Nothing Good
Ambulance in the middle of the night76 total reviews
Comment from jamma
Lee, this is such an exceptional piece. Your essays, I'm sure have touched the hearts of many readers along your journey. I'm glad you're moving on. What a wonderful son you were to your mom. I'm sure she was truly proud of you.
All the best in the contest.
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Lee, this is such an exceptional piece. Your essays, I'm sure have touched the hearts of many readers along your journey. I'm glad you're moving on. What a wonderful son you were to your mom. I'm sure she was truly proud of you.
All the best in the contest.
Comment Written 01-May-2012
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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jamma, thank you so much! I really appreciate you and the other folks who have followed along on this journey. It means a lot to me. Thank you again. Peace, Lee
Comment from sugardog
When I first started reading this I thought I was reading fiction but when you mentioned your mom's death then I checked to see if it was non-fiction or fiction. Wow...you write non-fiction so well-kinda creative non-fiction...? Is it? I loved this. So down to earth and heart wrenching. Your neighbors are characters and you portray them here perfectly-I could totally picture them and we all have known ppl like this. The dialogue and descriptions and sense of place-all wonderful. I can't even imagine the feelings that you had. I love the way you write. I love that you are so honest. I am also so happy you quit smoking!!!!!!! Way to go! And that you are ready to move on. Your ending was perfect-very sweet and soft-love that you let her know. You're a good man, Lee. Great job!!!!! Dana
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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When I first started reading this I thought I was reading fiction but when you mentioned your mom's death then I checked to see if it was non-fiction or fiction. Wow...you write non-fiction so well-kinda creative non-fiction...? Is it? I loved this. So down to earth and heart wrenching. Your neighbors are characters and you portray them here perfectly-I could totally picture them and we all have known ppl like this. The dialogue and descriptions and sense of place-all wonderful. I can't even imagine the feelings that you had. I love the way you write. I love that you are so honest. I am also so happy you quit smoking!!!!!!! Way to go! And that you are ready to move on. Your ending was perfect-very sweet and soft-love that you let her know. You're a good man, Lee. Great job!!!!! Dana
Comment Written 01-May-2012
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Dana! What a wonderful surprise. And you come bearing a six! How lucky can one guy get? You know, Sug, I worried that people would read this as fiction. I think it is just my 'fiction style' that has influenced this piece. I can't thank you enough. You always seem to turn up when I write a piece I really want you to read. I think we communicate on some level.
You know that I miss you, and don't get enough of you, right?
Thank you, my friend. Peace, Lee
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Aw...you made my day with your sweet talk. You are welcome!! I am writing, just not stories at the moment. Need to though... Maybe I'll share soon. Dana
Comment from Judy Swanson
Heartfelt, touching, and palpably real! Your descriptions of the scene, and of the various reactions and emotions, speculations and awkward discussions are spot on and pull the reader immediately to a stance beside the writer - peeking through the blinds, standing on the porch,and eventually returning to the house to say a final 'good-bye' to the life and times with Mom. Even in the sadness of the story and of the reality of the emotion, the healing and hope for a better future shines through in the tossing out of the cigaratte pack (WooHOO!) and the letting Mom know that it is time for both of you to move on. Godspeed, my friend!
reply by the author on 01-May-2012
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Heartfelt, touching, and palpably real! Your descriptions of the scene, and of the various reactions and emotions, speculations and awkward discussions are spot on and pull the reader immediately to a stance beside the writer - peeking through the blinds, standing on the porch,and eventually returning to the house to say a final 'good-bye' to the life and times with Mom. Even in the sadness of the story and of the reality of the emotion, the healing and hope for a better future shines through in the tossing out of the cigaratte pack (WooHOO!) and the letting Mom know that it is time for both of you to move on. Godspeed, my friend!
Comment Written 01-May-2012
reply by the author on 01-May-2012
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Judy! What a treat to hear from you. Dare I hope you are back?
Thank you for this review. I'm closing the book that I began with Day 1466, and it is fitting that you are here to review the final act just as you were for the opening. Thank you.
