Phone Calls from Caroline
Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "Mad Enough To Bite Nails"A cousin calls her younger cousin to rant.
28 total reviews
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is a hilarious and enjoyable dialogue only story about a person many of us probably know. Prior to my mother's death, she did not become cranky or demanding. Instead, she became needy and unable to do anything for herself. I used to wonder if she was pretending. Her sister, my aunt, was like Caroline.
Your dialogue was smooth, realistic, and clear, presenting an easily understood story. Well done.
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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This is a hilarious and enjoyable dialogue only story about a person many of us probably know. Prior to my mother's death, she did not become cranky or demanding. Instead, she became needy and unable to do anything for herself. I used to wonder if she was pretending. Her sister, my aunt, was like Caroline.
Your dialogue was smooth, realistic, and clear, presenting an easily understood story. Well done.
Comment Written 27-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Thank you so much for the review and comments. I would hate to have people think I'm making fun of confused people sometimes we have to laugh or cry. I try to be understanding when my cousin calls but she has always had a bad temper. It gets worse as time goes on.
Beth
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Thanks for tipping me off now that the contest is over--nicely done--poignant--you capture her frustration and confusion. I know this is based on your aunt--could have been about other demented people as written!
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Thanks for tipping me off now that the contest is over--nicely done--poignant--you capture her frustration and confusion. I know this is based on your aunt--could have been about other demented people as written!
Comment Written 27-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Thank you for reviewing; I know have the twenty-sex I needed before it expired. She called me a few minutes ago and she is very upset. Now she thinks her daughter has been switched for someone who looks like her. She says her daughter was never that mean before, so it can't really be her.
Beth
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Your dialogue sounds so realistic, Beth. I enjoyed reading your entry. You did a great job. I could visualize this conversation as I read. Your lines flow smoothly and at a good pace. I could feel the frustration of Caroline. Your words are well thought out.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Your dialogue sounds so realistic, Beth. I enjoyed reading your entry. You did a great job. I could visualize this conversation as I read. Your lines flow smoothly and at a good pace. I could feel the frustration of Caroline. Your words are well thought out.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 27-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Thank you Jan. I really appreciate the review and the nic comment, She is modeled after a real person who calls me daily.
Beth
Comment from ShirleyT1
What a great job you've done in your Dialogue Only Prompt Contest Entry. This sounds like a conversation my mother probably had with one of her friends during her last couple of years. She would confuse me with her sister as dementia began to steal her from us. Your story is funny, yet so true as this disease progresses. It's a family disease because everyone is affected. And you learn to laugh about it - so this story fits perfectly!
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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What a great job you've done in your Dialogue Only Prompt Contest Entry. This sounds like a conversation my mother probably had with one of her friends during her last couple of years. She would confuse me with her sister as dementia began to steal her from us. Your story is funny, yet so true as this disease progresses. It's a family disease because everyone is affected. And you learn to laugh about it - so this story fits perfectly!
Comment Written 27-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Thank you, Shirley. I'm glad you don't think I'm being cruel writing about this. I try to be kind and undersstanding when my cousin calls, but sometimes I have to look for the humor. I chaged her name but she is real.
Beth
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I often wonder what kind of old lady I'm going to be one day. We're not having kids so I'll have to find someone else to torment but I'm sure my husband will be around for a long time. I think it can be hard when you're older because you've been through so much. You don't want to be alone but you also don't want a stranger helping you with everything. I get it, but still a hard place to be in. Great job
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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I often wonder what kind of old lady I'm going to be one day. We're not having kids so I'll have to find someone else to torment but I'm sure my husband will be around for a long time. I think it can be hard when you're older because you've been through so much. You don't want to be alone but you also don't want a stranger helping you with everything. I get it, but still a hard place to be in. Great job
Comment Written 26-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Thank you for the review and comments. It isn't easy to realize you're getting older and can't do everything you used to do. No one does it the way you would but if your complain to much, no one will help you at all. She can be a pain but she still makes he laugh.
Beth
Comment from Mary Vigasin
Very well done and entertaining dialogue. It reminds me of my late aunt, although not as sharp-tongued, she would complain about people her entire life. When she passed, she had so many people say that she was a sweet lady who loved people. Yet behind closed doors, she complained about people and that she did not want anyone around.
I guess we all know people like this.
Regards,
Mary
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Very well done and entertaining dialogue. It reminds me of my late aunt, although not as sharp-tongued, she would complain about people her entire life. When she passed, she had so many people say that she was a sweet lady who loved people. Yet behind closed doors, she complained about people and that she did not want anyone around.
I guess we all know people like this.
Regards,
Mary
Comment Written 26-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2021
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Thank you Mary. I appreicate the review and the comments. She is a real lady and this is the way our converssations go. I know she is frustrated but she has always had a temper.
