astray by Don, who also shows a lack of being raised with a notion of respect of others. The Youth Center certainly is not helping him in any way if he is getting roughed up daily. Thanksgiving with the families was very nice. That Jeff's mom took him a meal before sharing with the rest of her family is admirable!

Lee exudes love and compassion. Lane senses it and is comfortable in his arms. And now, puppies!

Very delightful chapter! Jacob is fitting in well!

So, you’ve got me, at least, tied in a twist: Will Jamie learn Hearst - alias Bunny in my comments - is there to turn the tables on LiveFeed? Will that cause a major confrontation with Wencel the weasel? What happens then?

@weinerdog, @Summerabbacat was apparently one of the people Tony didn't know....

Ah....too short....I was hoping this chapter would end with Tony telling Aaron about the house! Still, the entire mood of the chapter allowed the reader to feel a part of the party!

I binge read this story over the past few days. I didn't comment on any chapter but wanted to wait until now to reflect. I was attracted to this story because I could see myself a lot in Jim...divorced, though I was the one raising my child when his mother all but abandoned him. I, however, did not act upon my deeper feelings for many years. I'm not in the market for a committed relationship - guess I've just become used to my own space and routines as I get closer to 80. As for Keith, I can understand his interpretation of the space Jim thought he was giving for what he thought were good reasons. Keith took on what he perceived as the needs of his mother and brother. Jim made no effort to reach out. Yes, it was as he said out of fear. Thankfully, Jon was able to encourage him to deal with his fears. I don't think Keith is acting like an entitled brat; rather, emotionally, he hadn't allowed himself to move beyond his self-imposed role. The scene between him and Jim was truly cathartic, not perfect, not final, but the true dealing with the grief he carried with him, as pointed out by Jon. Not all people grieve and heal alike. At least they are on track to healing. I feel hope for them. I really like this story!

Redemption is possible - even when provided by the pen of an author, lol! Still, in reality, it can and does happen.

Excellent party! I'm eager for Tony to tell Aaron about the house!

Josh is fortunately being surrounded by all the help he needs and the stability that will allow him to grow. The healing process is not as easy as it might appear and PTSD is real!

Talking is definitely needed between the brothers! A communal living arrangement could work but with lots of communication before and during! It seems the house is large enough to handle both couples with room to spare! Matt is apparently a quick learner - and he's looking forward to repeating what he has learned! Another good chapter!

I'm right there with you! And thanks for your kind words!

It is always wonderful to experience another chapter with the Devlin-Majors! The only thing that gave me a bit of a sour taste in my mouth was Ryan's mentioning the donations made to the school. Granted, he did temper it with the statement that the most important thing they wanted was a good education in a progressive environment, but the reminder of the donations was not needed.

Interestingly, one of the themes in the sermon given at church today was true justice must have empathy. We get so caught up with our definitions of right and wrong that we can get caught up in judging others who do what we consider wrong but fail to show understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and respect. Therein lies empathy. We don't have to all agree to be "right"...we need to appreciate what others experience. Unconditional love can bring about change and respect. It seems to be the goal of all religions to be loving and experience deep peace. However, the institutions which aim to codify the "rules" to be part of the group seem to all lose sight of the end goal in the notion of being "right" - that those who disagree should be denied acceptance by the group. Bureaucracy above all is the reason so many leave various practices. This story is a call to idealism made real. It is so well written and inspired.

What if a world could exist where empathy was the central force that motivated humanity? This is a powerfully written tale that poses that possibility in 5 impactful chapters and an epilogue. I not only recommend it - I implore you to read and truly consider the question posed above. You won’t be sorry!!!

Hmmm…Mike and Carol?

Sandy confessed to her actions, but, in my view, that did not absolve her from the consequences. Bearing a child is not a punishment! I don't think justice was carried out in her case.

That spark ignited by the muse that inspired you was truly inspired with insight, wonder, hope. You have written a superb piece of inspirational literature! In my studies in counseling over the years, I long ago realized the longing for connection and belonging that is present in people, but held prisoner within by the forces of fear, loneliness, social expectations, and personal definitions of what one should be. It seems that the spiritual practices of various groups have long taught that to achieve peace without, one starts with peace within. The work of researchers who are trying to deal with PTSD with the use of psychedelics have been able to help many break out of the prisons of their thoughts/beliefs and start to feel the connections with others that empathy brings. The same can be said for various other practices from meditation, peyote rituals, etc. And yet, empathy seems to be seen as weakness to be condemned or punished by some. In my first comment in chapter 1, I wondered if someone who claimed to have a brain worm might have been a passing "inspiration" - glad it wasn't, as that worm certainly has not implanted empathy at all! Kudos to you on a superb work of art! Tony

Gavin is letting go of previous assumptions about himself and opening up to new possibilities - all without guilt or the "shoulds"....

The battle between the ones who have the shady contracts and the rest with the producers will be quite interesting! Hearst is smarter than Wencel imagines, and will, in my opinion, be the true savior of this mess.