Comment from seaglass

Excellent

This is a well thought out, sensitive, and fitting tribute to a woman whom you had opportunity to admire. She, in her own way, provided a connection to your father. That southern accent is amusing. I always got a chuckle out of the way their curse words sound...Da-aam, She...it...they just sounded so harmless the way they said them.

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 13-Apr-2016

It's sooooo true. I know they were swearing a lot. But, you're right, it never sounded like they were. HAHAHA!
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this. Thanks so much, mikey

Comment from l.raven

Excellent

Hi Michael,I am so sorry for the loss of your mother Michael...and you will see her again... WOW!!! I just read where LivelyLinda's stepsister called her...never knew her...her father left her at 2...and sadly...never looked back...so I am so glad you met some of your kin...funny how you and your brother are so much a like...but sorry you didn't spend time with your father in this life...you will see him again...God Bless sweetie...Linda xxoo hugs

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 13-Apr-2016

Hi, Linda. Whew. I got behind again. But this year I'm doing so good. I haven't missed one yet. I actually never worried about not meeting him or any of that. I just lived whatever life was in front of me. A good thing, I guess. I've run into quite a few people who've wasted their lives worrying about such things. Yes, my brother and I have the exact same sense of humour. It's the weirdest thing in the world. Thanks so much, Linda. hugs, mikey xxooee

reply by l.raven on 13-Apr-2016

Hi You, I am like you...I just take it day by day...sigh...you always so welcome sweet boy...Luff Linda xxoo

Comment from closetpoetjester

Excellent

What a fitting tribute to a lovely lady M.
It's clear she made an impact on you and although your childhood wasn't the textbook experience most have, it's moulded you into who you are which is a very sensitive and caring individual.
See? I can tell that already.
Nicely done, not too cheesy and just the right amount of warm squishy hugs where needed. Yep, she is on her way, you can definitely take comfort in that.
With that said, I am very sorry for your loss. My Dad passed away 16 years ago and my mum turns 90 next Tuesday so I am hoping to keep her around for sometime. She is a special Mum and we have a terrific bond. I'm so glad you established yours. Betty sounded like a lovely and very hospitable lady.
Hugs P

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Hi, P
How very sweet you are with your super kind words. I try not to get to squishy if I can help it. LOL She was special, one of those genuine gals without an agenda. You are just a doll. Thanks so much. So very appreciated. Hugs back, mikey

Comment from boxergirl

Exceptional

Hey Mikey,
Sorry for your loss...but so glad that you got to meet her and your half siblings. I have two of those myself.
This was a very touching story...yes, I teared up at the end, and I can tell she was a special lady.
Big hug, my friend.

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Thanks so much for the very sweet and kind words. I'm touched myself and appreciate it so much. Hugs back. mikey

Comment from Rubylou

Excellent

Mikey,
I am sorry for your loss.
You wrote a beautiful tribute to your Mom in Florida as you shared lessons and inspiration. What I mean is how she handled the first time meeting you. She embraced and welcomed and didn't imply guilt or negative feelings. She showed you the loving character of a woman who truly cared. "Wise and genuine."
Rubylou

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Hi, Rubylou
You have her to a tee I think. Thanks so much for the kind words, they are most appreciated. mikey

Comment from DonandVicki

Excellent

very sad post and a lovely tribute to your mother. I am so sorry for your loss and I can relate. I lost my mother not too long ago so I know the pain.

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Thanks so much. Your words and thoughts are appreciated. mikey

Comment from C.J. 16

Exceptional

Mikey, your mom in Florida was a very special lady. I am sorry for your loss.

I like that you start with Betty saying, "Well, I'll be a monkey's tail...." and then end with you adopting the same saying, "But I'll be a monkey's tail if you might just have me beat."

I also like that even in serious writing like this your sense of humor comes through: "Well, they're half-siblings, although they appeared intact when I met them."

Betty said that your dad talked about you all his life. To me that means that he loved you and he was sorry that he didn't find the way to get to know you.

Your half-brother Brian does resemble you; and, as you say, you share the same sense of humor. I don't know how close you and he are, but it seems like you have the makings of a fantastic half-brother/good buddy right there.

You're never sure how to write something like this? Well, I'll be a monkey's tail if you didn't do an awesome job with this piece right here.

