pvtguy

And thus is the circle of life. The one thing most don't want to deal with is mortality - especially their own. When a couple has had a devoted marriage, the loss of a partner finds the survivor with the challenge of building a life alone - even if they have children/grandchildren. Nothing is the same anymore. New traditions must be made (Sunday dinners at Del's house). The last line is the most telling - one tends to keep the focus on others and fails to truly deal with how they are dealing. Great chapter.

Wow! Lots of action in this chapter! Looks like a few new twists may be taking place - a different role for CJ in the Embassy could result in much more intrigue. Excellent chapter, Carlos!

So very good to get a glimpse of some of the Squad! These are the friends one can see after a while and pick up the conversation as if time had not been interrupted. They also will be the support each needs whenever that might be. Now...back to Mexico!

I am the oldest of three. Haven't had to bury a sibling yet. This is the true circle of life. One generation passes on and the next is left to be the "leaders". It is happening to my friends and I see how it is affecting them. This was a great chapter: it truly shows some of the more "secret" side of families - things that are not shared with others but are special between the spouses.

Going back to see things in my hometown on my last visit, I was of the same mind as Dougie: I thought that houses would still be where they were and people taking care of them. What I found were empty lots or boarded up places. The house where my parents lived for 28 years and put lots of sweat making it look nice and welcoming had broken and/or boarded over windows with curtains blowing through them. I was supposed to stay for a few more days to visit people, but I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience that I left the following morning and have no intention of ever returning. I remember the family meals at my grandparents' house growing up - much like described above - and then the number of people gathering on Sundays becoming less and less. When my grandmother died - so did the family gatherings. What I learned most from all this is the family I have built where I live now. Though not related by blood, we are as close as any family and can count on one another.

Well...the comfortable lull is over and life is in full swing once again. Could it be possible that Domogarov might also have another agenda than defection? Love the intrigue!

Thank you for saying what I was meaning in a much clearer manner. Of course, the story is portraying the infancy of a relationship and, in doing so, must create the drama that will keep readers involved in seeing the growth through challenges, development of deeper feelings and maturity.

Jarrod may be the "older" of the two, but he is no more experienced just because of his age. Rather, he is in many ways even more juvenile! Who is he to be giving profound advice when he has yet to be open even to his family? I'm not one who believes you have to announce your sexuality publicly - be it hetero or homo - and I do hope that there will be a day soon where such "announcements" are unnecessary, that people will just be accepted as they are without any fanfare.

I'm still reading the story of my life too. I moved away from my small town after I gave it a fair try, but it just didn't hold the attraction for me as it did when I was a child and it was all I knew. There was a time I was close with most of my cousins...but then they, too, moved away. And life moves on... This story continues to warm me in its description of the growth of the characters as they interact with the growth in their societal history. I can only tell you how much I appreciate your sharing this story. It feels as though it were written for me as it has touched me so deeply. Thank you again and again! Tony

It was good to revisit and expand this part of Ritch's story. Like comfort food, this was a great respite!

Thanks for starting the day with bonus joy.

Ah...the changing times! Divorces, remarriages, children, money... This story has certainly shown the cultural changes the early and mid-20th century. Still love it!

Loved all the elements of this chapter, but mostly the interaction with Liebe: so reminds me of how I interacted with my son in his early years. I spoke in a rational tone and expected him to speak in his "big boy" talk. Now as an adult, he has a strong command of language which is a plus in his job in radio. I still am in awe when I hear him talking with customers, jobs and on air. This break will also prove beneficial for CJ as he recharges his family support and the camaraderie that exists among them all. I look forward to his return to Mexico and the drama there. But this respite is wonderful. Another offering of great skill, Carlos!

It's been a while since I read Quabbin and the Pendleton Omens. I lived in Lawrence, MA, for three years while attending college. I had friends whose parents worked in the mills. I remember those times well. So many parallels with the factory existence I had as a child.

It is interesting to note how mill towns in New England have dealt with the closing and their empty buildings. It has taken years for many, but many old mills have been turned into apartments and senior citizen housing. Many...not all by any means! As I mentioned before, my thriving town of birth was a great place until all the factories closed. There are some efforts going on now for small businesses to get started, which is a positive note. However, will it ever return to its heyday? Much doubt! I love the reflection going on about the changes in their time. That is the one constant we can all count on - things do change, whether for the better or worse. What can still be a value that remains is the possibility of working together for the good of all. Hence, the age-old tension between the individual and the community.

Actually, I was meaning with Nooseman, lol!

Just wondering if something happened in the two days after the meeting with Chen... Nice break for Owen, CJ and Liebe.

One week to the day and hour he was shot, he spoke to the Catholic Youth Organization convention in NYC. I was there and heard him. I stepped into the hallway after to buy something for my mother and he walked past me on his way to his limo. He was about 10 feet away! The day he was shot, I was in class (I was a freshman in a Catholic high school) and for the next several days, it was as described above! What a time to live through!

No, he's not a trained killer, but hasn't he had a lot of martial arts? The Marines are also helping him with new skills...

Excellent writing, Carlos! The buildup was spot on! And I hope the wrist is broken! Domogarov is a POS personified! While I am looking forward to the break in Vail, I am really looking forward to what happens as a result of CJ's actions!

What a good mentor and friend Chandler is! Brandon is fortunate to have someone like this!

Beautiful story so far...can't wait till the next chapter.

At once raw yet very touching, this is a story that reflects the journey of a young boy as he tries to live on his own and being lured into the porn industry. He learns the hard lesson that people can't separate the actor from the person, thus experiencing a severe degree of loneliness. For him, there is redemption, fortunately. It is an excellent read!

The last time was 6 years ago and I have no plans to do so again. It was not a happy experience...I felt I truly saw what quiet desperation really is! It is no longer home for me.

I will add my agreement with the suggestion that the story could have been divided into chapters. However, I still read it in one long sitting! My eyes are tired, but I am very pleased with the way you described the porn industry and the individuals involved. Jarl is one special person too! Thanks for sharing this story and may more come!