Coffee With Iris
Viewing comments for Chapter 28 "Sign of the Times"Two opposites meet and connect.
23 total reviews
Comment from Paul Manton
Gretchen what a brilliant read! I was gripped from the very start. And I have been in that ambulance! Two years ago I was rushed into emergency with bilateral pulmonary embolism - not recommended! My oxygen level was just above 80% - that was Christmas Eve (my birthday's the 25th) and they brought me home for New Year - so I was very fortunate to get great care. Three years before that (before Covid) I was in for a triple heart bypass - but I'd seen that coming for twenty years - so not as harrowing.
Iris tells her story wonderfully, and I cannot believe that you don't have experience of this condition. The ambulance paramedics behave exactly as taught - mine just the same - so I was reliving this story - the mark of excellent writing.
I wish I had a spare six (already!) because this is worth it. Thank you.
Paul
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2023
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Gretchen what a brilliant read! I was gripped from the very start. And I have been in that ambulance! Two years ago I was rushed into emergency with bilateral pulmonary embolism - not recommended! My oxygen level was just above 80% - that was Christmas Eve (my birthday's the 25th) and they brought me home for New Year - so I was very fortunate to get great care. Three years before that (before Covid) I was in for a triple heart bypass - but I'd seen that coming for twenty years - so not as harrowing.
Iris tells her story wonderfully, and I cannot believe that you don't have experience of this condition. The ambulance paramedics behave exactly as taught - mine just the same - so I was reliving this story - the mark of excellent writing.
I wish I had a spare six (already!) because this is worth it. Thank you.
Paul
Comment Written 28-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2023
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Glad yours wasn't a one way trip. Thank you. I talked to some paramedics about procedure. I'm glad it rang true. Gretchen
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Absolutely authentic.
Comment from pome lover
must have missed this one. You know I liked it, though it is sad. But since I've already read where she dies, this filled in a gap I hadn't realized I'd missed. Very nice paramedics. I don't know if real ones would have done that.
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2023
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must have missed this one. You know I liked it, though it is sad. But since I've already read where she dies, this filled in a gap I hadn't realized I'd missed. Very nice paramedics. I don't know if real ones would have done that.
Comment Written 28-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2023
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They usually, time permitting, will stay on the scene. Thanks so much. Gretchen
Comment from Sanku
Oh ! is this the beginning of the end? I liked the way you handled the scene with the paramedics. Irene is a very brave lady.
i am behind in my reviews ..trying to catch up..
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2023
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Oh ! is this the beginning of the end? I liked the way you handled the scene with the paramedics. Irene is a very brave lady.
i am behind in my reviews ..trying to catch up..
Comment Written 28-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2023
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Thank you. I'm so happy you liked this. It is the veining of the end. Gretchen
Comment from BethShelby
It sounds as though Iris may be dying. I guess the guys didn't understand when she said she wanted them to call Jameson. Would they only used the
defibrillator if totally stopped breathing?
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2023
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It sounds as though Iris may be dying. I guess the guys didn't understand when she said she wanted them to call Jameson. Would they only used the
defibrillator if totally stopped breathing?
Comment Written 27-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2023
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She has a Do Not Resuscitate order in place. No action to stop the process of dying. A lot of terminal patients have these. Thanks for this great review. Gretchen
Comment from cat frenette
Who's crying? I'm not crying! *sniff
As much as your entire story has been based on the premise that Iris is dying, when it comes to that moment, it's still a shock. You can know someone's dying and when it happens, it's far too soon.
I have loved your story and will be sad to see it come to an end, but this journey to Iris' final moments has been a joy, and I look forward to that uncomfortable bereftness (is that a word?) that I know is still coming.
You have a gift for connecting with the human spirit Gretchen.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Who's crying? I'm not crying! *sniff
As much as your entire story has been based on the premise that Iris is dying, when it comes to that moment, it's still a shock. You can know someone's dying and when it happens, it's far too soon.
I have loved your story and will be sad to see it come to an end, but this journey to Iris' final moments has been a joy, and I look forward to that uncomfortable bereftness (is that a word?) that I know is still coming.
You have a gift for connecting with the human spirit Gretchen.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much for this kind review. I wrote this last year and even though I know what's going to happen, I was tearing up when they took her in the ambulance. Your wonderful review and the extra star mean s much to me. Gretchen
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
I wish I had a six. You made me cry. I'm a cry baby. I wish Jameson was there with her.
I suffer from anxiety and I had many panic attacks that feel like I was going to pass out and I end up in the emergency room. It's always a sensation that I can't breath. It's a horrifying feeling. Everytime I feel like I'm dying. I always ask the paramedics if I'm going to die and the reassure me I will be alright. But one time I asked a doctor and she said, "we all die. Terrible bedside manners. LoL
I can't wait for the next chapter. Well done. I love it. You are a very talented writer.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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I wish I had a six. You made me cry. I'm a cry baby. I wish Jameson was there with her.
I suffer from anxiety and I had many panic attacks that feel like I was going to pass out and I end up in the emergency room. It's always a sensation that I can't breath. It's a horrifying feeling. Everytime I feel like I'm dying. I always ask the paramedics if I'm going to die and the reassure me I will be alright. But one time I asked a doctor and she said, "we all die. Terrible bedside manners. LoL
I can't wait for the next chapter. Well done. I love it. You are a very talented writer.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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That doctor was terrible to say that. You should have asked if it took all eight years of medical school to come up with that diagnosis. Couple more chapters. Gretchen
Comment from barbara.wilkey
NO!!! I know Iris is dying but I don't want her too. She's a great character and seems like a friend. You're doing a great job with this story.
Paul squeezes my hand, " Is there anyone we can call for you?" (period after 'hand.')
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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NO!!! I know Iris is dying but I don't want her too. She's a great character and seems like a friend. You're doing a great job with this story.
Paul squeezes my hand, " Is there anyone we can call for you?" (period after 'hand.')
Comment Written 25-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Thanks, Barbara. Iris is very real to me. Based her on my mom. Thanks for catching that spag. Gretchen
Comment from damommy
Oh, no! Is this it for Iris? I knew it was coming but I hate it. Poor Jameson will be devastated.
You write such great stories. It's like being there where it's all happening. I wish I had a six for this.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Oh, no! Is this it for Iris? I knew it was coming but I hate it. Poor Jameson will be devastated.
You write such great stories. It's like being there where it's all happening. I wish I had a six for this.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Thanks so much. Iris is based on my mom when she was dying from pulmonary fibrosis. So, she's pretty real to me. Gretchen
Comment from Ric Myworld
Every time Iris has a spell it makes me wonder if this one will be her last, which I'm sure is similar to the heart symptom sufferers' experiences. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Every time Iris has a spell it makes me wonder if this one will be her last, which I'm sure is similar to the heart symptom sufferers' experiences. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Thanks, Ric. I'm glad this came across. Thanks so much for the feedback. Gretchen
Comment from Sankey
Must be getting near the end. I thought Jamison was already present. This has been very descriptive and dramatic. No spags anywhere. Well done, once again.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Must be getting near the end. I thought Jamison was already present. This has been very descriptive and dramatic. No spags anywhere. Well done, once again.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2023
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Jameson had been with her earlier in the day. Thanks for this. Gretchen
