Remembering Yesterday
Viewing comments for Chapter 114 "The End of a Bang-Up Year"A widow's journey into her relationship with her
20 total reviews
Comment from barbara.wilkey
We were living in Germany when the Wall came down. It was so great to actually witness history happen and to see the difference between free Berlin and communist Berlin. The difference was shocking. I am enjoying reading your memoirs.
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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We were living in Germany when the Wall came down. It was so great to actually witness history happen and to see the difference between free Berlin and communist Berlin. The difference was shocking. I am enjoying reading your memoirs.
Comment Written 11-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you Barbara. I'll bet that was interesting and something you will never forget. For most of us it was just an item in the news but for those involved it made a tremendous difference.
Beth
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
My word, Beth, you did have a really bad year, didn't you? I'd never heard that a room that was so cold could set off a fire alarm, I take it that was happened as you never mentioned it again.
I hope Christi soon came to her senses and let Paul go, no amount of letters and gifts can change a persons feelings, but at the same time, when someone wants to finish with you, our ego side will often pretend he doesn't. Love has many different emotions, some very painful. Another wonderful part, my friend. It could easily be a drama series on the TV! Dallas comes to mind!! Well done, I look forward to the next part. :)) Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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My word, Beth, you did have a really bad year, didn't you? I'd never heard that a room that was so cold could set off a fire alarm, I take it that was happened as you never mentioned it again.
I hope Christi soon came to her senses and let Paul go, no amount of letters and gifts can change a persons feelings, but at the same time, when someone wants to finish with you, our ego side will often pretend he doesn't. Love has many different emotions, some very painful. Another wonderful part, my friend. It could easily be a drama series on the TV! Dallas comes to mind!! Well done, I look forward to the next part. :)) Sandra xxx
Comment Written 11-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you Sandra, I truly appreciate the fine review. I've always believed that our lives are like soap operas. I'm sure that is the reason we watch because we can see ourselves in those same situations.
Beth
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
It certainly was a bang-up year! That was the perfect title for this chapter. You had two kids with relationships on the rocks (not including Carol's marriage and Don's roller coaster ride with Kimberly), Connie's rejection from Toys R Us, the awful suicide of a young neighbor, your broken ankle (with that awful time in the ER) and Glen's matching injury!
Here are some suggested revisions: (it would be nice to revise the year, itself ;-)
She and Paul were an on-again off-again couple for several months.
-->
She and Paul were an on-again, off-again couple for several months.
We both tried to get her to see a psychiatrist, and try to get some help,
-->
We both tried to get her to see a psychiatrist, and get some help,
...and then they would be back together. talking about getting married ...
-->
...and then they would be back together, talking about getting married ...
She and Lenny and two of their friends applied for work at Toys R Us.
[I don't think you need to italicize "Toys R Us," as it's not the title of a book or a play, it's a corporation/store.]
...and he decided to enlist in the army.
-->
...and he decided to enlist in the Army.
Jason's answer to this delima was to kill himself.
-->
Jason's answer to this dilemma was to kill himself. [Maybe "quandary" or "predicament" would be a better word... "dilemma" almost implies that there is a way out, and you can't negotiate with the Army]
...and she regretted not listening to Don when he tried to talk her out of marrying Glen.
-->
...and she regretted not listening to Don, when he tried to talk her out of marrying Glen.
Don was already too involved with Kimberly. and he felt he should share everything with her including Carol's letter.
-->
Don was already too involved with Kimberly, and he felt he should share everything with her, including Carol's letter. [OH, NO!]
We spent the afternoon going up the Saint John river ...
-->
We spent the afternoon going up the Saint John River, ...
We also went to Daytona beach ...
-->
We also went to Daytona Beach ...
...we went to North Carolina and visited The Biltmore Estates,
-->
...we went to North Carolina and visited the Biltmore Estates,
...built by the Vanderbilt family in the 1890's.
-->
...built by the Vanderbilt family in the 1890s.
It took six years to build and is the largest single family home in America with 250 rooms.
-->
It took six years to build, and is the largest single-family home in America, with 250 rooms.
All of your siblings came up and spent a couple of nights with us ...
-->
All of your siblings came up and spent a couple of nights with us, ...
and caused over 5 billion dollars in damages.
-->
and caused over $5 billion in damages.
The one sounding the ear-piercing alarm was in a room we had closed off ...
-->
The one sounding the ear-piercing alarm was in a room we had closed off, ...
The temperature had fallen to 5 degrees F. below 0,
-->
The temperature had fallen to -5° F,
...he declared we would need and orthopedic surgeon to set it.
-->
...he declared we would need an orthopedic surgeon to set it.
She has completed half of her junion year of high school.
-->
She has completed half of her junior year of high school.
Lenny is Connie's boyfirend.
-->
Lenny is Connie's boyfriend.
