Parker Owens

I am very glad you are enjoying this story, and that you liked this chapter. I am very sorry for leaving you hanging. I ask your pardon. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, and I hope you will enjoy the remainder of Andy's journal as much as you have done so far.

As in other reviews, I apologize for the cliffhanger. I didn't think anyone wanted to plough through a very, very long chapter. This seemed to be a good place to break. Well, perhaps Monica and Garrett have seen how much the boys are good for each other, and how much they are in love - and chose not to fight this battle. Or maybe it hasn't hit the adults fully yet. Something about them convinced Fr. Brewer, anyhow. Ambrose sure chose a swell time to make his reappearance. Surely Andy's heartrate just spiked!

I'm glad you were as taken aback by Ambrose's reappearance as Andy was; his blood pressure surely rose pretty quickly. I'm sorry to have had to leave you hanging. This was a long entry, and this seemed like the right place to stop. Truly. Many thanks for your reflections, and I hope you enjoy the remaining parts of Andy's story.

Many thanks for your very kind note. I appreciate your encouragement immensely. You are most generous. I hope you continue to enjoy the remainder of Andy's story.

Right off, let me apologize for leaving you hanging off the proverbial cliff. Sorry; it was a natural place to stop in an otherwise long entry. It didn't seem right to inflict a 10,000 word chapter on Andy's long-suffering readers. Ambrose's reappearance certainly spiked Andy's blood pressure - and he must have done quite a lot of legwork to find him. There must be at least some information floating out there...but in any case, I really thank you for your many thought provoking questions. I hope you enjoy the remaining parts of Andy's journal.

Andy and Zander are probably way outside of any statistical norm for marriage. That said, such marriages do happen, and even succeed. That Monica and Garrett are caring and supportive is a good thing – perhaps they can teach the boys to be good partners for each other. Monica's insistence on a church wedding seems to have much to do with the need to validate and recognize the boys' relationship in the wider family – something a union such as theirs would surely need in order to succeed. I fear I failed somehow if the shower scene seemed so formulaic. But your comment was certainly on target. Sorry for the cliffhanger again; it was just a good place to end the chapter – honest. Thank you for your response, and I hope you enjoy the remainder of Andy's journal.

First off, thanks for your reflections and insights. High school sweethearts sometimes marry and live happily for years; sometimes they don't. Monica and Garrett seem to be sensible and caring adult support, so maybe it will work out. Monica's insistence on a church wedding is confusing to Andy, surely. But viewed through her lens, she wants as much family acceptance - and recognition of the boys' legitimacy as a couple - as possible. She may be right in that a traditional celebration would do that effectively. That was her point, anyhow. I'm very, very sorry for the cliffhanger - really. This is a long narrative, and this seemed like a natural stopping spot without inflicting a 10000 word chapter on anyone. That Ambrose tracked him down is a testament to his determined investigation. And a great deal of what you have said is completely reasonable. No spoilers, so all I can say is that there is much still to be told. Please don't hate me for this, I beg you. Again, thanks for your many excellent thoughts, and I really hope you will enjoy the remainder of Andy's journal.

I'm glad the unexpected appearance of Ambrose was as alarming to you as it surely was to Andy. Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy the remainder of Andy's journal.

Andy really was absorbed in his plan in the week leading up to his proposal, getting all his ducks in a row. Playing the 'getting Ms. Chandler out your hair' card with Judge Harrison must have been fun. Maybe Fr. Brewer feels a tiny debt to Andy for being helpful - or maybe he thinks they'll actually work out as a couple. Sorry about the cliffhanger here; it was a natural stopping point, what can I say? Perhaps 'surprises' would have been better for this chapter. May have to re-edit...thanks for your reactions and for continuing to read Andy's story.

I think you hit exact note I'd hoped for - Monica and Garrett have chosen not to fight this battle, because it appears to be an ultimately losing one. The boys are in love, and that's that. It may be easier to support them than argue the point; teach them about being partners as Monica and Garrett have clearly managed it. Thanks for reading this chapter, and for your reflections.

You have baited the hook marvelously, and got me set for the next chapter. I especially like how you give us flashes of Tait's life. Now I begin to wonder about that life, and what Tait saw in Sean - or what he will see in himself as the days go on. One can only weep for his hurt, and hope for the rediscovery of himself somewhere inside. Thanks so much for this story, and I look forward - eagerly - to the next chapter.

