pvtguy

I was measured at 5'6" when younger and have kept that as my official height since - until I was measured at my doctor's office recently and have shrunk a full inch in height ! I always wanted to be taller too, but take what I have!

Do we have to wait another week to find out how this turns out? Great job, Laura, but I feel like the tension is stretching me very thin! Tony

I had an uncle who was a double amputee - not from war, but from disease - but who was as exuberant and skillful as Brad! He was a true hero to me and I learned a lot about life from him. Brad will succeed because he has the attitude and determination to do s - and does not give in to self pity but works through doubt to confidence. Great chapter, Carlos! Tony

Ok...I'm an older fart here...My teen years were filled with the music of the 60's- the Beatles, Roy Orbison, and later Simon & Garfunkle, all the ballads...I enjoyed them greatly, but am still stuck on former rock stars like Beethoven, Bach, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Bellini, among others.

Lovely! Just lovely! There is the enjoyment of reading and the depth of much more! Thanks

By the sheer number of comments one can see that you have created a story that has depth and quality, Gary. I totally understand Hank's reactions: I am an adult child of an alcoholic father. My father, however, stopped communicating with me when I was 12. He died when I was 45 from complications that came from his drinking. My parents stayed together because my mother had no way to support herself or a family had she left him. She played the part of nursemaid and gave a public appearance that all was well. She was 69 when he passed and from that point until she passed at 86, she lived a wonderful life, often saying that she existed for 69 years and lived every day from that point on. I never understood why my father stopped communicating with me - I thought for years I had done something wrong or something was wrong with me. Henry probably married not only because Lilah was pregnant, but because he couldn't deal with himself either. The alcohol was merely a way to anesthetize his psychological pain. I have no doubt he loved his son and loved being a father - but that might not have been a possibility in his day if he had stayed with Will. That is the reality of being gay prior to the late 80's or 90's for most. Marriage to a person of the same sex didn't become a reality for the entire U.S. until 2015. That Henry never spoke about this publicly to his wife or son is a sad statement of his reality. I look forward to the further development of this wonderful story as Gary posts each chapter. Just wish postings were sooner rather than later, but then again, I am not ready to see the ending of this story just yet either! Tony

Please don't make us wait so long for another posting! With all this social isolation, I look every day for a posting as I want to see how this gets resolved. Impatience seems to be my forte at this time! Great job!

Brad's recovery is amazing, but is bolstered by his friends' support as evidenced by Linc's honesty. Great chapter!

First off, there was no adultery! The definition of adultery means one or both of the parties is married but not to each other. At most, this would be called fornication. However, I would even protest that word: all that was lacking was the formality of the public vows of marriage which indicated that the intention was already there. They were married spiritually while not legally. As a priest friend of mine once said, "If you're not married coming up the aisle, the words won't make you married going back."

I can't imagine any hospital allowing a high school volunteer to draw blood (which, by the definition mentioned above, is an invasive procedure) or insert catheters. The liabilty would be enormous! However, that said, it certainly adds to the colorful asides to this story.

Maybe Jett's dad will loosen up some - most likely not - but April might have a helper with his own Dad. Personally, I would never allow anyone, parent included, to come into my house and tell me how to run it. There would be one rule only: act respectfully or leave! I was fortunate that my parents honored the fact that "my house, my rules" were both expected and respected, as I did with their house. However, this makes for good conflict and exposition of the characters.

Of course, the title gave away what was to occur in this chapter, and it is not surprising that it was Henk. However, it is still a very powerful and sobering reality to understand that some people will make the choice to end their pain permanently as they see no other choice as viable. As a retired counselor, I have had the experience of two former students committing suicide and the felling of helplessness on my part still is present years later. Wonderful job of presenting a stark reality, Carlos. I can imagine that it was difficult to write as well. Tony

There can also be another aspect to Hank's behavior that is being overlooked: In his making sure Chase is being taken care of and supported, he is withdrawing. That could be seen as potentially suicidal ideation...

Well done!! I believe this is a proper ending to the story! Thanks for sharing it with us! Tony

I love seeing the green of new growth. Hope and faith indeed!

I absolutely love a fictional story that deals with real issues and highlights programs that help with those issues. I hope it inspires many of us (all of us really) to look where we can volunteer to assist. Brad is correct: we can't depend only on elected government to completely provide assistance for problems. We must realize that we are the "unelected" government that needs to step up and do our job of assisting one another. This is especially important right now as so many are in need because of the current COVID-19 crisis.

I feel this volume coming to an end so that the next volume in the journey can begin. I am so touched by your dedications to Daniel at the beginning of each chapter! The story only sheds a bit of light on the depth of that love. How fortunate and blessed you were - many don't know that type of love ever in their lives!

So, now that you've given us the beginning of another adventure in another book, let's get back to resolving the problems with Chase and Hank! Loved this chapter, Gary! Much needed break from the C-H Drama! How long do we have to wait until the next posting? Tony

It feels good to be home in Makarovia!

I share the same experience: I got flat top once and my father sent me right back to the barber shop to get the high and tight GI before I came home again! I left for college and let my hair grow out over the course of a year and a half before coming home for a visit (I could not afford a trip home as I was attending college several states away from my parents' home) and before I went home, had my hair cut short again for fear of not being allowed in the house, only to discover my brother had grown out his hair, telling our father that he was no longer paying for the haircuts and therefore could not dictate the style!

As if there was no drama before, I see the fan spinning and stuff hitting the walls...

As a former teacher, these could have been written by my students! What a lovely respite in times of stress!

Such a well crafted story!. As a member of the boomer generation, I grew up with parent who lived through the period of time in which this takes place...and I lived during the latter years of chapters 26 and 27. I have loved every chapter, though I feel the end is near. I just can't compliment you enough for this well told story. Tony

A possible future for Brad and Cristina? Romance amid education and insight into the problems vets face is well done!

Theopril? Sounds like a drug, lol! So far, it gives credence to the statement that there are none so blind as those who will not see!