Headstall

I wonder... do we sometimes get whispers from beyond in ours? I'd like to think so....

Wow! Thank you for saying that, Kris. I do wear my heart on my sleeve, and I guess that comes through in my writing. I always gravitated toward books that moved me, and always hope I do the same for my readers. This was the first story I wrote in months after having covid, and I worried it might be too much, but what do I know. I don't think you were alone in shedding tears... I know I did a few times. Survivors guilt is so common in real life, and it really can be debilitating. Woodrow and Paul have let go now, and I know it's a long process, but I believe they will be fine. They've been given a gift, and have someone who understands, so there is reason for hope. Thanks for the kind words, buddy. Cheers! Gary....

Hey, @dughlas is Mum still good? It looks bad on the news.

Pfffft!

Thank you, kind sir! I love Big Mike, and I sure as hell wouldn't want to be in the receiving end of his anger. It's pretty obvious he has Mark's respect, so I think he was as straight up as he could be. He has a way out now, and he just has to take it. Kids are forgiving as long as they know they are truly loved, and I think Nate feels that again from his father. Of course Kendall would do the right thing for his nephew, and of course Michael would be in full support of it. I just love those guys. So glad you are enjoying this, Dan. It's nice to revisit this first story of mine. Cheers! G.

Lol. Could be he'll stick around a day or two... or maybe a little longer. I take it you are enjoying meeting Nate? And maybe even Bodie? Be patient, buddy, and the answers will come. Cheers!

Dark angel...

Hey, all! Just heading out for my walk after I feed. Be good, y'all!

Damn. Made myself cry again. Nate is a strong kid, but I'm of the opinion gay kids have to be. Nate has fought a battle he never should have had to, for three years now, and if it has done one thing, it has strengthened him. The maturity he showed in putting those pills back in the bottle says a lot. He doesn't want to die, and now he is in a place he feels safe. Megan did do the right thing, and Mark has begun his soul searching, but he has a lot to prove to his wife and son. Man, this has taken me back and put me in it. Thanks and cheers!

I think most of us have that teen angst, don't we? I remember working very hard in this chapter. This was a story arc I wasn't sure I should include, so once I made the decision, I wanted to get it right. I must have, because it just made me cry again. This one brings up a lot of emotions, and I'm glad you thought I handled it with great care. Yes, it does get better, but that's hard to see when you are Nate's age. Weighty? That's a really good word, and I agree. Thanks, buddy. I hope you fall for Nate like everyone else did. Cheers!

Yeah, you weren't alone... nobody saw Nate coming. I like to keep readers on their toes. I hope you like what's coming, because he has a powerful story to tell. Happy reading, my friend! Cheers... Gary....

Yeah, it took long enough, but not when we consider it took them five years to figure out their true feelings for one another. The first scene where they are watching the ultrasound video, gets a little lost in this chapter, but that's okay. I agree their first time was something extra special. I'm pleased you liked it. These scenes are never easy... they make me feel vulnerable when I write them, and then again when I post them, but they are always an integral part of the story. Thanks, buddy. I always like hearing what readers think of this chapter. Cheers! Gary....

Hello, Doha! I certainly couldn't ask for more than this you've shared. The fact you felt all those things gives me a sense of accomplishment... and peace too. I hope you will meet your own Paul too. I still haven't given up hope for myself. Writing does take time and energy, but it is worth it when readers like you validate my efforts. A few simple words shared, support and inspire, and urge me onward. Thank you, my friend. Cheers! G.

Sometimes it takes just a glance, and that, my friend, is the magic of attraction... and possibly love.

Thank you, Alex. I intend to keep writing as long as I'm able, although maybe not at the pace I once did. Telling me you found this an amazing and awesome story is plenty. I appreciate you letting me know your thoughts, and I appreciate your support. Cheers! Gary....

