The Heir Apparent
Viewing comments for Chapter 14 "A Visit With Susan in the Hospital"A family learns their father is a serial killer
27 total reviews
Comment from axelbeariter
ordered two cheeseburgers, a large order of fries, and two large Cokes for Charlie and me. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad and lemonade for Mom./Unless what they eat has relevance to the story, such detail is unnecessary.----After Marilyn left the room, Dr Perez/Dr.----You've written another gripping and informative(about PTSD) episode. Well done.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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ordered two cheeseburgers, a large order of fries, and two large Cokes for Charlie and me. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad and lemonade for Mom./Unless what they eat has relevance to the story, such detail is unnecessary.----After Marilyn left the room, Dr Perez/Dr.----You've written another gripping and informative(about PTSD) episode. Well done.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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I have been diagnosed with PTSD and am quite familiar with its symptoms and treatment. Glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
All the trauma... now
James is to meet up
with his father face
to face.
Sorry about your computer.. your not having a great deal of luck with it lately.
Margaret
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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All the trauma... now
James is to meet up
with his father face
to face.
Sorry about your computer.. your not having a great deal of luck with it lately.
Margaret
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Thanks for the great review. No, computers and I don´t seem to be getting along very well lately.
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Thanks for the great review. No, computers and I don´t seem to be getting along very well lately.
Comment from Joan E.
I am sorry to hear there is the need for another round of computer repairs--I'm keeping my fingers tightly crossed again!
I liked James confronting what he really wants from the meeting with his dad--letting him know how much he hates him, since that might help "erase him" from his heart. -Joan
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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I am sorry to hear there is the need for another round of computer repairs--I'm keeping my fingers tightly crossed again!
I liked James confronting what he really wants from the meeting with his dad--letting him know how much he hates him, since that might help "erase him" from his heart. -Joan
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Thanks. I am pleased you liked this one.
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Thanks. I am pleased you liked this one.
Comment from Halfree
Story moving along. Understand the POV. The interview with Susan, little too much of from point A to Point B. Know you have to explain Susan and illness. I think you need to break the dialogue with something.
The meeting seems so clinical and it is, but these are very real people. (to me)
POV is good but at times it gets in the way.
Something like "Dr Perez,said jamming his hands into the pockets of his white coat "I think we made some progress..."
I don't know, Smurf, I like this story, look forward to the chapters. I might just be full of..well you know.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Story moving along. Understand the POV. The interview with Susan, little too much of from point A to Point B. Know you have to explain Susan and illness. I think you need to break the dialogue with something.
The meeting seems so clinical and it is, but these are very real people. (to me)
POV is good but at times it gets in the way.
Something like "Dr Perez,said jamming his hands into the pockets of his white coat "I think we made some progress..."
I don't know, Smurf, I like this story, look forward to the chapters. I might just be full of..well you know.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Don´t worry. I always look forward to and enjoy your suggestions.
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Got to read next chapter...looking forward to that...
Comment from CALLAHANMR
Hi Valerie:)
1. Whether we liked it or not, we were about to start a new life and there was nothing from the past that Charlie, Mom or I wanted to bring with us. {Exactly what I felt from the visit to their former home.}
2. Mom had not spoken since leaving the house. Other than a hug or pat on the shoulder, I had no idea how to comfort her. Susan always knew what to say, how to say it, and exactly when to say it. That was her forte. Watching Mom sit on the couch, silently staring out the window, I felt helpless. A hug was not going to be enough this time. {How sad that in this time of need, Susan was not available to comfort her mother.}
3. She gently touched each photograph as though saying goodbye to a memory long gone. When she came to a picture of Dad, she removed it, opened her purse, and took out a pair of scissors, and methodically cut his image from the photograph; dropping each one onto the rug as though nothing more than garbage. Mom went through every page of both albums removing all evidence of Dad.{Now Dad was symbolically removed from the family, but only death will ever remove all memories.}
4. Each patient is assigned a team consisting of a resident, nurse, social worker, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. An attending physician, a psychiatrist, oversees each patient's care and heads the team. Dr. Holden is the attending psychiatrist, and he and I will work closely with Susan. I hope this assures you that Susan is in good hands." {This sounds like an exceptional treatment team. I worked in a private psychiatric hospital for one summer. Most of the patients were from wealthy families and received the best available care. This sounds quite authentic.}
5. After Marilyn left the room, Dr Perez leaned forward and took Mom's hand. "I encourage you all to visit her every day and spend as much time with her as she can tolerate. If she becomes sad, or shows any sign of stress, it is important you leave, but leave graciously, never abruptly or in anger. Susan is going to have good days and bad days. This is unavoidable. You need to be aware of her limits and make sure your visits are as positive as possible." {In most cased positive family visits are an important part of therapy for PTSD. In this case visits with Susan should be therapeutic for the entire family.}