Please PM me and afford me an update on your life. I have missed you. Peace, Lee
Comment from psalmist
Just an excellent job, Lee. You made the whole scene come alive for me. I could feel your pain come through. My dad died about three years ago, I it has taken my mom all that time to come to terms with it. She has downsized, moved into a retirement center. It was so hard for her to part with physical reminders of their life together. Sounds like you are on the road to healing. Take care. Linda
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Just an excellent job, Lee. You made the whole scene come alive for me. I could feel your pain come through. My dad died about three years ago, I it has taken my mom all that time to come to terms with it. She has downsized, moved into a retirement center. It was so hard for her to part with physical reminders of their life together. Sounds like you are on the road to healing. Take care. Linda
Comment Written 01-May-2012
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Linda, I cherish this review. You understand the edges of the loss. I appreciate. Peace, Lee
Comment from vickib
Lee you are amazing. Although I'm a woman you and I could be twins, I swear we are so much alike. Do you know how many times I've stopped smoking? So I loved that in this story. Always started up again after a tragedy. I moved from the golf course community (two moves ago)and you know they are all retired there. I had this exact same experience, the red lights flashing on the walls waking me up, grabbing a smoke and peering through the blinds and then walking outside. Having all the compassion to be of some help but also not willing. I had this happen on both sides of me to, had to get away from that stuff. Made me wonder what the hell, is this how it all ends?
You know my husband, mother, dad and brother all died and I was left to pick up the pieces and sort the clothes. GOOD JOB MOVING ON LEE. The lights went on for you, sorry couldn't resist the pun or whatever you call it. But I do know it's not required, you do it when your ready to and no one should tell you how or when so you did it right.
Sometime read, The Smell Of Rusty in my port and then I'll tell you something about that that I didn't know until a few weeks ago. I think I'm going to try and write the story of what really happened that day-with your help of course.
Gosh I just love how you write. I just read the book called The Shack by Young and it really helped me,(and I'm not religious but this worked for me to my surprise. The style of writing I think you would like, he calls his issue, The Great Sadness.
Thank you for sending me to read this, it was like WOW someone else thinks like me, acts like me, and smells like me. LOL!!!! XO Vicki
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Lee you are amazing. Although I'm a woman you and I could be twins, I swear we are so much alike. Do you know how many times I've stopped smoking? So I loved that in this story. Always started up again after a tragedy. I moved from the golf course community (two moves ago)and you know they are all retired there. I had this exact same experience, the red lights flashing on the walls waking me up, grabbing a smoke and peering through the blinds and then walking outside. Having all the compassion to be of some help but also not willing. I had this happen on both sides of me to, had to get away from that stuff. Made me wonder what the hell, is this how it all ends?
You know my husband, mother, dad and brother all died and I was left to pick up the pieces and sort the clothes. GOOD JOB MOVING ON LEE. The lights went on for you, sorry couldn't resist the pun or whatever you call it. But I do know it's not required, you do it when your ready to and no one should tell you how or when so you did it right.
Sometime read, The Smell Of Rusty in my port and then I'll tell you something about that that I didn't know until a few weeks ago. I think I'm going to try and write the story of what really happened that day-with your help of course.
Gosh I just love how you write. I just read the book called The Shack by Young and it really helped me,(and I'm not religious but this worked for me to my surprise. The style of writing I think you would like, he calls his issue, The Great Sadness.
Thank you for sending me to read this, it was like WOW someone else thinks like me, acts like me, and smells like me. LOL!!!! XO Vicki
Comment Written 01-May-2012
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Vicki, thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed, and I'd be honored to be your twin. I think the ambulance really resonates for so many of us. Thank you again. Peace, Lee
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I'm a dork though just because I'm a woman doesn't mean we can't still be twins. Lol! Are you a dork too?
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Absolutely! I'm a dork with a penis. L
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Well there you go pointing out a big difference between us. Bwhahaha!!!!!
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Thank you for saying it's big. It is, though. Really. I'm not lying. Really. L
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So are the fish I catch. Lol!!!!
Comment from wordsfromsue
I could almost hear jazz playing in the background to the telling of this story. Lights flashing in the night, cigarette smoked, awkward neighbors chattering about nothing of importance and imitating ghouls with their imaginings of the worst.
Did the lady come along okay?
Are you coming along okay? Must've been sort of hard to clear out her closet.
Very good writing with so many great, descriptive touches. Your sadness comes through.
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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I could almost hear jazz playing in the background to the telling of this story. Lights flashing in the night, cigarette smoked, awkward neighbors chattering about nothing of importance and imitating ghouls with their imaginings of the worst.
Did the lady come along okay?
Are you coming along okay? Must've been sort of hard to clear out her closet.
Very good writing with so many great, descriptive touches. Your sadness comes through.