All the best,
Linda

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Awww. That put such a huge smile on my face, Linda. Just what I needed. :))
A great phrase, isn't it? Do I look like him? It's funny, other than Brian, they're all kinda NOT California hippie types. LOL So the long hair gives me a different look. But my features are my dads if you cover up the hair and just look at the eyes etc. We're definitely opposites thought. Brian and I are alike. I don't know how he managed that growing up there. :)) Thanks so very much. What lovely words and thoughts. mikey

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Thanks for sharing another of your fine stories. Open and honest is what I've been convinced it takes to be a great writer. And it's hard to be completely honest about everything, sometimes. I fought the anger and resentment all my life toward my mother and father. How could they not give a damn about their own flesh-n-blood, I wondered. Now, I've mellowed out and accepted that "It is what it is." Corny cliche, but the best way I know to describe my feelings at this point. I love how you just sort of seem to go with the flow, but I'm one who knows all the hurt and disappoint of being alone and feeling unwanted. There is something mighty special about you Mikey Cahill, and that coming from someone who doesn't even know you. Wishing You the Best! My friend. :-)

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Ric, thanks so much for this. Sometimes we know more about each other here than the people in the so called real world. Hell, I've let things slip here that no one outside of here knows a thing about. HAHAHA! I think there's a few things that might get me killed too. So pleased you liked this. Thanks for the kind words. Most appreciated. mikey

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

"She could've greeted me with, "Well, it's about time. Your father died with a hole in his heart never having seen his first born son. You didn't lift a finger to find him. You wrote to his mom and never even asked about him. Your own father and you let him die without a thought about him. How can you live with yourself?"...............Yeah, Mike...you could have said those things to each other. You both may have even had a right to. But in the end, it would have done nothing more than drive a wedge between you, your Mom in Florida, and your step brothers and sister. What good would that have done for anyone? How would it have contributed to the process of healing, and getting on with your lives?
It wouldn't have done any good at all.

I'm very sorrowed to learn of your loss in reading this, Mike. I know that sounds cliche, but I really mean that. Although you didn't know Betty maybe as long as you would have liked to, you still must've formed some sort of bond together. And when a bond is severed, no matter how minuscule that bond might be in relation to others in your life, it hurts, and you still feel it deeply.

You've had quite a storied history, Mike. Not quite as colorful as Richard Pryor's childhood and upbringing, but pretty darn close.

~Dean

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Apr-2016

Yes, but I'm funnier than Richard ... well, at least I am now. :))
You're so correct, Dean. Interesting that we both saw it the same way, yes? It worked out perfectly and we all just met and got along and got on with life. No issues to settle or any of that. Thanks for the condolences, Dean, I know you mean them and, yes, they do help. mikey

reply by Dean Kuch on 07-Apr-2016

You're more than welcome, Mike.
~Dean

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

The fact that you wrote this essay/story with no judgments etc. speaks volumes abut your character. I am happy for you that some of the pieces of your life came together. However, you made a life for yourself regardless of others. I commend you for your thoughts and actions toward the family you did not know. This read very well with great feelings. Good job. Thanks for sharing such a personal part of your life. You are amazing.

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 07-Apr-2016

Oh my, Jannypan. What lovely and comforting words to hear. I'm so touched by your sweet and kind comments. Thank you so very much.

Now. Potlatch is coming up and here's the spiel. If this doesn't cheer me and everyone up nothing will!!

The Poetry Potlatch is coming up again. This week it's a Limerick suite. When you hear the word "limerick" you probably think bawdy, sexy, dirty, etc. But NOT THIS TIME. We want you to use limerick form for each stanza, with a minimum of three stanzas, to create a poem about the topic that will be given this coming Saturday April 9th at 6:00 PM New York City time. Phyllis Stewart has graciously agreed to once again provide us with the theme. Look forward to seeing you there. :)) mikey

reply by Jannypan (Jan) on 07-Apr-2016

Mike,

Thank you for the invite. However, it took me 2 1/2 just to get an idea for a sonnet, then 3 days to write it, and other 1/2 day
to revise it. That didn't count finding a picture. You are encouraging me, and I appreciate that very much. I will try to join at another time. Jan