Grammy's Memoirs 2018
Viewing comments for Chapter 5 "The Survivors"Bits and pieces of my life for my grandchildren
40 total reviews
Comment from pbomar1115
When it comes to family it is what it is. All families have problems, joy, and sadness. But, life goes on. Do you think life for the next door neighbor is better? I bet they have skeletons in the closet. Purging yourself problems is healing, I think. Clinging to and harboring ill feelings have a damaging effect on a person in my opinion. Great story.
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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When it comes to family it is what it is. All families have problems, joy, and sadness. But, life goes on. Do you think life for the next door neighbor is better? I bet they have skeletons in the closet. Purging yourself problems is healing, I think. Clinging to and harboring ill feelings have a damaging effect on a person in my opinion. Great story.
Comment Written 02-May-2017
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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thank you so much for your time to read, review and comment. Your words are well received and I have felt a great deal of healing as I write down these memories. I'm very interested to hear my brother's account of these same events. He was ten years older when these things happened,
~patty~
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You're welcome.
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I wish you the best.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Interesting. Your brother and sister pretend to get along but you know the truth. Abused by your sister, too... that must make it hard to be close. You probably never had a chance. Maybe with family counseling, but she won't do it. It's good that you let them know how you felt all those years. It gave them facts they needed, and they'll have time to think about it. It might help.
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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Interesting. Your brother and sister pretend to get along but you know the truth. Abused by your sister, too... that must make it hard to be close. You probably never had a chance. Maybe with family counseling, but she won't do it. It's good that you let them know how you felt all those years. It gave them facts they needed, and they'll have time to think about it. It might help.
Comment Written 02-May-2017
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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Hi Phyllis; thank you for your time to read, review, and comment. Its been over forty years, and I've waited for the right time to find a way to be close to my sister. I recently had a therapist tell me it may not be in the cards. I've always yearned to have a true sister relationship; I'm jealous of those that do. I joke, 'I wish I had a sister,' and my daughter tells me that she and I can be each others' sister - she doesn't have a female sibling either.
I appreciate your kind words, and I'm looking forward to sitting down with my brother in the near future and hearing his account of the events I've shared. He was ten years older when these things happened, and his memories should be sharper,
~patty~
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
I have missed so much of your writing and i regret that as you are a good writer and i see no problems with your chapter except that my heart cries for you and i pray for patience and love on your part. I look forward to reading more of your pieces.
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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I have missed so much of your writing and i regret that as you are a good writer and i see no problems with your chapter except that my heart cries for you and i pray for patience and love on your part. I look forward to reading more of your pieces.
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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Oh, I appreciate that you are willing to read along now - I see that you have 'fan'd me. Your prayers are gratefully acknowledged and I am so glad you stopped by read,
~patty~
Comment from Mabaker
You know, if I've been told once I've been told a dozen times the importance of 'families.' I came from being the only child of parents who had no siblings, therefore no Aunts and Uncles and no brothers and sisters. By the stories I hear, I reckon I'm the winner, on TKO.
Sincerely Mabaker
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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You know, if I've been told once I've been told a dozen times the importance of 'families.' I came from being the only child of parents who had no siblings, therefore no Aunts and Uncles and no brothers and sisters. By the stories I hear, I reckon I'm the winner, on TKO.
Sincerely Mabaker
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 02-May-2017
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Hi Anne; I often wonder what it would have been like to be the only child. In my case, I'm not sure if it would have changed much - other than the fact that I wouldn't have older people to look to in my adulthood. My brother and I have forged a tie that may be only familial, but it is warm and I take great comfort in it.
~patty~
Comment from Teri7
Patty, This is a very interesting and good chapter you have penned. You used very good descriptive wording and great dialogue. Good picture you used also. Thank you for your service for our country. I enjoyed reading and reviewing. love, Teri
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Patty, This is a very interesting and good chapter you have penned. You used very good descriptive wording and great dialogue. Good picture you used also. Thank you for your service for our country. I enjoyed reading and reviewing. love, Teri
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Hi again, Teri; I appreciate you stopping by to read and review this piece. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement,
~patty~
Comment from Aurora1
Hi patty on reading this the thing that really jumped out at me was how strong you are and how beautiful, the picture of your brother and sister although on the surface appears to show a happy scene really reflects to me a line from a poem I wrote many years ago.
