pvtguy

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.

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!