Mancunian

It's BOGOF day, Buy One Get One Free, lol.

A great short simple story of the power of belief, have a tissue ready.

A Christmas tear jerker of the good sort, I'm getting used to reading through tears.

Chillingly well written, I liked the ghostly twist.

I loved it but I'd also like to read more about Karel and his story, I'll bet there is one there so I'll be cheeky and ask for a follow-up about him, Sinterklaas would approve, lol.

Chester's story is one that is all too common but never heard, it's well written with understanding of a sensitive subject. Thank you for writing it for all the Chesters of this world.

It's already been said that it's moving and haunting, it's more than that. It's a reminder of how cruel life can be, it gives then takes away. It could not have been written with more compassion and feeling, I read most of it through tears.

A story full of love that also contains heartbreak and hatred, love wins out but doesn't conquer all. Beautifully written with compassion and a compelling read.

Ernest & Julio Gallo Wineries produce some very good wines, red and white, all of which are very reasonably priced if you look them up you won't be disappointed

Gallo wineries have made some very good award winning cab' sov's and it's from California just go the even year vintages they are the best

there's no argument with that, there's nothing wrong with a good cab' sov' it's always a good stand by

try a Nuits St George, with its fruity cherry and blackberry notes it goes well with most red meats unless well done as well as turkey and game, I'd recommend a 1978 vintage if you can get it although it will cost.

A problem stops being a problem when you see it as a challenge, now is the time to meet your challenges. Anon.

We all go through some very emotional times in our lives, some of those times are fairly easy for us to handle and don't become a problem, unfortunately some are those times are not so easy and they hit us hard. I'm sorry that you are experiencing the latter, but encouraged that you recognise that and have found your outlet to help you handle it, it shows your strength. It still won't be easy, at least not at the start, but this is your beginning of your journey in learning how to move forward and improving your situation and your life, and things will improve and become easier in time. I wish you well and encourage you to continue to post, many of us will support you and your posts will help us to understand and give you that support. And please do not apologise for being human and having feelings.

It's a well written beautiful story full of understanding of this aspect of life. I wept because of the sadness and I wept because of the relief that the ending brings. It's very true to life, well worth a read. Thank you.

As I was born in Birmingham and having spent half of my life there I can say that brum spoken with or without a Birmingham accent does not mean gay, it is a local colloquialism for Birmingham and has been in use for hundreds of years, is derived from Brom Widge which was the name of the original hamlet that became Birmingham, and Thorn you are probably right in that it remains as a lazy way to refer to Birmingham as it is shorter.

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK, I think we should, and I'd like to add my two penny worth. Although in many respects I've not had that good of a year I've still many things to be thankful for, too many to list. But what I am especially thankful for is that I am in a position where, although I am not especially wealthy, I am in a position where I can share what I do have, and this I happily do. I am also thankful for having had someone special in my life who loved and supported me and made me who I am today.

We all have moments in our past that we would change if it were possible, but we all have to come to terms with the fact that it is not possible. So when we look back on those moments we need to look for the positives that can come out of it, however tenuous they may be. It's those positives, no matter how insignificant they may seem, that make us who we are today, and give us the opportunity to influence our futures. Reflect without regret, forgive ourselves for our pasts, and make tomorrow the start of a brighter future for us and our loved ones. I wish everyone the best and a bright and happy future.

that's three big pots of stew made, I need to buy another stew pot three is never enough.

As my dad always said, 'You only live once and this is not a rehearsal. You should always be the best person that you can, do your best in everything you do, never do harm, help where you can. If you give love and respect it will be returned, maybe not by everyone, but by enough to make it worthwhile. Then when you leave this world you can do so with a good heart and your head held high.' That's a lesson I'll never forget and try to pass on.

Yep sometimes it happens.

A beautiful but heartbreaking story.