pvtguy

Religion is used too often to promote specific points of view as though those specific views are absolute truth, finite understanding versus infinite being. This short, but intense, story of a young man's struggle with self-knowledge versus a religious view presented as absolute and opposite of what he is experiencing. He comes to the conclusion that his only way to satisfy the deity he has been taught to believe in is to end his life. Through the intervention of two neighbors, but more importantly, a stray dog, he and his family are faced with a wider point of view. This journey in seven relatively short chapters takes the reader through a process of questioning and deepening of understanding of the human condition and religious conviction.

And the truth is, @empath, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! May you continue to find those who love you as you are! Most of all, love others unconditionally as they deserve - even when they don't seem to want it. The more you give love, it finds its way back to you.

Yet, she was being monitored by a doctor too...if the doctor didn't take it seriously, then their trust in the doctor wouldn't have caused them to sound an alarm. If Creek had known more, he would have acted accordingly. I don't see any blame there that he needs to heap upon himself.

Russ is definitely developing warmer relationships which are bringing out his own warm side. It seems he has been used to being the cold businessman for so long that this is rather enriching for him. This aspect of Russ is very different from when we first met him!

Everyone has a story - and we're just starting to unwind Dailan's. Creek is truly a very considerate friend, but his statement to Dailan as to the reason for his concern caught my attention: "After losing Skye… someone I loved… because I didn’t pay close enough attention, I promised myself I wouldn’t let that happen again.” Skye died after childbirth. What does he mean by "not paying close enough attention? "

It took me a lot of time in my personal life to come to the conclusions stated by Marcus! And then re-reading the Gospels and truly believing the words and actions of Jesus vs what others tried to say he said, I felt much lighter and more positive too. A sign in the church I attend reads "God loves all people. So do we!"

No...you didn't get it wrong...I confused the conversation with Dawn as a letter to Bas...not your mistake but mine!

In the Judaeo/Christian tradition, God told the humans he created to be stewards of all creation. And yet, in the course of human history, humans have made all these rules about what they say that God wanted - not relying on God's directive in the beginning, but their own interpretation of the "rules" made by humans based on cherry-picking certain scriptural passages and ignoring so many others! There have been so many atrocities committed in the name of "religion" throughout history and many suicides among those atrocities. This chapter really brings to focus the arguments used by the "righteous" and their effects. I certainly thank @empath for the power of his gift of prose and admire the talent to do so!

I was a bit confused in the last half of this chapter: In the last chapter, Gray wrote to Bas and described the proposal of Peter and Vince and Freddie's response. Here, it is as though this was the first time it was mentioned. Nonetheless, the story is coalescing to a very satisfactory closure. As always, @Robert Hugill, you have done a wonderful job of story telling and wordsmithing!

"I now believe that it is the dissonance between morality and legality which forces us to evolve as a civilization." I love this statement for it is the challenge that should be at the heart of all education! We must face the fact that there has been a movement over the past 30 years to deprive students of this ability because people of the same ilk as Hosea and Mr. Tomlinson have joined forces to censor what is allowed to be read and taught. There is less challenge for the average student to learn how to question and feel the dissonance which is necessary for evolution of thought unless they are in places where thought is allowed! What excited me and motivated me for the 47 years I was involved in education is sorely lacking in our formulaic approach to education found in many school districts! As much as I loved and love working with adolescents in the educational field, I sadly must say that I could not do it today with all the micromanagement and restrictions placed by State Education Departments and legislatures!

Sadly, I have had students in my career who lived in households that resembled that of Hosea!

I am not surprised with Brad and Luke...I suspected it from the first encounter of them! And Alexander knew all along what Brad thought of Lyn. Lyn was so intense on giving the impression of being totally wrapped up in his studies that he failed to know what was really going on in the human relations department. Now, I'm concerned about how he's approaching Alexander: yes, he wants to have full-blown sex with Alexander, but is his motivation the feelings he actually has for Alexander or self-punishment?

Russ and Con are developing a much more adult closeness as they interact. Lisa is a hoot! She brings both levity and order to the household. Russ' interaction with his nephews is establishing a much better relationship. Still, he really is eager to get back to his home 'family' with Brian, Gordon and Toby. Lovely chapter!

Brad is a user - that we know. But have we truly seen the "real" Brad yet? There has been a lot of speculation, but @Laura S. Fox has yet to reveal the rest of his story! Though he does present the pomposity that Brad notes, Alexander truly cares for Lyn.

Wow! What a way to be confused!!! Creek is just coming through a period of grief. Marvin and Dailin are giving him attention that he needs desperately. Marvin does have the hots for him. Dailin seems confused as to his real feelings. And Creek is totally confused. Let's see how this conversation turns out!

Vince has "thawed" immensely from the uptight and cold person we first met thanks to Peter and to Gray! His enthusiasm demonstrated to Dawn is proof of that! Gray and Matt are developing their own way at their own comfortable pace. Very nice chapter!!!

Might there be a possible dalliance with a threesome here too? Russ is really showing his warmer side.

And the self-reflection is happening on Creek's part... Another step closer to seeing if Marvin and he will eventually be together....

Jer has found "family" in Peter and Marty. This is what chosen family is like as we grow into adulthood. What a beautiful chapter!

I am neither team Marvin or team Dailin yet. Dailin hasn't intrigued me yet as a firm possibility, but more of an interest. I could be missing something. Marvin and Creek are really building a friendship - and that gives me a hopeful possibility.

Russ is definitely becoming much warmer as a human! We get a good insight as to how and why he became that way from his natal family's interactions. One can feel the warmth he has for Toby in the phone/video call. That was also projected in his dealings with his nephews. Con and Lisa were pleasantly surprised at the accomplishments of their sons!

I love how this family takes care of each other! I hope we get to see on to the next generations....

Well...Nate is off to his next chapter of his life but with the experience of what could be his life after his tour of duty with the Army. He will bring back skills which will be useful to the community but to a truly accepting and welcoming community. Beautiful ending!

What a lovely story of friendship, love, idealism, acceptance and self-discovery. Is it possible for people to live in a true commune-type community? Kandanga Falls is just that - what is similar to what is described by Thoreau among other authors? It seems so here. It is one which is warm yet challenging traditional beliefs about how life should be.

I enjoy the stories you've created about talking furniture and now "talking" pets! Very clever!