pvtguy

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.

Would that it would be that easy to adopt a child! I'm sure it can be done, but in most cases, it would require social services to get involved, and then it could get very messy. As that is not the focus of this story, I like the simplicity of the story so far. How long has Bobby been on the street? I hope we find out more about the why as well as an overview of his early life. It was not said, but understood, that his mother is dead. I encourage everyone who can to look up the places like Covenant House that are available in their area and see what help they can offer either financially or in terms of volunteer service. There are lots of opportunities available.

This "encounter"-type retreat is always very emotional and impactful. It is not always as smooth for some, but powerful in so many ways. You have woven the process in with a wonderful story. So...next chapter please!

As usual, well written and intriguing enough to pull me in immediately. Having grown up in a small town myself, it felt right at home. Will you only be posting once a week?

Could Billy be unknowingly manipulated by Boyd and/or Levine? I'm not sure everything is clear here yet. Now, off to the party!

Neither can resume what they had at 17 - however, they can see if there's still a strong connection that they want to explore and build on if they find the same level of attraction. Is the relationship with Lucas simply a cathartic/healing one for the moment, or is there more there than either possibly recognize or choose at the moment? Guess the coming chapters will let us know...Great job once again, Geoff!

Robbie is maturing. His attitude is very different from his first several months in Coburg. Don is sinking deeper into the dark side for sure! I sense a separation coming soon as Sue's response to him might well indicate!. Now - let's see a quick posting of the next chapter! Please!!!

Toby is providing more intrigue! Can't wait to see where this leads!

I am a retired counselor, and I can attest that you've definitely described the process well: one must got through in order to go beyond. One cannot be pushed into the recovery process unless one is also willing to participate in the process, though sometimes a little nudge can start the process. That nudge must be made with trust, love, and support. Well done!

A wonderful place to stop, though I would love to have seen the interplay with Simon's mom at lunch. Guess we'll just have to imagine the rest of the HEA. Thanks for posting and I look forward to more of your writing.

And just to complicate matters, even though the made works for Levine, who says Levine is behind the espionage? Can't there be others involved? The maid could be double-dipping...

And another layer of the onion is peeled away! Was Ary involved? If so, how? And Levine is still a mystery. Great job once again! Another chapter, please!!!! Tony

Totally enjoyable chapter! Love this family.

A realistic look at a day in the life of someone who allowed his partner to be the control factor - thus, an unequal relationship to begin with. In the end, he does stand up for himself. I like the analogy of editing a film to editing life. Perhaps the roughness of the story is in itself another analogy...

Having lived through the intense "Encounter" retreats of the late 60's and 70's, my training in counseling, and also my work in counseling, I can honestly say that raw emotion must be worked through and not left raw. I look forward to see the resolution, though I do believe we have a fair inkling of part of this story already. Great job in working through the dialogue, Geoff! Your experience definitely has allowed a much more informative and deep approach rather than a slobbery, surfacy and shallow titillation.

When one lives in abject poverty, has denied himself what most would consider "normal" - like heat in cold weather, nutritious meals, and even friendships, one might come to believe that they are not worthy of such "normalities". Eric seems to accept his station in life, even to the point of seeming to reject help when offered because his pride is seemingly attacked. Andy, a charity volunteer, also learns how to communicate effectively, albeit occasionally misspeaking without malice, and develops a wonderful relationship which greatly benefits Eric's life. Eric is finally able to admit to himself that he is gay and has been closeted all his life. This is not a romantic story; rather, it is a true journey that shows one is never too old to learn peace in one's life. This is a superb read!

As an elderly man myself, it is so wonderful to read a story whose main character grows in self-awareness in retirement. This story is extremely well-written, showcasing the disparities in the cultures of those living with meager means and those who are more comfortable. The relationship that develops between Eric (the retired discoverer) and Andy (a volunteer with a commitment to improving the living conditions for Eric) is a call to us all to look around and help lift up the lives of those who through life's inequities need positive interaction. Do yourself a favor and read both volumes to date.

Slowly, the onion is getting pealed...we're learning more about Rhys - Ary is a long time friend who is going to prove to be instrumental, I believe, in helping Mason put things together. Good job! Guess we'll have to wait another week to learn more (boo, hiss!).

So glad to see another chapter in the story of this wonderful family. I am disappointed in Kaleb: it's time he grows up and helps Kasey become more disciplined especially in the area of respect of others: there is no reason for his behavior other than the fact that he is not being taught by words and modeling by both fathers! I guess he's a "little Kaleb", but he's not Kaleb! Even Kaleb is very solicitious of others - Kasey does not appear so at this point. Discipline in its best definition is self-control and there is a lot of that lacking in Kasey. End of my soapbox! I would love to follow this family to the next two generations! (Hint: keep writing!) Hope life allows you the opportunity to write more often! Tony

Neither Nash nor Penn is perfect and their flaws are apparently not seen by each other as they were blinded by infatuation. They now have the opportunity to start on a better foundation. It was important for each to live on their own. Now we will see if these more mature men can act accordingly!

And I do believe you might have an inkling if things will work out...

Well, the intrigue is compounded a bit here: we are no closer to the answer as to who killed Toby, but we do know that Mason is conflicted in his feelings for Rhys. Billy will prove to be a solid friend to Mason and Rhys. Now to see where the story is going to take us....