" The face is but a mask no reflection of the soul how can one tell by a mask what lies beyond"
You just have to look a bit deeper into their eyes to know the truth, your brother dislikes himself and feels the guilt of the past, your sister dislikes herself even more but she feels no guilt because she drinks every day from the cup of bitterness which has poisoned her soul.
You cannot change people they need to lift their eyes above the walls of caves to see what is worth seeing, there is hope for one but it is the one who will never see that my heart aches for.
You are not a victim but a wonderfully strong rounded person who turned adversity encountered from those who were supposed to love you unconditionally into the growth of a soul. xx
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Hi patty on reading this the thing that really jumped out at me was how strong you are and how beautiful, the picture of your brother and sister although on the surface appears to show a happy scene really reflects to me a line from a poem I wrote many years ago.
" The face is but a mask no reflection of the soul how can one tell by a mask what lies beyond"
You just have to look a bit deeper into their eyes to know the truth, your brother dislikes himself and feels the guilt of the past, your sister dislikes herself even more but she feels no guilt because she drinks every day from the cup of bitterness which has poisoned her soul.
You cannot change people they need to lift their eyes above the walls of caves to see what is worth seeing, there is hope for one but it is the one who will never see that my heart aches for.
You are not a victim but a wonderfully strong rounded person who turned adversity encountered from those who were supposed to love you unconditionally into the growth of a soul. xx
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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wow - such a deep and analytical review of this work. I appreciate your six star rating, but that comes second to the appreciation of your kind words of support. I truly needed to hear that right now,
~patty~
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You are most welcome patty I only give what I see and feel. I rely on other people like yourself to give me the words that resonate with my own experiences and when they do I am right there beside. Much Love Carol (A)
Comment from MelB
You're right - photos can lie. It sounds like they both have some wounds that need healing. Believe me, there is nothing you can say to get your sister into counseling. Two things will get her there, either a life-altering event or coming to the end of herself. Until one of those happen, she will not go. They have to want the help! You did a great job writing this and I look forward to reading more.
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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You're right - photos can lie. It sounds like they both have some wounds that need healing. Believe me, there is nothing you can say to get your sister into counseling. Two things will get her there, either a life-altering event or coming to the end of herself. Until one of those happen, she will not go. They have to want the help! You did a great job writing this and I look forward to reading more.
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Hi Mel; thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and giving me some encouragement. I know in my head that it will take a great deal for Billie to get the counseling she needs - nothing I can do except for pray. Thank you for following the story,
~patty~
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I know it's frustrating! Prayer is the best thing you can do. Great job on the story!
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Hello, Patty,
I am sorry to hear about your dysfunctional family but I think many people can relate to these kinds of problems. I wrote my story too but I disabled it because I don't want the stigma. To each their own. I think it helps to put it down on paper. You did it well.
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Hello, Patty,
I am sorry to hear about your dysfunctional family but I think many people can relate to these kinds of problems. I wrote my story too but I disabled it because I don't want the stigma. To each their own. I think it helps to put it down on paper. You did it well.
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Thank you, Gypsy. The funny thing is that my brother wants to read all of it. He thinks I should write everything and then self-edit what really doesn't need to be thrown out into the world. Oh well. Thank you for sharing with me that you disabled your story - I feel relieved that I've let it out.
~patty~
Comment from lyenochka
Perhaps wanting to be there for her grandchildren may motivate your sister to change. Sometimes just praying is all we can do. Excited to learn about your brave step into the military.
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Perhaps wanting to be there for her grandchildren may motivate your sister to change. Sometimes just praying is all we can do. Excited to learn about your brave step into the military.
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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thank you for the thoughtful review. I do pray and hope, and pray some more. On more days than not, I'm simply thankful we live 3,000 miles apart.
~patty~
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
Yes, pictures certainly can tell lies. I am so glad to be past the place where I cared what what my family says and thinks. In the last year, I have found the rest of the world doesn't care about what they think and say. I look forward to reading more, my friend~Debbie
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reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Yes, pictures certainly can tell lies. I am so glad to be past the place where I cared what what my family says and thinks. In the last year, I have found the rest of the world doesn't care about what they think and say. I look forward to reading more, my friend~Debbie
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 01-May-2017
reply by the author on 01-May-2017
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Hi Debbie; thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. I appreciate your time and your kind words. I simply felt that both siblings needed to know what I was sharing - and well, you heard the results.
~patty~