pvtguy

I love your characters, perfect or not! Your stories are so well written and so compelling. You are correct about smaller towns; however, though I live in a large city (Orlando), I find each neighborhood unique. I do know my closest neighbors and we do look out for one another. For that, I am thankful. Growing up, however, in a small town in West Virginia, it is true - there were neighbors who knew more about our business than we did! At the same time, there was a genuine community where we, as children, were safe and welcome in all our neighbors' homes.

The level of vitriol in Colt's words with Sam do not indicate to me that Sam's actions are resolved and in the past. Yes, he has been able to live authentically in the big city, but he did carry a rather large suitcase of feelings for a long time. I agree that it could have been handled differently which might have actually had a different outcome at least for Sam. How does Colt know that Sam still feels the same way? A bit judgmental on his part, I believe. His outburst does say more about him than the town. Small towns do not always have small attitudes. Big cities just offer more choices, but those attitudes are still present wherever there are people. Geography can help for one to find a more inclusive community, for sure; I am afraid Colt's outburst - while he doesn't care - does nothing to show his otherwise fine character.

Wow...that anger certainly fermented over time and really boiled over! I hope it was truly cathartic. I trust his mother did adjust to her new reality.

I daresay, I don't think it would be that easy to get reservations and a place to stand so near the police barricade on New Year's Eve in Times Square. However, what an experience Alan provided for all!

It is most difficult to remain objective when one is so intimately involved - at least where the object of that intimacy is concerned. Still, Mason seems to be able to reflect and analyze at this moment. I'm eager to see the progression of this story! Come on, Tuesday!!! Great job with this chapter.

Ah yes...another Carlos story that has me hooked from the first paragraph! Great beginning - and now awaiting the next posting! Tony F

Yes for root vegetables - but that's a lot of meat! I'm not criticizing - simply finding how remarkable it is to have so much money that all this is possible!

It sounds like he is storing up for the next century! There's a store there! Oh well...another way of flaunting money, I guess.

A very powerful chapter! You have painted with words a very engaging scene that allows the reader to feel what Rick experiences. Well done!

I was not discounting Jo at all...rather, I was trying to point out that Robbie has certainly grown emotionally so much since we first met him. You have done an admirable job in showing that slow but constant growth through all his experiences. He certainly has also had to learn by the school of hard knocks! And the best part - he's grown in spite of how he's been treated by Don. He has lots of people to thank, for sure: first and foremost, Jo; secondly, the growing support of Nicola and Daniel, though Amy was from the beginning totally unconditional in her love of him; thirdly, the evolving support of Sue. But I want to give him credit for deciding to move in a more positive path. More will come, for sure, but he has now found a solid base on which to build.

Robbie continues to show the growth he is attaining after such a tumultuous year. This, as mentioned above, shows that he is showing confidence and learning to make decisions for himself. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds - how Don behaves, how Sue responds, whether Conner will be blase about breaking up or go ballistic...please don't keep us waiting too long if possible!

Well done! I love that there are no issues financially, as that is not the case with so many of us. I can only imagine what would be the difference in my life if I had a "bonus" of $5 million! As a retired educator, my paycheck never had that many zeroes, lol!

Ditto!!!

There are so many stories about young people - which is fine - but it is also refreshing for those of us who have attained a certain age to read about people who are older that 20! We more mature individuals still have life in us!

So, does this mean another chapter quickly? Several per week? I won't complain if so!

I could read a chapter a day about this wonderful family! Blu is a hoot! His passion for his kids and for "Blondie" is palpable! Thanks for gifting us with another chapter!

Are we any closer to knowing what is with Levine? Did he know Mason was in the office? On to the next chapter, please!

And we have our HEA ending! However, the main point of the story remains: building a family takes work but is a source of great happiness for those who want to be parents! All sacrifices are done willingly for what they accomplish in the end. This family was fortunate that money was no object. That is not the case for many, and that challenge leaves many a parent regretting what they couldn't give their children. However, that refers to material things. The most important thing they offer is love, support and encouragement.

And like a few others who have commented, I have read all 15 chapters today - couldn't put it down! Great story.

Having lived in Orlando for nearly half my life now, Disney is definitely a magical place - too bad COVID is limiting that experience now. There are a lot of other experiences here that cater to all sorts of tastes! Yes...I do love it!

The one question that has bother me all of my years. "Why do the children have to suffer?" Adults can cope, but not children. Dreams shattered, trust broken, love turning to hate. Children are very resilient, especially when younger. As they get older than 6 or 7, the damage is harder to overcome, but it can be done with lots of patience and love (both in quantities one might not think possible!). I worked as a school counselor for 36 years and have dealt with children ages 11 to 18 and have dealt with many who were in horrid situations. With the help of our social workers, police, lawyers and various agencies, many were helped - many could not be helped, unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, legal and familial. Through it all, I provided the love, encouragement and support as best I could. Not all were happy endings, but those that were made it worthwhile. If you like the theme of building a family of "tossed away" or homeless children, I recommend another series on this site: "The Castaway Hotel" by Bill W.

To clarify, I only had one set of Italian grandparents. My mother's mother died when my mother was 15 and her father was wonderful, but lived a great distance from us, so we rarely saw him. We lived next to my grandparents for a good portion of my life, so I was there every day. Lots of the family would gather on Sundays for spaghetti and meatballs (usually) and on the holidays. Yet, it was the everyday life that was so special to me.You are correct: the love is what made it so special.

There is love, strength, compassion, and friendship to battle the negative and evil in this story - that's what I really love about it!

Having Italian grandparents while I was growing up, I can attest that life is wonderful with them! My son had two sets of Italian grandparents - think he was spoiled with love? I do appreciate the positive spin you're providing on religion - too many stories only focus on the negative. There really are supportive churches and congregations around.

I got that from the story - just saying that it's not always that easy.