6. Mom immediately got up and walked over to Susan and gave her a big hug.
"Hi, sweetie. We all missed you."
Still looking lost and confused, Susan said in a flat, unemotional voice, "I missed you too."
However, I could tell she still did not recognize any of us. Without thinking, I blurted out, "How's the food here? Is it as bad as they say?" I felt like an idiot. {Susan's loss of memory is common with early PTSD. Great description!}
7. With her faced flushed and her hands shaking, Mom looked at me and said, "Well, James, your dad has agreed to see you at two o'clock this afternoon." [What a transition from Susan to Dad. Quite a burden that James has taken on.]
This is certainly six star writing, but all I have to offer is another passel of virtual Irish hugs.
I hope your computer is out of therapy quickl.
Roger
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Hi Valerie:)
1. Whether we liked it or not, we were about to start a new life and there was nothing from the past that Charlie, Mom or I wanted to bring with us. {Exactly what I felt from the visit to their former home.}
2. Mom had not spoken since leaving the house. Other than a hug or pat on the shoulder, I had no idea how to comfort her. Susan always knew what to say, how to say it, and exactly when to say it. That was her forte. Watching Mom sit on the couch, silently staring out the window, I felt helpless. A hug was not going to be enough this time. {How sad that in this time of need, Susan was not available to comfort her mother.}
3. She gently touched each photograph as though saying goodbye to a memory long gone. When she came to a picture of Dad, she removed it, opened her purse, and took out a pair of scissors, and methodically cut his image from the photograph; dropping each one onto the rug as though nothing more than garbage. Mom went through every page of both albums removing all evidence of Dad.{Now Dad was symbolically removed from the family, but only death will ever remove all memories.}
4. Each patient is assigned a team consisting of a resident, nurse, social worker, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. An attending physician, a psychiatrist, oversees each patient's care and heads the team. Dr. Holden is the attending psychiatrist, and he and I will work closely with Susan. I hope this assures you that Susan is in good hands." {This sounds like an exceptional treatment team. I worked in a private psychiatric hospital for one summer. Most of the patients were from wealthy families and received the best available care. This sounds quite authentic.}
5. After Marilyn left the room, Dr Perez leaned forward and took Mom's hand. "I encourage you all to visit her every day and spend as much time with her as she can tolerate. If she becomes sad, or shows any sign of stress, it is important you leave, but leave graciously, never abruptly or in anger. Susan is going to have good days and bad days. This is unavoidable. You need to be aware of her limits and make sure your visits are as positive as possible." {In most cased positive family visits are an important part of therapy for PTSD. In this case visits with Susan should be therapeutic for the entire family.}
6. Mom immediately got up and walked over to Susan and gave her a big hug.
"Hi, sweetie. We all missed you."
Still looking lost and confused, Susan said in a flat, unemotional voice, "I missed you too."
However, I could tell she still did not recognize any of us. Without thinking, I blurted out, "How's the food here? Is it as bad as they say?" I felt like an idiot. {Susan's loss of memory is common with early PTSD. Great description!}
7. With her faced flushed and her hands shaking, Mom looked at me and said, "Well, James, your dad has agreed to see you at two o'clock this afternoon." [What a transition from Susan to Dad. Quite a burden that James has taken on.]
This is certainly six star writing, but all I have to offer is another passel of virtual Irish hugs.
I hope your computer is out of therapy quickl.