March 19 – Sunday Today’s question: so why is it that when I decided to stand and defy fate, when I chose to shape my own destiny, events occurred to move the earth under my feet? Why is it that even with my well crafted plan, fate had its way of intervening anyway? The world I thought I knew reshaped itself suddenly, and I got left to deal with it. Or float along. But I won’t be doing it on my own. Zander will be with me. He promised to marry me. At least that part of my plan worked out pe

The man who got ten thousand likes has raised ten thousand grins; he writes of life and nature hikes, of how true love begins. congratulations!

Thank you Tim. I'm especially drawn to the Zander Watching verse, but I really identify with the fear in the Andy poem. It's the way I felt in school, anyhow.

The internal reactions nicely contrast with the actual conversations going on around Robbie. Very nice touch. Finally Robbie gets Nathan for a long enough period to be friends, rather than just friendly. This is an important change. Maybe Daniel will pick up on that, too. Great chapter, and hoping for more soon!

My hat is off to you for binge-reading 56 chapters in one sitting. Did you have a snow day? I am so glad you have enjoyed what you have read to this point. Andy is in a place where at least the peace and joy and love he seeks has a chance. I appreciate your kind and generous response to Andy's journal; still more do I appreciate your taking the time to read it.

Your words are most kind and generous. These characters meant a lot to me, so this one flowed simply and easily. You suggest something longer for another project; I'd like that. Still, I think it will take time to develop in my mind before I start...and there is so much poetry to write! Thanks again.

Marriage may not be a perfect solution, but it is Andy's unique solution to getting what he wants - love, family and a sense of belonging. And yes, he's smart. Thanks for your response. Hope you'll continue to enjoy the remainder of Andy's story.

I'm sorry I was so transparent, but I am glad at your elation over this chapter. What was appealing about this moment in his life was that he's actively reaching for what he wants and needs - love, family, and belonging. And he's doing it without fighting anyone. Thanks very much for your response to this chapter, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy what's left of Andy's story.

Glad you liked Monica's momentary eye-twinkle. Both she and Andy have come far in their relationship. This is a new, surprising Andy. Zander had some difficulty adjusting to a boy who doesn't need to cling anymore. Andy is reaching for things he wants and needs - love, family and belonging. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this chapter. Hope you continue to enjoy the remainder of Andy's journal.

is as inspiring as it is beautiful. This is the man we have seen in glimpses and hints, slowly emerging from a broken boy. Nicely done! I loved Monica's quip about studying physics rather than biology. Her relationship with Andy has evolved beautifully. As Rex pointed out, we are left with the implicit cliff hanger, the unanswered questions. What was Jeff's role in Andy's plan? Will Monica and Garret support a marriage? Since Kaz is obviously taken, who will be Andy's best man? Could FPS somehow block a marriage? Which of them is pregnant? More soon please! I am very glad you found this chapter enjoyable and surprising. Andy is emerging into someone who can want something enough - love, family, belonging - to do something about it on his own. In some ways, Zander is the one who has to adjust to this new, surprising Andy. And of course, there are lots of shoes left to drop. The boys will have to come in from the barn sooner or later...on Friday. Thanks for your kind words and reflections. Hope you will enjoy the remainder of Andy's journal.

Hope you enjoyed the surprise. Thanks for staying with the story to this point.

Minor emancipation would certainly have been an option. But perhaps Andy's love for Zander and his family blinded him to that option. More than anything, Andy wants to belong and to love - and right now, he's in love with Zander. Thanks so much for your remarks and for your continued reading of this story.

Andy spend a night in Garrett's law books, and more time online researching, and then more time thinking everything through. Still, there could be some obvious problems ahead. Thanks a lot for continuing to read Andy's story, and for your thoughts on this chapter.

New word: a 'Zanderzine.' I love it. It was a moment when Andy took the initiative and changed their lives. It was good to hear from Zander about how he saw it; we knew Andy would be nervous about it. You're right - wanting something - love and family and belonging - has won out over fear and anxiety. Thank you very much for your reflections, and for continuing to follow Andy's journal.