pvtguy

I retired after 47 years as a professional in education - 11 years as a classroom teacher and 36 as a counselor. I lived through the early days when corporal punishment was the norm though I never used it. I felt a good threat was better. However, I did progress in my ability to work with students whether as a classroom teacher or as a counselor. Any teacher who touches a student now can not only be fired but brought up on assault charges civilly. That said, in today's society, you would scarcely see support from a parent for any interaction between a teacher and student: most parents would be attacking the teacher for "disrespecting" their precious child. I knew as a child in school that if I misbehaved, I would also face punishment at school. On one occasion, my mother actually went to bat for me when a teacher used a grade as punishment not because I had not done quality work, but because the teacher lowered my grade for other than academic reasons. Only time my mother ever went to the principal to discuss a teacher's actions. As a parent, my son was well aware that respect was always expected of him and that he would be punished by me if ever he disrespected any adult - even if the adult behaved in a less than respectful manner. That was when I would deal with the teacher or administrator - and I did! Thanks for reading my rant! I am hooked on the story!

Wonderful trip so far, but an explosion? Hope this gets resolved fairly quickly...

Glad neither one has mortal wounds, though Kye's sound as though they could be more serious if he moves the wrong way. Interesting story!

Quite the read for a few days before Christmas, but very enjoyable. You certainly have the talent to educate as well as entertain. You've captured the workings of teen minds very well.

The fireworks have just begun! Even with Don's "friends", there are legal ramifications from which he cannot avoid - like alimony, child support. I agree - there are red flags about Don's handling of Robbie's trust. May the next chapter be like premature ejaculation and come quickly!

The kids have opportunities not available to most, but are learning many important lessons along the way: life has both positive and negative elements in every situation...it's how we choose to live with these complexities that counts. They are learning great values from both parents. Great story, great characters and great writing. Enjoy your holidays. May they be filled with joy! Tony

The CYA system is alive and well when it comes to who speaks what to whom in the bureaucracy. (CYA - cover your a$$) Lawsuits or the fear thereof always supercedes simple ability to speak plainly. So, let's see how they finally get the information needed...

What a beautiful day - setting, humor, conversations, engagement, business. Thank you for this installment in the CJverse! As with the others, I wish you and yours as well as all your readers the joy and peace of the holidays!

What a marvelous manner in which you describe the inner workings of both boys. That the priest who molested Inno physically and the priest who further molested him spiritually are representative of the mission of the church is truly detestable. It is unfortunate that this is an accurate portrayal of some in the Church. I'm just glad that there are many priests who are not like these two!

Great start! You've certainly captured my attention. I'm looking forward to the development. I truly enjoy your writing! Tony

Glad they enjoyed clubbing...I never enjoyed the idea of the noise level and, shocking I know, drinking! I know - I was born an old fart! But I certainly enjoyed their celebration of Owen's birthday! Ritch respect!

All I could see while reading were the children put in the cages due to the policies of the last administration in the U.S. I can also see it as a larger view, as you mention, to the closing of the doors to immigrants. Very powerful! Great writing!

Thanks for sharing.

Ellie is true to the end - only thinking of herself. Mom might be confused, but she also knows when she is well off. Good ending to an entertaining tale!

That was a fast remodel! But what it achieved in community pride is priceless. Thanks for the story!.

Is this really a plot for a Hallmark movie? Wonderful chapter!

I like the commingling of stories - they certainly enhance this story! We learn more about the past accomplishments/history of the family as well as hints of what is to come! That meal sounded absolutely delicious. Slimies as the warm-up to the rest was great! Liebe is developing a very educated palate! Tony

As a former school counselor, and simply one who is interested in helping others, I am most impressed with how well you explore the inner workings of the minds of each of these individuals: Niki's fear of yet desire for personal freedom; Lukas' growth through his experience of homelessness; Inno's inner voice and feeling of guilt as a victim of a predatory priest and the strict "Catholic" teachings which lacked any humanity; Niki's father and brother and the weasel, Herr Weber. Having experienced that type of teaching in my past, that propelled me to study counseling psychology and offer a much warmer experience of acceptance to my students.

I love the story but this was definitely a sad chapter. Well written, it certainly evokes the emotions both men felt.

And more seeds are planted...literally and figuratively, apparently.

In spite of the errors mentioned (formatting - not content), it is a bittersweet chapter in that they are saying goodbye to My Amira. Still, what awaits when they get home sounds wonderful and exciting.

Accepting oneself - warts and all - and realizing that these all add up to make us realize these are the source of the gifts we can share with others. It is in that sharing that we give ourselves the space to grow even more. The self-reflection you have shared with us does resonate as elements of the journey we all go through to finding and developing our purpose in life. Your gift of writing - a talent not all of us are able to do so eloquently - comes from your experience of your own life journey. Thank you for sharing it with us. It certainly resonates with me - and so many others, based on the comments.

You certainly haven't disappointed in sharing these stories with all of us! Happy? Yes...but always hungry for more!

When the community feels ownership into their institutions, there should be more cooperation and respect for the police and fire responders. Good job here!

I certainly hope there were some open minds in Franklin - if only Mrs. Ogilvie. Maybe an escape to another environment would be good for both Layne and Owen.