Other's mentioned: Pau is Chirist's latest boyfiend.
-->
Others mentioned: Paul is Christi's latest boyfriend.
***
The suicide of your young neighbor was particularly awful -- what a terrible way to get out of going into the service! Of course, if he wanted to get away from his parents (authority figures), escaping to the military (even more intense authority figures) was certainly ill-advised, but unfortunately, he didn't figure that out until he was locked into it. So sad. And then there was the guy in the ER, who got treated for the heart attack while you waited, and waited... and then he died, anyway. And all those people died in the S.F. earthquake. Sometimes life is just sad, like it is today, during this pandemic.
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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It certainly was a bang-up year! That was the perfect title for this chapter. You had two kids with relationships on the rocks (not including Carol's marriage and Don's roller coaster ride with Kimberly), Connie's rejection from Toys R Us, the awful suicide of a young neighbor, your broken ankle (with that awful time in the ER) and Glen's matching injury!
Here are some suggested revisions: (it would be nice to revise the year, itself ;-)
She and Paul were an on-again off-again couple for several months.
-->
She and Paul were an on-again, off-again couple for several months.
We both tried to get her to see a psychiatrist, and try to get some help,
-->
We both tried to get her to see a psychiatrist, and get some help,
...and then they would be back together. talking about getting married ...
-->
...and then they would be back together, talking about getting married ...
She and Lenny and two of their friends applied for work at Toys R Us.
[I don't think you need to italicize "Toys R Us," as it's not the title of a book or a play, it's a corporation/store.]
...and he decided to enlist in the army.
-->
...and he decided to enlist in the Army.
Jason's answer to this delima was to kill himself.
-->
Jason's answer to this dilemma was to kill himself. [Maybe "quandary" or "predicament" would be a better word... "dilemma" almost implies that there is a way out, and you can't negotiate with the Army]
...and she regretted not listening to Don when he tried to talk her out of marrying Glen.
-->
...and she regretted not listening to Don, when he tried to talk her out of marrying Glen.
Don was already too involved with Kimberly. and he felt he should share everything with her including Carol's letter.
-->
Don was already too involved with Kimberly, and he felt he should share everything with her, including Carol's letter. [OH, NO!]
We spent the afternoon going up the Saint John river ...
-->
We spent the afternoon going up the Saint John River, ...
We also went to Daytona beach ...
-->
We also went to Daytona Beach ...
...we went to North Carolina and visited The Biltmore Estates,
-->
...we went to North Carolina and visited the Biltmore Estates,
...built by the Vanderbilt family in the 1890's.
-->
...built by the Vanderbilt family in the 1890s.
It took six years to build and is the largest single family home in America with 250 rooms.
-->
It took six years to build, and is the largest single-family home in America, with 250 rooms.
All of your siblings came up and spent a couple of nights with us ...
-->
All of your siblings came up and spent a couple of nights with us, ...
and caused over 5 billion dollars in damages.
-->
and caused over $5 billion in damages.
The one sounding the ear-piercing alarm was in a room we had closed off ...
-->
The one sounding the ear-piercing alarm was in a room we had closed off, ...
The temperature had fallen to 5 degrees F. below 0,
-->
The temperature had fallen to -5° F,
...he declared we would need and orthopedic surgeon to set it.
-->
...he declared we would need an orthopedic surgeon to set it.
She has completed half of her junion year of high school.
-->
She has completed half of her junior year of high school.
Lenny is Connie's boyfirend.
-->
Lenny is Connie's boyfriend.
Other's mentioned: Pau is Chirist's latest boyfiend.
-->
Others mentioned: Paul is Christi's latest boyfriend.
***
The suicide of your young neighbor was particularly awful -- what a terrible way to get out of going into the service! Of course, if he wanted to get away from his parents (authority figures), escaping to the military (even more intense authority figures) was certainly ill-advised, but unfortunately, he didn't figure that out until he was locked into it. So sad. And then there was the guy in the ER, who got treated for the heart attack while you waited, and waited... and then he died, anyway. And all those people died in the S.F. earthquake. Sometimes life is just sad, like it is today, during this pandemic.
Comment Written 11-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you for another wonderful review and you great editing ability.
I fixed everything as you suggested except the degree symbol. When I tried something the computer suggested it took me out of edit and I had to start over. Can you tell me how to do it. I'm so pleased you are continuing to deal with me and my misplaced punctuation. You are the best editor on FanStory by far. I'm thrilled with those sixes but don't need to give them every time. I'm sure there are others who deserve them.
