You're sweet, Sue (Isn't that a song?)

My life has been so varied (that's the nice word I use) it takes no particular talent to recount the facts. I change the timing of some of the events to make it more cohesive. But thank you for the complement; it's nice to hear.

I had a psychologcal consult in the hospital cause I was going to leave a.m.a. Enough is enough. As I began 'my story' the guy's chin was on his chest. He suggested that, rather than carry this stuff around, I 'purge it'. You should know about the stuff that happened that I've never told anyone about!

What's tough is writing about my parents. I've never been able to visit their graves. Those stories still hurt from 40+ years ago.

Rich ... I don't know how you feel (overall) about getting feedback on what you write, but I'm going to risk it and offer this, anyway: reading that put me in mind of two (very notable, in my opinion) authors. One'd be Anne Tyler. And that "mother" you describe? - very, very Williams/"The Glass Menagerie"-ish. The best stories to tell are the ones that we know, either in small bits or large pieces. The story you 'have' and the way you tell it is wonderful, indeed!

Gats-I need comments/criticism on my writing since I didn't know I had any talent. Who knew?

Anyway, thanks for the kind words. I really do appreciate them. And thank you for telling me who Amelia's mother resembles; I could not think of Williams for the life of me. I'm not familiar with Taylor.

Thanks again.

Rich,
This is simply my opinion. I can actually feel and picture what you write. That is a gift my friend. There are not too many "real" authors that can do it as well as you, Gatsby mentioned one, Anne Tyler. Please continue on with your story. I love it! Sandy

Oh Rich you did it again. I laughed, then cried then laughed, then cried.

I agree with everyone here. You are so very talented at putting words on paper that you should think about writing a book.

Or submit a few articles to a paper or a magazine and I bet they will be pounding on your door to throw large sums of money at you.

I know the next instalment shall be brilliant and have us running the gambit of emotions once again.

I can't wait to read it.

Your #1 Fan Always

This is absolutely great stuff, Rich (and I'm glad to hear about Isis!)

That was excellent, I almost cried, and I laughed.
You do indeed have a talent for story-telling.

Hi guys,

I'm going to have to take a little vacation away from my computer for a brief time. It appears that the cellulitis may be returning to my right leg. I'm going to start with oral anti-biotics, keepin my leg elevated, compression stockings, etc. and hope we catch it in time.

I hope it works.


Rich

I hope it works too.

Look after yourself Rich, we won't be going anywhere so you know where to find us.

Hope it all goes well, Rich

Yes, take care of your leg as cellulitis is NOTHING to play around with! It is much more important than the story and as Sue said, we aren't going anywhere. Well, at least I know I have no "unplanned vacations" coming up or money to take one. Sandy

Oh, Vendome, you have such a way with words. A gift, if you will.

Thank you so much for your honesty - tears and laughter alternate for (seemingly) many of the readers. It's refreshing(?) and charming and enchanting to read your stories as they are real - not sugar coated, not edited-for-television, no name-changes-to-protect-the-innocent (or guilty as the case may be).

Get better soon. I wish you good health and a long life for two reasons:
1 - I enjoy your stories, and I enjoy what you bring to the forums;
2 - I'm as selfish as the rest - I want to hear more too!