Roger
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Thanks for you marvelous critique of this chapter. I am very familiar with psychiatric wards....been in a few myself...lol
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Thanks for you marvelous critique of this chapter. I am very familiar with psychiatric wards....been in a few myself...lol
Comment from Roberta Joan Jensen
"First of all, I am a third year resident specializing in Psychiatric Medicine. I am a board certified doctor fully qualified to treat your daughter. --- I'm a little confused by this. A "resident" is one who still isn't a full doctor. How can he be a resident and board certified at the same time?
In Susan's case[,] I am leaning
Susan nodded [and - "then" is not a conjunction] then turned around and walked slowly toward the open door.
This book is worth waiting for so don't worry about the time.
Roberta
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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"First of all, I am a third year resident specializing in Psychiatric Medicine. I am a board certified doctor fully qualified to treat your daughter. --- I'm a little confused by this. A "resident" is one who still isn't a full doctor. How can he be a resident and board certified at the same time?
In Susan's case[,] I am leaning
Susan nodded [and - "then" is not a conjunction] then turned around and walked slowly toward the open door.
This book is worth waiting for so don't worry about the time.
Roberta
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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No, a resident is a fully qualified doctor. The residency is training in the specialty that he or she has chosen. ¨First you are a medical student, then an intern, usually one year. Then you decide if you want to specialize as a general practitioner, gynocology, opthamology, psychiatry, etc...usually 3 to 4 years. When finished you are certified a gynocologist, opthomologist, or psychiatrist.
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No, a resident is a fully qualified doctor. The residency is training in the specialty that he or she has chosen. ¨First you are a medical student, then an intern, usually one year. Then you decide if you want to specialize as a general practitioner, gynocology, opthamology, psychiatry, etc...usually 3 to 4 years. When finished you are certified a gynocologist, opthomologist, or psychiatrist.
Comment from Alaskastory
'A Visit With Susan in the Hospital' is a good chapter, Sasha. I remember most of it but can tell you've added touches to it. I was glad Susan gave some sign of recovery beginning. Well done! Marie
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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'A Visit With Susan in the Hospital' is a good chapter, Sasha. I remember most of it but can tell you've added touches to it. I was glad Susan gave some sign of recovery beginning. Well done! Marie
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Thank you so much. I am so pleased you continue to enjoy this.
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Thank you so much. I am so pleased you continue to enjoy this.
Comment from writerwish
This continues to be quite entrancing and taking such turns as to hold the interest well. It is always amazing to me to see better writers here than in books I have money for. Its too bad all psychiatric facilities don't treat patient's families as comrads.
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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This continues to be quite entrancing and taking such turns as to hold the interest well. It is always amazing to me to see better writers here than in books I have money for. Its too bad all psychiatric facilities don't treat patient's families as comrads.
Comment Written 22-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Yes, it is very sad that they don´t. I am so pleased you are enjoyoing this.
Comment from words
Another great chapter.
I do hope that your computer will return fully functional and in perfect electronic health.
So glad to be back reading your work again.
Hugs, d
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Another great chapter.
I do hope that your computer will return fully functional and in perfect electronic health.
So glad to be back reading your work again.
Hugs, d
Comment Written 21-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Me too. I am getting very tired of not being able to access my email....and when I do I can´t reply. Glad you liked this chapter.
Comment from Belinda
Hi, Sasha. No computer fir a day or so? Too bad. But you can correct 'Mrs. Martin' after that...:) I see from this chapter that you've made a thorough study in psychiatry, esp, for cases like Susan. I'm sure her response is natural for someone in her condition. This, as always, is interesting even after the third reading...:)
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Hi, Sasha. No computer fir a day or so? Too bad. But you can correct 'Mrs. Martin' after that...:) I see from this chapter that you've made a thorough study in psychiatry, esp, for cases like Susan. I'm sure her response is natural for someone in her condition. This, as always, is interesting even after the third reading...:)
Comment Written 21-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2012
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Yes, I have had a lot of experience with psychiatry. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and am quite familiar with its symptoms and treatments. I am so plesed you enjoyed this one.