pvtguy

This was a wonderful chapter (as are all of them!) but this one is especially poignant. Thanks for Matt's innate forensic mind and his ability to research a problem! I still don't want the story to end just yet!

As Matt is now legally Aiden's father, another child would be a sibling. But only legally. However, I do believe we need a marriage and another adoption formality for Seamus! That could be a chapter or two in itself, hint, hint....

I won't be happy until I know for certain there will be a sequel! This is too great of a story!

I love the Andersons! (The name evokes "Father Knows Best" -- I know, I'm old!) In any case, I love how this story is progressing - I'm glad things are going slowly and deepening into a solid relationship before they really know one another. It's a welcome change from so many other instant love stories!

It's so good to see anything written by you again! You are so talented and your stories are entertaining, educational, affirming, and so well crafted! And, of course, a trip to Camp is always needed! Tony

I really am wondering what Sue is really up to. Methinks her strength is going to show itself rather soon!

So we move a little closer to a deeper understanding of the three main characters, though Kim is still quite the mystery. I look forward to the development of this story! Great job.

This is so unfortunately typical: parents do not discuss death with kids for a variety of reasons. Kids get confused and don't know what all is happening around them. There were such great opportunities to teach, learn, and share within the family. As presented, Mom was the one who had the most trouble dealing with the situation - Dad seems to be a bit more reasonable, but Mom is the stronger controller, at least in my opinion.

Excellent chapter: you have successfully upped the intrigue about Kim.

Excellent writing! Looking forward to the development of this story. It wouldn't be good if there were no conflicts and hurdles to cross.

I really like the approach of telling this story through the eyes of a child.

Wonderful chapter ending in a "WTF?".... Thanks for sharing such a wonderful talent with us through this story. I will miss it and hope that there will be a volume 2 at some point - I hate to leave behind such wonderful characters.

You can't leave us at this point!! I hope Book 4 is soon to be posted! Thanks for this series!

Matt is growing up quite well and quite quickly. He was holding himself back more than anything. I do hope you can find it in you to break whatever failed in past sequels (if anything) and find it in you to find a continuation of this story. It has been a wonderful journey!

This reminds me of my childhood and learning about how my grandparents ended up there working in coal mines. My parents never owned a car - we walked or sometimes took a taxi to cross town. We did have fairly good bus service too for a population around 20,000. Life for the majority of men was either in the mines or the various factories. Thanks for evoking those memories!

Another quality addition to the CJ series, this one focusing on Ritch and his evolution from basic cadet to 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force Academy. This is a must read for the excellence in writing, the depth of characters and plot.

Great wrap-up. I can't say anything more profound than what's already been said in the other comments, but I will say that I do so admire your story-telling ability. It is so rich with seriousness, humor, insight, strong characters, and values which allow us all to reflect on our own. Thank you over and over! I will be most happy to see the next posting whenever that is! Tony

I'm still trying to discern Todd's problem. Jealousy? Or just a horse's ass? The prom was a superb idea.

And now the terrible twos has finally had its effect on Matt and Seamus' relationship - they're both singing the same song, but don't yet realize it. Seamus has been thoroughly upset in being reminded of his ex which has brought out his insecurity. Matt is just plain insecure with his role in Aidan's life. Once the steam settles, I do hope they have a true heart-to-heart!

Matan is very focused on his projects! I have no doubt that Nash will have a "scholarship" even if provided by Y and M!

Reminds me somewhat of my childhood: we had no car, dad worked in a factory, we barely scraped by - had relatives who all lived far away and never saw them. I heard stories of all the relatives and imagined what they looked like. Your writing creates wonderful images!

Wonderful start. I really like how you have created the vision of life through a small child, but remembered by someone older.

So...high emotion leads to reflection and an injection of rationality. Great chapter!

Can only affirm all that precedes my comment: I truly enjoy and appreciate the talent you share through your writing. Excellence in every chapter!

From infancy, my son would cry when I left to go to work. Through the early years, I was the calmer but more consistent parent. When his mother and I divorced, he lived with me - even had her parents willing to vouch that he was better off with me than with her. To this day (he is in his 40's now), we still have a strong relationship though very strong and opposite personalities. He does seek me out to rationalize his more impulsive moments or purchases! It wasn't easy as he grew older, but I had to remain consistent while also supportive and respectful. His mother, on the other hand, to this day still doesn't respect him or his decisions. Her loss. Thus, when I said that it is work - but very much worth it when one wants to be a parent - I know whereof I speak. Not easy, but definitely worth it. As for the fact they are brothers by birth - psychologically, Matt will always be a father figure as well as an older brother.