MichaelS36

Your son was hurt by family. I think that's the worst. It's natural to want to say something but we shouldn't unless we are asked. tim's things happened over a number of years, first with his father, then Jeff and then the men who nearly killed him. tim repeats things, because there is no answer, there's no escape. And then he'll say nothing for months until something triggers a memory. The article he's talked about today here and the whole case has brought up memories for him, and I'm sure many others. The law says we will charge the assailants, so the victim doesn't have a choice. EM had no choice, her mother called the police, the police looked into it and charged the five players. In this case it was the wrong thing to do for EM and the five players. Should you have called the police? Would your son have been better off? I don't know, I don't think so. Should the culprit be in jail? In my opinion, yes, he should be. But would that matter to your son, I can't answer that for him. He may want to look into what the law can do for him at a future time. I just hope he can find his way to peace and a good life.

In a word, yes. But we're talking about victims of abuse and the type of care they need. It's a more than simply mattering, they need to be heard and not be judged or dragged unwillingly through the courts just to be told the men who raped them or nearly killed them, like they did tim, are going free. tim's assailants were never caught, but he still relives that even with all the therapy...it doesn't just go away. It becomes easier, but there are still times he needs someone to hear him. Generally, people don't want to listen to these horrible stories. I don't blame them. Sorry, I'm not trying to dismiss your thoughts because you're right we all want to be heard. I think the group here does a good job with that. Sadly, it's our own families who often don't. I know you have been there for tim and me and we're both grateful for that. I hope you know that should you need me, you can pm me anytime.

The whole junior hockey thing has been a mess. I've read a lot about it. I'm a big man. I am well aware of how effective my size can be. I'm well aware of how frightening I can be. I used this often when I had to. I can imagine how frightened this young woman would have been surrounded by five guys like me. They were not friends to her, she didn't know them really. A lot was wrong here. Did they rape her, no, I don't think so. Was she so afraid she tried to keep them 'on side' by offering herself up. Yes. Did these guys think that was what was happening? No, I don't think so. They were drunk, hot, horny young men, they thought she was okay with it. Should this have gone to court? No way in hell. All it did was ruin lives. Should this have been handled differently, yes. The young woman did not want this in court. No one on the legal side cared. As Mr. Bumble said in Oliver Twist, ...If the law supposes that, the law is an ass. I feel sorry for her, aka E.M. and also the men who were boys at the time. I feel sorry for victims like her, like my husband and so many more. The courts don't do too good of a job with this kind of thing. It's really not the 'help' the victims need. The author's story was so touching. Those two 13 year old boys really stepped up and listened. Beautiful. Listening, being present is what victims really want. Just to be heard and cared for.

I suppose we shouldn't be surprised about what governments do. They are only happy if they are holding people down by the neck. The fact that they say they care about people is laughable. Slave away until you die, there are always more of you. It's sad. All the best with the appeal. And thanks to all at your organization. It's good to know some do care.

you'll live ... there's always double donut Friday.

Haha, you're back, my girl. Thanks for the laughs!

Excellent bread. That's all I can say.

Can we have the dining room table back soon?

I'm not disappointed that you ended this like you did. It was an excellent story with a sound epilogue. The men deserved this ending. Men like soldiers or police who work together closely do form close bonds, loving ones but these we cannot really admit or demonstrate in our 'normal' world. Perhaps we can have this in our smaller family groups. I think we sort of do in our small family of three. In any case, Wayne, congratulations on this wonderful story.

No, you shouldn't. However, your advice regarding lists and getting through the day, now with the challenge of insomnia on top everything else, is sound. I'm glad you're listening and doing what is best for you. @mollyhousemouse I hope you are able to do the same. Your best can vary from one day to the next, don't pressure yourself to meet lofty goals. And know that sometimes, getting out of bed can be a lofty goal.

Mmm, indeed.

Very few adult males are innocent, I would think. That's just my opinion, of course.

I'm rather into control, as you may know. And sometimes we need to be firm, to gain control. But control is not cruel or painful. Be as kind as you can be, but as firm as necessary. You show us this very thing in the scene with the General. Empathy - we need more of it, not less. In your story, this is brought by an invader, a parasite, but one that brings benefits, rather than taking from us to the point of death. Now I suppose you'll turn this on its head and everyone will die. Right? Tricksy authors.

I enjoyed this chapter. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the poor nearly unsuspecting General.

Good to see you, rick. Take care and stay in touch when you feel up to it.

I'm glad to see your sunny self returning to us. Take your time and focus on you.

I've discovered over the years that the only way to truly control an author is with a lot of rope. So, I guess we'll see what happens.

Government replaced by worms...sounds like a plan to me... and John and Atticus (there's a name you don't see often, well except in To Kill Mockingbird) It's Monday, Wayne. Not even Tuesday... I'm not a betting man and betting on when you will post the next chapter is a fool's game. LOL. This was a great chapter. A lot of thought went into it and it shows.

You're an intelligent man and a very good writer, but you need to work on your time management skills. Let's begin at the start, how many minutes in an hour, how many hours in a day and how many days in a week? You're a little bit early, which I did see you blamed on mind altering consumables. I suppose that will have to do as an explanation /reason. In any case. Another good chapter. I agree with you, based on what you've shown us so far, the worm would be a nice thing to have for a whole bunch of reasons. However, I am married to an author and I know from first hand experience they can be tricksy (tim's word stolen from LOTR, spoken by Gollum, I believe.)

Amazing work, tim. It's a wonderfully wrought poem. I hope as @Reader1810 said above, that these thoughts and feelings are purged.

Thank you, Parker. he's doing better.

I'm sorry to hear about your burden. I know I speak for tim, when I say you're welcome to reach out or visit Mikiesboy Drop in Centre if you need an ear or shoulder. Living with depression is difficult for the sufferer. I'll admit it's been hard for me, as a carer as well. Take good care of yourself.

As your Husband, sometimes these are difficult for me to comment on. Your friends above are right but I know you and I understand what anxiety and depression do to your sense of self. Hold on to your friend's comments because they are truth. You are robbed of your ability to see what we see when you're feeling low. Read what your friends are saying when you cannot hear us. xo

Yeah, tim mentioned you were happy about it. That's great, but from what I've read you should be proud of all your stories. As well, good stories don't have to be long.