Comment from royowen
The dear soul sounds a little like my mum when she was alive. It's not good to hear someone complain about others to justify themselves is it? This is a great post dear Beth, the dialogue is a great example of what they are looking for in this contest. Well done, good luck, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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The dear soul sounds a little like my mum when she was alive. It's not good to hear someone complain about others to justify themselves is it? This is a great post dear Beth, the dialogue is a great example of what they are looking for in this contest. Well done, good luck, blessings Roy
Comment Written 26-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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This is is the third dialogue story I've written about my cousin. I love her in spite of her temper and I try to be gentle and calm her dow. You said the last one was like your mother also. A lot of people could see this being a real phone call, which it was.
I won second.
Beth
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Yes, it does sound a little like her, I loved her anyway.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I'm afraid some people get angry as they get older. It's one of the horrid things about aging. She is probably very lonely but doesn't realise she's the one who is driving everyone away. I don't know how you can handle someone like that, other than listen and let them call you back when they have calmed down again. This is such a believable dialogue only story, Beth, I'm sure it's a very common one, too. Well done, and good luck in the contest. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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I'm afraid some people get angry as they get older. It's one of the horrid things about aging. She is probably very lonely but doesn't realise she's the one who is driving everyone away. I don't know how you can handle someone like that, other than listen and let them call you back when they have calmed down again. This is such a believable dialogue only story, Beth, I'm sure it's a very common one, too. Well done, and good luck in the contest. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 26-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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Thank you so much for the review. It is pretty much real. My cousin has always been high tempered and thinks people are doing her wrong, but I listen and try to calm her down. I've changed he name for obvious reasons.
Beth
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
Great dialogue! Very well written, even believable! But I certainly wouldn't want to be the one talking to your crazy cousin, Caroline! Or should I say, doing the listening. That lady has got a serious problem with the rest of the human race. But unfortunately, I think we all know one or two people who behave like that.
I only have one or two suggestions, for a change:
Yes, we've established that. What's going on? Who are you angry with?"
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Yes, we've established that. What's going on? Who are you angry with? [you might also want to change this paragraph to italics, to match the rest of the dialogue for this character]
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I think God puts these people in our lives to test our character, and try to help us hone our virtues -- especially patience! Sorry she hung up on you...
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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Great dialogue! Very well written, even believable! But I certainly wouldn't want to be the one talking to your crazy cousin, Caroline! Or should I say, doing the listening. That lady has got a serious problem with the rest of the human race. But unfortunately, I think we all know one or two people who behave like that.
I only have one or two suggestions, for a change:
Yes, we've established that. What's going on? Who are you angry with?"
-->
Yes, we've established that. What's going on? Who are you angry with? [you might also want to change this paragraph to italics, to match the rest of the dialogue for this character]
***
I think God puts these people in our lives to test our character, and try to help us hone our virtues -- especially patience! Sorry she hung up on you...
Comment Written 26-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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Thank you, Mary Kay. I've changed her name. I've very patient with her and she says I'm the only one who understands her. She had a bad temper all her life. I don't mind her hanging up. She get over it and calls me back. Thanks for noticing the things I needed ot correct.
Beth
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You're very welcome, Beth. I thank God that you're there for your cousin -- and it's good that you changed her name, lol. My husband and I have a friend who is just about as crazy, but in a different way. It's mostly my husband who deals with him, on the phone. Sometimes the Lord wants us to show compassion for people with serious issues, because they don't have too many friends and are very lonely. There can also be a humorous side to it sometimes, but primarily, we're there to help them. I also have a cousin who's very lonely, and we talk, but fortunately, she's not unreasonable or abusive at all.
May God bless you and give you strength and wisdom, in this area.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Yardier
Please be patient, please be kind. Alzheimer's disease affects us all on both sides of the coin. We are troubled by the behavior of loved ones we once knew as rational and caring. Our patience and understanding are challenged to a level to which we are not accustomed, and we begin to take it personally. They don't know what they are doing just as we did not know what we were doing as an infant. Soon, all too soon really, we will be that same infant/adult that is angry at our adult children because they don't understand the importance of setting the dinner table with triple-A batteries next to the knife and fork.
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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Please be patient, please be kind. Alzheimer's disease affects us all on both sides of the coin. We are troubled by the behavior of loved ones we once knew as rational and caring. Our patience and understanding are challenged to a level to which we are not accustomed, and we begin to take it personally. They don't know what they are doing just as we did not know what we were doing as an infant. Soon, all too soon really, we will be that same infant/adult that is angry at our adult children because they don't understand the importance of setting the dinner table with triple-A batteries next to the knife and fork.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2021
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I am very kind and patient with her, because she older, but I've known her since she was fifteen and she's always has these anger issues. I don't think she has Alzheimers; She delibertly calls her daughter Mama. She never forgets anything but she always believes people are doing something to spite her. I think she has a personality disorder. Thank you for the review and comments.
