Comment from Badger_29

Exceptional

This is both horrifying and captivating, I read on the edge of my seat on my train ride home from work. I am so sorry that I haven't read all of your wonderful writing.
This is a very melancholy piece, it brought tears to my eyes.
Blessings,
Brother Badger

 Comment Written 17-May-2023

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reply by the author on 18-May-2023

I sent you an explanation of the origin of this story, just took me many years to write about it. Thank you!

reply by Badger_29 on 18-May-2023

You are so welcome, thanks for the update.

Comment from Mintybee

Excellent

This was a captivating story, full of emotion and heartache. The flashbacks feel appropriate as the main character thinks over his life with his brother, and finally allows the better times to resurface. I'm glad you allowed the character to make some peace with his past, and he's able to move forward with Callie after getting closure with his ex and his brother. I liked the beginning, where he tosses the letter, then has to open it. It immediately sets up conflict, tension, emotional depth and a sense of foreboding. Nicely done.
Mintybee

 Comment Written 24-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 01-May-2023

Hi, thank you for reading, your encouraging comments, and all the stars! I struggled with the flashbacks and finally edited out some of the bumps, hope I left them not totally smooth, but readable.
irish

Comment from evilynne

Excellent

This is such a touching story of love, of the twists of fate that bring about a betrayal, and a letter which brings about a type of closure of the heart. The ending is a wonderful surprise. Evi

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Hi, Evi, thank you for reading, your understanding and encouraging comments, and all the stars! Had a tough time getting those transitions smoothed out, guess they were ok.
Cheers, irish

Comment from Evelyn Hopkins

Excellent

I love your writing!! and the story it creates It's very pretty and draws attention in to the audience. Good luck and I hope you have a good day!! :))

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Hi, Evelyn, thank you for reading, your kind, encouraging comments, and all the stars! I wish you Good Luck, and a Good Day!
Cheers, irish

Comment from John Ciarmello

Excellent

Hi, irish.
There is no need to apologize for the bumpy feel. It mixed perfectly with the turbulence of your story. I was enthrawled from beginning to end.
It goes to show you never know what others have lived through. Thank God for our words! I loved this. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Hi, John, thank you for reading, all the stars, and your really encouraging comments! I had a tough time with the transitions, rewrote, edited, and polished. My regular editor was unavailable so I didi the best I could, posted and crossed my fingers.
Thanks again,
irish

Comment from Jim Wile

Excellent

Such a sad, sweet, wonderful story of a brotherhood and family split asunder by an unfortunate accident coupled with an all-too-human forbidden love developing. Gaige made his choice, knowing the possible outcome, and in the process lost the rest of his family. A tough decision forced on him by the strong pull of love, but in so doing, he suffered the consequences the rest of his life. I wonder if he felt it was worth it in the end.

I can certainly feel great pain for Lawrence, because he lost everything--both his lover and his brother (though not his mother.) That must have been incredibly hard on the whole family as you beautifully render in this well-written story. Jim

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Hi, Jim, thank you for reading, all the stars, and your wonderful intuition. I think you understood the story and felt the emotions, deeper than anyone else. I can tell you've been through it.
Cheers, irish

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

I found the story to be very moving and interesting . We need to learn to forgive and love the important people in our lives. Life is sort and long on regrets if we do not. Love and forgiveness is very important as time goes by. I enjoyed your story and felt the pain and deep regret. Well done. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Hi, Nancy, thank you for reading, your kind, encouraging comments, and all the stars! Words to live by: "Love and Forgiveness."
Cheers, irish

Comment from Nicki Nance

Excellent

I can't imagine anyone reading this and not being moved to finish their unfinished business. The story may be part truth and part fiction, but the feelings it evokes are all truth. A brilliant write.

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Hi, Nikki, thank you for reading, your great, in-depth comments, and all the stars! I always write from my life, but do include fictitious people and events to make my little tale more interesting. Yes, the emotions are still there, undimmed by time.
irish

Comment from Rosemary Everson1

Excellent

You had me going when I was reading your story. I kept waiting for the very next thing to happen. Good thing the past events and your siblings created this letter for you; it gives details of your earlier life.

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Hi, Rosemary, thank you for reading, your encouraging comments, and all the stars! Hope I learned something from my past!
irish

Comment from jessizero

Exceptional

This was a wonderful story that really tugs at the heartstrings. The story grabbed my attention at the beginning and kept it to the end. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2023

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023

Wow, I am humbled! Thank you for reading, your encouraging comments, and the galaxy of stars! Had a tough time with the transitions, hope they were clear.
irish