Reviews from

Picking Up Where We Left Off

Where there is life, there's hope

33 total reviews 
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Excellent. The gravity and the joy. Great work.
Of course I've read the 'pushing' scene a thousand times, but you did it masterfully.
Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
    Thanks very much, Wayne. I appreciate this. I'm so curious, though: why did you read the 'pushing' scene so much...or were you just toying with me? hahaha
reply by Wayne Fowler on 16-Jan-2024
    lol
    I didn't, deliberately. But the entries to this contest presented several. And other reading (and movies) over the years. And... I'm sometimes given to hyperbole. (smiley face here)
Comment from jenintorre
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This story and poem has made me sob uncontrollably. They are amazing. I suspect that this is true and my heart goes out to you. So incredibly well written. Surely a winning entry for the competition. Good luck and best wishes. Jen.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
    Good Morning, Jen ~
    Thank you very, very much for this wonderful review. I promise, though, that this is completely fiction. But your thinking it's real is the ultimate compliment, for sure.

    Thank you, also, for the well-wishes for the contest. Your generosity has started my week out on SUCH a high! Very much appreciated.
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Those memorable times, much of which, many would rather forget. But wouldn't take nothing for those wonderful bundles of joy, who grow up to drive us mad. LOL. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    I'm pretty sure that's why G-d makes them so irresistably cute, don't you?
reply by Ric Myworld on 15-Jan-2024
    I'm sure! :-)
Comment from GregoryCody
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

WOW. I'm taken aback. The STORY. Whoa. But not only that, it is the Way it is written. Certain lines just stand out.
Another vicious siege begins. Sounds really good. Also, you are about to PULL emotions out of the reader. Really set the scene. GREAT JOB!!!

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    You always write the BEST reviews! You make me feel like an accomplished, genuine writer every time. Thank you for that
Comment from John Ciarmello
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a gorgeous piece!

The words bittersweet come to mind, but they all seemed lost in the revelation of her dad's red hair.

We live on in others, whether it's looks or mannerisms, and this story precludes all doubt. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    Oh my, this is as lovely a review as I could ever have hoped for from this piece. Thank you times a million zillion.
Comment from Mintybee
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well, that had emotion, didn't it!! That moved from tragedy to whimsy, from death to birth. You also shifted the perspective right along with the tone. I think this was well done. Best wishes in the contest!
Mintybee

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    I appreciate your feedback very much. Thank you!
Comment from Mrs. KT
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello, Mystery Writer,
What a heartbreaking story that deeply resonates with me.
Your story is moving and realistic.
And what a transformative moment the mother experiences when her daughter is born.
I love the metaphor of her daughter being "My first lullaby."

Sending you virtual six stars, Mystery Writer.

Best Wishes!
diane

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    I'll take 'em and gratefully. Thanks very much for this lovely review.
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I sure hope you do well with this story and poem of yours in the contest. What a wonderful tribute to your husband, your daughter, and you, too. Am I thinking that her daddy did not come home? Sad news if that happened.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    Thank you for this very generous review and for the well wishes in the contest, too. I appreciate both very much.

    This is fiction. The father died in a hit-and-run before the mom had a chance to even give him the news of her pregnancy.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. Having given birth to five sons, I'm glad to read this. You expressed both the pain and the joy of delivering a baby in very a tactful manner. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    Wow! FIVE SONS!! I am Amateur Hour by comparison! Thanks for the very nice review.
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is very well written, and I am right there with you as far as giving birth. It can be a very stressful time for any woman and I'm sure that yours had to be more stressful because of the situation. I wish you the very best with all of your writing, and I wish you the very best in the contest. Patricia.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    It's so funny, Patricia. Every single female reviewer has mentioned the agony of the physical act of giving birth! I've learned here that it can be triggered quite easily in all its ferocity!

    This is a fiction piece, though. But the fact that you thought it was autobiographical is encouraging to me. It means the situation felt genuine Thank you for that!
reply by patcelaw on 15-Jan-2024
    I had four pregnancies, and gave birth to four children. I did not have a great deal of pain with my pregnancies however, as God was good to me and spared me that.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
    Nice life perk, that one!!!