Daddydavek

Most of the others have mentioned it but here is the quote: “So, you’re the one who talked my son into quitting the Army.” Now we have no idea whether dad likes or hates that idea. However, after his son is deployed and he has to worry about if he comes back, he may either like the idea more or at least understand where our hero is coming from. Good job and you do know how to end a chapter on a good line.....

Nice job letting Zach spell it out for Will. Loved the "bro-code" reference. I was surprised to see Brad suggest that they spend the weekend in the condo. Loved the chapter! More please.

The timeline doesn't have to be continuous. The story could be taken up after a year or so of desk jobs when George gets another and larger ship....

I like both teams but the Sherman interview made me turn the TV off. I refuse to look at or listen to such spiteful BS. And he is a Stanford graduate so I can't cut him any slack for being a dumb jock. While it would be great for Seattle to win a Superbowl, I am going for age over beauty and backing Peyton and the Broncos. I just hope it is a good game and not just a spectacle. Hopefully, the weather that weekend will cooperate like it did for the Broncos-Pats game.

I don't like Mondays! Bon Jovi and Geldoff

I too thought that Wade's entire behavior at the party was out of character and suspect it was a product of just how out of sorts he is in his grief and the prospect of losing Matt entirely. I am beginning to think more and more that the trajectory of their relationship is headed for a final crash. While I used to worry about Brad and Robbie breaking up, as I said in my review, I somehow don't get the feeling that Wade and Matt's relationship is as central to them as Brad and Robbie's was to them. Tony is history. Whether Zach is just taking Will for a ride or not is a chance Will is willing to take and it is clear he thinks the others should just let him enjoy the ride while he can for as long as he can. Which is not so unusual for him.

My take from this chapter is that the guys are having ongoing major problems dealing with their grief which is expected and how they are dealing with it or trying to ignore it is central. Wade is probably having a harder time than I had gathered prior to this chapter. Brad seems to be making progress and Will is hit hard. Matt still on the team isn't a surprise. Wade confronting Tony was a surprise and said a lot about how unwell he is dealing with things. I now wonder more whether Wade and Matt will ever repair their relationship. Of course I used to have the same concerns for Brad and Robbie, but somehow, Wade and Matt's relationship never seemed as central to either of them. At least Will is still actively seeking help and getting counseled. So while there may be explosions at least he is talking and getting some feedback to help understand his reactions and how to deal with them. Brad too is continuing to get help. I don't see any indications that ongoing counseling is part of the ongoing plans for Wade, much less Matt.

Still wondering where Mark takes 9.11's story line next and it's only Friday.....

Damn those geeky types sure are high maintenance and the sex scenes are smokin'.

It is a tough choice. At the moment it's a song written by Carol King called "You've got a friend". It was a big hit for James Taylor and also for her as her singing version was on her best selling album "Tapestry". I know many think of them like in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIMJBDj_JkE However, I think of them like they looked in 1971. Carol plays the piano on both. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RPCFfudmU

Can't wait to see how meeting the family goes!

Are we talking a 7 inch paper plate or a 12 inch banquet dinner plate?

It all sounds so self-evident when Westie explains it.

I liked Canuck's review of Chapter 75 but you can't "like" a review so I have to give a shout-out here!

The most revealing part of Chapter 66 was the transformed Brad challenging Frank. And then Frank's own transformation calling out Matt in a way no one else could and telling him to grow up, resign from the team, and get on with being an adult. For me that was a truly unexpected development. However, I am waiting for another shoe to drop so to speak and wonder just how much and how far Matt will actually take Frank's instructions to heart.

Wow a twofer! Another amazing chapter! Granger's luck this time in London seems much different than the last time. And now we have the "Guild" to wonder about.

The beginning warrants an 'A'. The middle warrants an 'A'. The end warrants an 'A+'. JP has matured and gotten wiser over the years and demonstrated that in his handling of Matt. The writing was excellent The interaction at the table through the exchange between Matt and Will was also excellent. The clarion call by Brad for Frank to shoulder his responsibilities and Frank's response was outstandingly excellent! Bravo! More please!

Was it: Snoopy V.S. The Red Baron -- The Royal Guardsmen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtJ1Gnh9wPU

I think it's apparent that Tim's birthday wasn't as completely fun filled and diverting as I hoped....

A really strong, emotional chapter showing that loved ones who are caregivers have a huge load that can sometimes overwhelm them. I think the scene in the pool was perhaps the best written description of this that I have seen in quite some time. And it was so true to life.

Westie's point is a summation of what Mark has been saying about Matt. Mark went further and stated he doubted anyone really realizes just how impacted Matt was by 9.11. So I'm sure that emotional baggage is certainly a big part Matt's actions but RJO is right. Matt has been less thoughtful of Wade's sensibilities forever and more apt to overreact to Wade's dips on the wild side in response to his own. Additionally, Matt has been somewhat reconciled with the parents who raised him. While I'm sure that JP can see Matt from a more balanced perspective, JP is all about family loyalty and Matt is not. And that is why I suspect big changes, even so far as Matt graduating and going into the military.....

Happy Birthday Tim! & I hope your day is perfect!

I can certainly understand your frustration about all the things you discussed, especially feeling a need to be doing meaningful work. I suspect you have dealt and continue to deal with several other frustrations which you haven't mentioned as well. If you are looking for options, I can only suggest that you channel your available energy into doing something that you find meaningful and which will not tax your treatment regimen. You have been smart and resourceful so far and seem to really have a good understanding of when and how to seek medical help. Use some of those smarts to come up with goal that you can achieve within the absolute limits you face. And push your limits where and whenever possible. It seems you want a challenge and I think you realize that and just need a nudge to make some plans.

In his responses to reviews and in the forum Mark gives us some of his insight into his character Matt. While everyone reacts individually to grief, Mark has indicated that Matt was particularly affected by Robbie's death and was having a hard time. He also said that Matt is clinging to his last year as an undergrad in an almost sophomoric way. In another place he stated that Matt wasn't as screwed up as Robbie was in college and that would be hard to argue. My point is, that Matt has been coming across as a bit of a shit lately, especially toward Wade who truly has his own crosses to bear. That he also pointedly crossed the line with Tony despite Will's strong advice not to had to be somewhat calculated and not just a loss of hormonal control. Finally, the chapter ended with Matt pissed off and going to see JP & Steff in mood not conducive to reason and I expect fireworks. A controlled display from JP and Steff and an uncontrolled one from Matt. My fear is that Matt could cross the line with JP and Steff and find himself in a really bad place. Hopefully Mark has a solution for what I fear could be some really rough going for Matt.

Happy Birthday Cassie! & Many, many more!