Reviews from

No stories

Why there are

30 total reviews 
Comment from Judy Lawless
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You may not have the kind of stories called for in some of the contests, Wendy, but you do have some beautiful memories of your grandparents, especially your grandmother. It so sad that PTSD was not a diagnosed thing back then, and was no help, other than drugs for those who suffered from it.

I wondered how many people would have stories to share of living with their grandparents. Mine were all gone before I was even born. That makes me sad too.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 15-Sep-2022
    Thank you Judy. I appreciate your thoughtful and encouraging words, and I agree about not many children living with their grandparents. It would not be common, and yet it would be wonderful to hear everyone?s stories, and you may have some passed down by your parents which you could then share.
    Wendy
reply by Judy Lawless on 16-Sep-2022
    You're most welcome, Wendy. Thank you for your thoughtful reply. :)
Comment from Anne Johnston
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you so much, Wendy, for sharing this interesting story about your grandparents. Sorry, you did not have a more loving relationship with them and don't have a lot of stories from them. You did well on this one with not having your computer.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 15-Sep-2022
    Thank you very much Anne! A lovely review, appreciated, as always.
    Wendy
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Seems you may have missed out on some of what your grandparents could have shared with you when they lived with you.

You go on to explain your grandfather's "shell shock" as the reason for his silence.

Perhaps he simply preferred not to live alone and maybe the pill bottles were his answer to that situation.

Sure you do wish you had some stories. Bet you feel like there is something missing that can not be filled.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 15-Sep-2022
    Thanks Brett, you?ve understood well, and yes, the pills were his solution to not continuing alone. I appreciate your thoughts and review.
    Wendy
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a fine essay, explaining your sorrow about your lack of a rich tapestry of family memories that some of us have been lucky enough to have. Thanks for sharing. Kate xx

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 15-Sep-2022
    Thank you very much for your understanding review! Appreciated. Wendy
Comment from Michaela Moore
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your title and ending line is an excellent frame around this beautiful and poignant story. Tears came many times while reading this. There are so many similarities to my own dear grandparents. And even their ending is similar in a way. My grandfather died 6 months after he and my grandmother moved into a retirement home, with my grandmother dying not long after. But your love and honor for your grands comes through in a sweet melodious way throughout your story. What a loving homage.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 15-Sep-2022
    Thank you! Your review brought tears to my eyes as well! Not everyone has grandparents who can take them on picnics, go fishing, tell stories etc, but we still love and honour them greatly. I am encouraged by your words and caring thoughts and sharing of your experience as well.
    Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Wendy,
I'm sorry that your grandparents didn't have stories to share with you, but you managed to write a delightful story about their lives. I suppose that only those who have seen first hand the horrors of war can truly relate to what those those heroes have gone through. I personally feel that all veterans everywhere should be afforded the honor they deserve and that extends to meeting their medical, physical and emotional needs. I loved hearing about the fruit trees. My neighbor had a mulberry tree, and the birds would eat them and crap all over everything. What a mess. Well done gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 15-Sep-2022
    Yes, our hands (and mouths) would be stained purple, and we always had to take our shoes off before going inside, and make sure they were clean.
    I agree re how we respect our veterans. There is more awareness, and also more help now. Then they were just expected to "get over it" alone. My father likewise after WW2 never spoke of what he?d experienced. He lost his twin brother.
    Thank you so much for an amazing review, and the honour and encouragement of six stars. Very highly valued and appreciated.
    Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was so haunting in its presentation. You don't assume to understand why your grandfather acted the way he did. You go by what you were told. Your regret with never really connecting comes through. This was an excellent piece of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gretchen

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 14-Sep-2022
    Thank you so very much Gretchen. What a lovely review. We still loved them both, and accepted them as they were, and that?s what I really wanted to express, despite no " special" memories or stories. I appreciate your understanding review.
    Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your presentation is not plain. You've shared beautiful memories of your grandparents, and how you viewed them when you were young. After World War II, there was no treatment for shell shock, and returning veterans lived a tormented life. My working career was with returning Viet Nam veterans, at a time when PTSD was recognized and treated. I enjoyed your memories of a simple time gone forever.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 14-Sep-2022
    Thank you very much. A very understanding and thoughtful review, which I appreciate.
    Wendy
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wendy, how I wish I had six stars for this one. Brilliantly written with the repetition of I wish I had stories to tell. You highlight poignant details in the story that increase the emotional impact on the reader. This is truly one of your deepest and most emotionally honest posts. So well done. I owe you a six.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 14-Sep-2022
    Wow, thank you so much for considering it worthy of a six in your mind. I appreciate your amazing words of encouragement a great deal.
    Wendy
Comment from joann r romei
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This was wonderful, what a lovely tribute to your grandparents, i feel for your Grandpa, you were lucky to have had them, even if they were the quiet type.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2022


reply by the author on 14-Sep-2022
    Thank you so much Joann. Your thoughtful words show great understanding, and I am both thankful and honoured to receive six stars!
    Wendy