Beth
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You're very welcome, Beth. Thanks for the fantastic compliment! And thanks for saying that, about the sixes... I think I've given you an occasional five, when my sixes were gone, or running low, so I'll keep that in mind :-)
Actually, I am not surprised that the FanStory editor had a fit, with the degree symbol. I should have realized it before I mentioned it to you... the FanStory editor hates symbols. You may be able to make the other revisions, but leave the word "degree" in there. With the FanStory editor, you can't use curly quotation marks, or the accent over the "e" in the word "fiance," without a bunch of crazy letters and symbols appearing in your writing. So, put the degree mark in when you have it published, but I'm sorry I suggested that as a revision here; I wasn't thinking!
God bless you, my friend.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Sankey
This was a very dramatic read from all sorts of angles. 2 things to look at. You had a comma with a "but" I am told should not happen but up to you. he declared we would need an[d] orthopedic surgeon
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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This was a very dramatic read from all sorts of angles. 2 things to look at. You had a comma with a "but" I am told should not happen but up to you. he declared we would need an[d] orthopedic surgeon
Comment Written 11-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you so much for reviewing another of my chapter. I don't remember learning about no comma with but. I'll have to look into that.
Beth
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Such a treat to read your book--if I'd had it all at once I'd have stayed up all night devouring it. You enrichen it by interweaving in historical details and detailed descriptions of places you visit. Christi is quite disturbed--she and Carol didn't make life easy for you and Evan!
A boy [OMIT COMMA] on the street behind us [INSERT COMMA] who was a friend of Connie's, committed suicide.
delima=>DILEMMA
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Such a treat to read your book--if I'd had it all at once I'd have stayed up all night devouring it. You enrichen it by interweaving in historical details and detailed descriptions of places you visit. Christi is quite disturbed--she and Carol didn't make life easy for you and Evan!
A boy [OMIT COMMA] on the street behind us [INSERT COMMA] who was a friend of Connie's, committed suicide.
delima=>DILEMMA
Comment Written 11-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you again for finding my life interesting and for a great review. I guess as long as I live and see my children weekly, I'll always be mixed up in their lives, although I don't have much influence on their decisions. I'll just observe and let them do what they will.
Beth
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Kids that are now adults and ready to fly and have their own adventures and families. This it's a nice chapter but also a hard one from the life of any parent.
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Kids that are now adults and ready to fly and have their own adventures and families. This it's a nice chapter but also a hard one from the life of any parent.
Comment Written 11-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you Iza. Yes it will be a relief to have the fly away and have their adventures. Life is full of up and downs and I guess that is what makes it interesting. Thanks for reviewing my story.
Beth
Comment from Jay Squires
Beth, more happened to you during the year 1989 than any 5 years of my life. (I've never broken a bone, so *knock on wood*!) Your asides to Evan are quite effective. You seem to have been an integral part of all your children's lives, and many were apparently unlucky in love. You have come out of it a strong and kind person, Beth. I enjoy your memoir.
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Beth, more happened to you during the year 1989 than any 5 years of my life. (I've never broken a bone, so *knock on wood*!) Your asides to Evan are quite effective. You seem to have been an integral part of all your children's lives, and many were apparently unlucky in love. You have come out of it a strong and kind person, Beth. I enjoy your memoir.
Comment Written 10-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you so much for reviewing my story. I doubt the statement that more happened to me in one year to me than happened to you in five. I left an awful lot of what happened out. We all have lives filled with all kind of things, but most people prefer to filter it out. I seemed to be cursed by remembering it all. LOL At least you didn't break anything. I really appreciate the review.
Comment from Ben Colder
Things were really tough on her. The world was caving in and to deal with teenage killing themselves is something I have dealt with when on the mission field. Tough spirit to deal with but it can be done.
I ran out of six. Enjoyed the read.
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Things were really tough on her. The world was caving in and to deal with teenage killing themselves is something I have dealt with when on the mission field. Tough spirit to deal with but it can be done.
I ran out of six. Enjoyed the read.
Comment Written 10-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you Ben, It is always a pleasure to have you review my work. I hope things are going well for you. I look forward to reading your next post.
Beth
Comment from Begin Again
Oh my...what a mess when it comes to doctors and hospitals - Ugh! Add to that the fiascos of our children and the world is spinning upside down. Another well-written chapter. Smiles to you- Carol
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reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Oh my...what a mess when it comes to doctors and hospitals - Ugh! Add to that the fiascos of our children and the world is spinning upside down. Another well-written chapter. Smiles to you- Carol
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 10-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you so much Carol. That was one year I wouldn't care to repeat. I do appreciate your review.
Beth
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
That doesn't sound like a good way of ending the year. A lot happened in the world that year that was good. But, in your family a few disasters. We never know from one day to the next what is waiting for us.
Ralf
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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That doesn't sound like a good way of ending the year. A lot happened in the world that year that was good. But, in your family a few disasters. We never know from one day to the next what is waiting for us.
Ralf
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 10-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
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Thank you Ralf, It wasn't a good way to end the year but it is the way it ended. You are right. Surprises happen and they are not always pleasant.
Beth
