Bill W

TJ’s breathing continued to improve over the following week but Dion, Dad, and I all kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn’t suffer a setback. I’m grateful that we have a doctor in the house who can monitor these situations for us and keep me from freaking out, since I’m the protective and emotional one in our family. Danny also put off TJ’s next vaccinations until the following week, to make certain his breathing had improved first. I took him to Danny’s office the following Tuesday

Thanks, Danilo.

Interesting analogy.

Thanks, Jim. I'll consider your suggestion and appreciate your support.

I got the idea from a master of the craft.

You're welcome. I hope it was realistic and might do some good if read by the right individuals.

As Franklin began to realize where he was, and what he’d just been through, he also became aware that his son and daughter were there with his wife. Apparently his screams had awakened the entire family, and seeing his son brought back visions of what he’d just witnessed concerning the boy. Feeling embarrassed and having a deep sense of regret, he got up and went over to hug Tim. “Remember, son,” he whispered in his ear, “there is nothing you can do that would ever make me stop loving you.”

Pat did not fall asleep after the Ghost of Christmas Present departed, because he could feel the presence of the final spirit long before he saw it. He dropped to his knees and remained in that position as soon as the next apparition appeared. It was dressed entirely in black and its head was cover with a hood as it gracefully drifted toward him. This spirit didn’t speak and Phelps was unable to make out any features on its face. “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, I fear you more than the oth

This time Franklin was awakened by a deep, throaty voice that was summoning him. “Franklin Phelps, come forward and get to know me better,” the voice roared. Franklin got up and staggered into the living room where he spied a giant of a man dressed in a forest green robe. He also had a wreath of holy wrapped around his head and he was lounging in Franklin’s favorite chair in the living room. “I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Have you ever seen another like me before?” “No, I’m

Franklin wasn’t able to slumber for very long, however, because a bright light filled the entire room and awakened him. He attempted to shield his eyes from the blinding glare, but he was unable to keep his eyes open for very long, and then he heard a child-like voice speak. “I will cover the light of truth so you might behold me,” it uttered, and Franklin was soon able to see the form of a woman dressed in a long, flowing robe and wearing some sort of a helmet. Phelps believed the ove

Patsy Falwell was dead, of that there can be no doubt. This must be understood, because if this weren’t so then nothing wonderful could come of this story. Falwell died on Christmas Eve seven years ago, but the man who Falwell had dutifully served for many years wasn’t at his bedside when he passed away. He was busy preparing for the Christmas Eve service at the church, although he did officiate at Patsy’s funeral service three days later. You see, Christmas Eve was a busy, yet joyous time

Scrooge becomes a religious zealot named Franklin Phelps. He has some troubling beliefs about gays and on Christmas Eve he first encounters the spirit of his former associate, Patsy Falwell, followed by three ghosts that attempt to help him redefine his position, but will they succeed?

Adoption ceremonies are always touching and important to those involved, but in particular LGBTQ kids who are taken in, often from abusive situations. I'm glad these special times touch you, as well as they do me. Thanks for the feedback, flesco.

Thanks for the comments, flesco, and I'm glad you're enjoying this series. It was originally written as an escapist destination for a group of teens that didn't have it so well and I'm glad this series has helped others that weren't in that group. I had fun writing the Haunted House chapter as well, so I'm glad it came across positively, and thank you for the kind words you've offered on behalf of my barely adequate skills.

Yes, unlike biological children who may have been wanted, adopted children are chosen. A unique, and hopefully special, honor that will help to cement the bonds between them and their parents. I'm sure Bennie must have flashbacks, but I suspect he talks the issue over with Joshie or the adults in the house and eventually works his way through the problem. Yes, different boys seem to have a connection with the older generation, other than their dads, which is good. It helps to keep the family close and united, although it has also led to pranks. I'm glad you're enjoying this series.

No, there's never a month when there isn't a birthday in the Currie family - it's just that we don't always share in the birthday celebrations of the older family members. Yes, time speeds by and kids grow up quicker than you might wish. You'll find that's true if you ever become a parent. When I started The Castaway Hotel it was merely meant as an escapist place for some of the boys whom I was chatting with who were dealing with some problems. I was totally shocked by how it caught on with others, of all age groups, and was stunned when they encouraged me to continue the story with another book. Here we are in the 13th book of this series and we're catching up with the current time period, so it can't go on much longer, since I don't plan on writing chapters the go into the future. I'm just grateful for all of the support I've enjoyed while doing this.

Thanks, Tony, and you caught me. I stole the chapter title from Bob Dylan. I hope he doesn't sue me. I try to keep the story as positive, although to keep the story interesting I have to bring in less positive incident to keep the story realistic. That would include the bullying that Tamara and Xander faced, along with the deaths in previous chapters. Hopefully, that doesn't detract from the positive spin I try to put on things. I'm glad you're enjoying this series.

Over the weekend, I had the boys help me take down the props we’d used for the Haunted House and store them away until next year. “That was a lot of work for just doin’ it twice,” commented Joshie. “Yes, it’s kind of like decorating the house for Christmas,” I agreed. “But the Christmas decorations are up longer than these were up for Halloween.” “And that’s especially true for the people who don’t take down their Christmas decorations by New Year’s Day,” joked Dion, which ca

Yes, the bullying has gotten down to the elementary school and Xander bore the brunt of it, but thanks to the principal this should be the end of it. The threat of a creative punishment was enough to deter the bullies, hopefully forever, and Danny and Brandon should be able to help Xander deal with the emotional aspects of the incident. The Haunted House is nearly up and running, so we'll see how it works out this year. I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I did writing it.

Thanks, flesco. I'll try to keep the thinking cap on to impress you.

Yes, Jim, I'm sure that is true. I will keep that in mind in the future. Thanks for the input.

Thanks, Jim. I'm glad you enjoyed the frightening experience from a distance.

Thanks for the wonderful comment, Tony. I'm glad you are enjoying this series and this year's Haunted House. Unfortunately, this series won't last forever, and you'll eventually be seeing that we've caught up with current events. Take care and thanks again for your support.

Thanks, Wesley. I'm glad you approve, but I didn't think the past Haunted Houses were too bad either. lol

Thanks, Danilo, and I'm glad you enjoy the surprise. I felt it would be more appropriate to post it today than waiting until Tuesday.