Yeah, so true. I think Woodrow's reaction to the peaceful scene shows us just how stuck he's been. He could see for himself the world had moved on, and just how long it's been (long enough for Dirk's wreck of a Jeep to become more so). Real time has passed, enough that all traces of that destruction have gone and nature has repaired itself. There is no time limit on grief, but if we're not careful, it can consume us. Woodrow, and Paul, are ready to understand that, hence the trip to the scene of their loss. Did their angels give them a push? Who's to say. What matters is they left what had become their prisons... their dis-comfort zones. Being alone isn't fun, but it can be seductive. At first, we may need the solitude, but eventually we get trapped. It was no little thing to drive 5-6 hours away, yet both men did. Was it just to say goodbye, or were they ready for something new and real? I think we got our answer at the end. Yes, they understand each other in a way others can't, and they will probably need that from each other from time to time. I think, though, the will be seeing their grief in a rearview mirror, and I also believe Dirk and Peter will be happy about that. Thank you, Mrsgnomie, for your support of this story and my other anthology submissions. I appreciate the time given, and the kind words. Cheers! Gary....

I am so exhausted. Watching a preseason hockey game.

The scratch is healing very slowly, so we will keep treating it. She still has blood vessels going to the area. We might try a special serum that provides cells for the healing process if my vet can still get it or have it made. My mare's ages inhibits her production of them. She does not have UVitis which is good. There is no infection, and her heart and lung sounds are good.

The truth can be kind, my dear friend. I doubt my work all the time, always striving to make it better, never completely satisfied, but I know that is what makes me a writer who readers put their faith in. I do have confidence in my abilities... and my work ethic. I have worked hard to improve my skills, but I learned early on my instincts were, for the most part, ones I could trust. I have always felt things deeply, and I believe that shows in what I write. I am not afraid of my emotions, or of being honest in my portrayal of them. Am I sometimes tipping towards sappy? You bet, but that is a choice I make, one of many I make in my writing. Another strength of mine is that I understand people. I can be fooled when I am in love, but otherwise, it is highly unlikely for it to happen. My dialogue is commented on a lot, but maybe that is because I can hear my characters' voices so clearly in my head. All this said, it doesn't mean I don't need encouragement or validation, because I do. I will always question whether I am good enough, but reader support like yours keeps me trying. There is angst with the process of writing, speaking only for myself, but I need to create, so that angst is worth it. If I challenge you to be a better person, that is a real gift to me, and I thank you for saying it. I don't preach, but there are often underlying messages in the things I write. Keep boosting me up, buddy. Without the positive feedback, it's a much harder road to travel.

I know this poem well, my friend. To turn a blind eye is the easy path, but it is not the right one. When there is no one left to hate, what happens then. You are so right that these two men had a place to go to say goodbye. There was no trace of Dirk left, but Peter's body could be buried. That is a small but important blessing. What Woodrow says about Dirk being cremated with thirty-one strangers was a hard line to write. His remains were indistinguishable from those others, but Woodrow at least knew where he perished. The point for these two is that dwelling on the horror of their passing, while understandable, was not what their partners would have wanted. The best way to honor them is to live life best they can, and to accept love offered. This tale is tragic... so many things in life are... but it is the hope the human spirit will cling to, because life and living is a precious gift, and we must adapt to loss. The tears we shed can get us where we need to be, and should never be considered a weakness. I grew up during a time men didn't cry, or at least weren't supposed to. What a ridiculous concept that was. I love and appreciate that you felt this story so deeply. I am honored.

Mine too!

Thanks, Parker, and thanks for your wonderful proofing job. I'm pleased you felt placed there, on those tracks. It was the right place to say goodbye, and the right place to begin anew. Those memories are never going to go away, but I believe they were softened on this day. That interaction between Woodrow and Paul fed them new life, allowing their perspectives to alter. Grief is a process, and the sharing of it can make all the difference. Again, thank you for commenting. Cheers!

That is so wonderful to hear, Gary! I love when a story gets reread. It's a practice I often use... and I usually find things I missed the first time. Thank you so much.