Comment Written 30-Apr-2012
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Thank you, Sue. I'm glad you enjoyed and conected. Peace, Lee
Comment from snoopy lover
Lee--this work was just stunningly real and honest and so well written I was there with you on that porch. I haven't been a caretaker of a parent as you did with your mom--but close. Still, you brought up details that made it so real and which made me think of myself in my parent situation. I love your gift for giving generalities when needed, but then, also when needed, you elaborate with such style. I loved the twist at the end and how you used this encounter with the neighbors and an ambulance to grow yourself. But that we should all be so lucky. Thank you for another engaging and honest read. Karen
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Lee--this work was just stunningly real and honest and so well written I was there with you on that porch. I haven't been a caretaker of a parent as you did with your mom--but close. Still, you brought up details that made it so real and which made me think of myself in my parent situation. I love your gift for giving generalities when needed, but then, also when needed, you elaborate with such style. I loved the twist at the end and how you used this encounter with the neighbors and an ambulance to grow yourself. But that we should all be so lucky. Thank you for another engaging and honest read. Karen
Comment Written 30-Apr-2012
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Karen, thank you so much. I love it when readers feel as if they were on the scene. Thank you for that. I really appreciate. Peace, Lee
Comment from pattipac
You tell your story well. Your story teller's concern for his neighbor is contrasted by the gathering clusters of curiosity.He shares what his neighbor must be going through by reliving the numerous times he has had to call 911 to come to care for his mother. As her primary caregiver, he shares the anxiety his neighbor must be experiencing while most of the other on lookers are just clusters of curiosity. Watching his neighbor hurry off the the hospital, he feel somehow his has passed the torch to his neighbor. He is now able to move on with his life. Thank you for sharing your own experiences of selfless care for your mother.
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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You tell your story well. Your story teller's concern for his neighbor is contrasted by the gathering clusters of curiosity.He shares what his neighbor must be going through by reliving the numerous times he has had to call 911 to come to care for his mother. As her primary caregiver, he shares the anxiety his neighbor must be experiencing while most of the other on lookers are just clusters of curiosity. Watching his neighbor hurry off the the hospital, he feel somehow his has passed the torch to his neighbor. He is now able to move on with his life. Thank you for sharing your own experiences of selfless care for your mother.
Comment Written 30-Apr-2012
reply by the author on 02-May-2012
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Thank you, Patricia. I'm pleased you felt the conflicting emotions. I appreciate your fine review. Peace, Lee
Comment from mommerry
This is a very well-written view of human nature reacting with morbid curiosity to the troubles of others, some looking for reasons, some making guesses, some hinting at scandal, etc. I was fascinated by how the writer sees it all through eyes that say "Been there - done that" and how the entire episode made him realize it was time to move on and allow the past be just that. Good writing.
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2012
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This is a very well-written view of human nature reacting with morbid curiosity to the troubles of others, some looking for reasons, some making guesses, some hinting at scandal, etc. I was fascinated by how the writer sees it all through eyes that say "Been there - done that" and how the entire episode made him realize it was time to move on and allow the past be just that. Good writing.
Comment Written 30-Apr-2012
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2012
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Thank you, mommerry. Exactly. It's the 'been there-done that' attitude that had me sleepwalking through the entire episode. I'm glad you got it. Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from Cooper Watt
Touching tale, my friend. I like the way you talked about passing on the torch and then followed it up with closing the chapter on your life - so to speak.
Packing up a parent's belongings must be a heart-wrenching experience. The thought of it makes my throat sore. Ugh.
I noticed when small error in your timeline (probably the result of editing on the fly):
I walked to the rail and stubbed the cigarette butt into the sand bucket
THEN, A FEW LINES LATER....
I blew smoke. "Give it a rest, Jack. Somebody in there is in trouble."
Were you holding your last drag off the cigarette for that long a period...?? Hehehehe.
Anyway, all in all, brother, a well told, entirely believable story. I wish you well.
Coop.
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2012
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Touching tale, my friend. I like the way you talked about passing on the torch and then followed it up with closing the chapter on your life - so to speak.
Packing up a parent's belongings must be a heart-wrenching experience. The thought of it makes my throat sore. Ugh.
I noticed when small error in your timeline (probably the result of editing on the fly):
I walked to the rail and stubbed the cigarette butt into the sand bucket
THEN, A FEW LINES LATER....
I blew smoke. "Give it a rest, Jack. Somebody in there is in trouble."
Were you holding your last drag off the cigarette for that long a period...?? Hehehehe.
Anyway, all in all, brother, a well told, entirely believable story. I wish you well.
Coop.
Comment Written 30-Apr-2012
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2012
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Hey, Coop, so good to hear from you! You did catch me editing on the fly. I will adjust that inhale/exhale. Thank you. I wish you'd be around more regularly. But that's probably what your wife says too. Write something, brother. Peace, Lee
