Comment from barkingdog

Excellent

You are so right. All the bumps and bruises, ups and downs, have made us who we are today. Would we really want to be someone other than who we are? Could we have changed our future?
Most of us count our blessing as part of this journey. With out the trials, we'd have missed out on them.
I got so much out of your writing--a fresh look at letting the past go, treasuring the good things and taking courage to move forward to God only knows where.

Good luck in the contest with your wonderful entry.

:) ellen

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 13-Aug-2016

Thank you so much Ellen for the wonderful review and good luck wishes.

Comment from jusylee72

Excellent

I really like this. I like the spirit you wrote it in. So honest, so humble , so forgiving and yet finally accepting yourself exactly how you are. That is why you are loved so well by your partner. You are good at being you.

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 13-Aug-2016

Thank you so much:) I'm good at being me now but it took many, many years.

Comment from Gianinas

Excellent

grew into =>maybe change to ....raised into;
as a still roly-poly =>as still a roly-poly
These are the only two suggestions I could help with.
Take care,
Gianina

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Aug-2016

Thanks so much for the review and suggestions.

Comment from giraffmang

Excellent

Hi Teresa,

A great job with this one. Certainly the best one I think I've read and I'm almost through all of them now.

There are nice touches of humour in here, along with the insight and a fine sense of acceptance. Moving forward is the key in life.

All the best
G

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Aug-2016

Thank you so much G:) Your review gives me hope in the voting booth....fingers crossed.

reply by giraffmang on 11-Aug-2016

I just voted for it so I think you're joint top with 2 others at the minute. In my opinion it is the best one, for what it's worth. :) G

reply by the author on 11-Aug-2016

Thank you. I am humbled.

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

Well written, very much to prompt. I read a few of your reviews, and though I used to say I thought I was born too late, this is not a bad moment in history. Now if we can work on tomorrow...Excellent post.

 Comment Written 11-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Aug-2016

Thank you for the wonderful review:)

Comment from Sandollar

Excellent

Beautifully written. You incorporated the questions very well into the fabric of the story.
A very down-to-earth style of writing that appealed to me. Good luck in the contest.

Sandollar

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2016

Thank you so much:)

Comment from Connie C

Exceptional

I really enjoyed reading this most delightful little essay, Teresa. This reads like something someone would write in a journal. I like the few touches of humor here and there and could have read more!
My best to you in the contest.
Connie

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2016

Thank you so much Connie:) I'm glad you enjoyed this.

Comment from Mystic Angel 7777

Excellent

This meets the contest requirements beautifully. This is such an inspiring and uplifting read as you have turned all the proverbial lemons into lemonade - something which we all should do in order to experience grace in aging and a happy life. I wish you all the best in the voting and thank you very much for sharing it.

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2016

Thank you so much:)

Comment from Lulube

Exceptional

I really like this talk with your younger self. It's really good way to identify the wrongs and rights and accepting yourself as the person you are today that is making you happy. You humor and great imagery
I really enjoyed this read

good luck in the contest

Lulube

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2016

Thank you my friend:)

reply by Lulube on 16-Aug-2016

welcome

lulube

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

"Speaking of the teen-aged years, do not, I repeat DO NOT, get into a brawl with Sherry over some stupid boy." If only we could really re-do life over.

I appreciate your candor. My daughter married her life partner and they are very happy together. I had no clue that she was gay until she told me when she was almost 18-years-old. I am a very down to earth mom and not prejudice. We have a close relationship and she told me when she was ready. For me, nothing changed. My baby still my baby and she will until I die. She is grown woman now but she is still my baby. :)

This is the second entry I read for this contest and they are both outstanding. Great job, Teresa!
gypsy

 Comment Written 10-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Aug-2016

I wish I could have come out at 18, but as I said in the story, I wouldn't have my 2 kids:)

Thanks Gypsy for saying this is outstanding!