Grammy's Memoirs 2018
Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Accidental baby"Bits and pieces of my life for my grandchildren
46 total reviews
Comment from dweigt
This is very engaging, and heart rending. Sounds like a tough beginning, and it takes a lot of courage to share such personal and painful memories.
The writing style is very natural and almost conversational, as though I was sitting across the table as you told your story. This works very well for the subject.
I found myself with a lot of questions at the end, which is good, because it makes me want to keep reading. I wasn't quite sure how old you were when you started reading. And, if my math is right, if you were in your teens when your sister was abusive, she would be twenty or so, but still living at home, and I wondered why she hadn't escaped by then. And your brother hiding in the garage rafters... You have so many little hooks for great stories. I hope expand on them in future sections!
Keep writing!
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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This is very engaging, and heart rending. Sounds like a tough beginning, and it takes a lot of courage to share such personal and painful memories.
The writing style is very natural and almost conversational, as though I was sitting across the table as you told your story. This works very well for the subject.
I found myself with a lot of questions at the end, which is good, because it makes me want to keep reading. I wasn't quite sure how old you were when you started reading. And, if my math is right, if you were in your teens when your sister was abusive, she would be twenty or so, but still living at home, and I wondered why she hadn't escaped by then. And your brother hiding in the garage rafters... You have so many little hooks for great stories. I hope expand on them in future sections!
Keep writing!
Comment Written 21-Apr-2017
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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Hi; thank you so much for reading and reviewing this piece of the novel. I can answer your questions; I was almost four when I started to read. My sister stayed in the house for as long as she did because my mother insisted she stay and pay rent. My brother moved out when he got married at twenty-one, which left my mother alone to cover the bills.
Thank you for the comment about my writing style. It was my intent to make the stories sound like they were being told as part of a conversation, so I'm happy to know I succeeded.
I hope you will follow along with the story. There's a lot more in store,
~patty~
Comment from nancy_e_davis
It's amazing what a child can survive and overcome isn't it, Patty. We hear so many stories if abuse here on FS but everyone survived, thank God. You were certainly lucky no cars were coming when the boys let the buggy go down the hill. That sounds like a bunch if boys, Never weighing the consequences. Well done Nancy
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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It's amazing what a child can survive and overcome isn't it, Patty. We hear so many stories if abuse here on FS but everyone survived, thank God. You were certainly lucky no cars were coming when the boys let the buggy go down the hill. That sounds like a bunch if boys, Never weighing the consequences. Well done Nancy
Comment Written 21-Apr-2017
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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Hi Nancy; thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. I think we hear about so much abuse on FanStory, because the survivors grow up to be writers and other types of artists. The pain needs to find an outlet.
~patty~
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Yes it does. I found that to be true when my husband of 56 years died of Cancer in 2009. It did bring out the poet in me.
Comment from c_lucas
The sad truth of the matter is abused children often develop into abusive parents. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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The sad truth of the matter is abused children often develop into abusive parents. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
Comment Written 21-Apr-2017
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. I was so afraid of becoming the abusive monster I was groomed to be, that I went into therapy during my first pregnancy. I made people around me aware of my abuse so they could help me with any frustrations I may have. God was good and my children were easy and wonderful.
Thank you for your kind review,
~patty~
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You are welcome, Patty. Charlie
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
I think childrens' lives were harder back then, as parents were more strict and would often take their moods out on their children. My mother was a very hard woman - she used to hit me with a folded thick leather strap if I was just 5 mins late getting in of an evening - no listening to excuses, just the belt. If that was to happen today, the parents would have the law at their door.
It sounds as if you had a similar childhood to me, altho my father was jolly if he'd had a few drinks. I was fortunate in having an older sister who was a comfort to me.
Thanks for sharing this, Patty.
Margaret
encyclopedias
encyclopaedias - or perhaps it differs over here?
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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I think childrens' lives were harder back then, as parents were more strict and would often take their moods out on their children. My mother was a very hard woman - she used to hit me with a folded thick leather strap if I was just 5 mins late getting in of an evening - no listening to excuses, just the belt. If that was to happen today, the parents would have the law at their door.
It sounds as if you had a similar childhood to me, altho my father was jolly if he'd had a few drinks. I was fortunate in having an older sister who was a comfort to me.
Thanks for sharing this, Patty.
Margaret
encyclopedias
encyclopaedias - or perhaps it differs over here?
Comment Written 21-Apr-2017
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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Hi Margaret; I appreciate you reading this and sharing some of your own story with me. Yes, parents got away with an awful lot back then.
I think that in today's world, someone would have interceded on my behalf. At least, I like to think so.
I think the spelling of encyclopedia is a difference in continent. There are so many words like that!
Thank you for the nice review,
~patty~
Comment from mbroyles2
This is a rough life you describe in this story.
Nor being very well liked by anyone in your family and be a difficult adjustment.
I admire your courage in sharing this with us.
Michael
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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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This is a rough life you describe in this story.
Nor being very well liked by anyone in your family and be a difficult adjustment.
I admire your courage in sharing this with us.
Michael
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Comment Written 21-Apr-2017
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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Hi Michael; thank you for this kind and thoughtful review. I made it through and with a lot of therapy, I learned to love myself and be responsible for my own happiness. I've forgiven the past, but I remember the pain, and protect myself now.
~patty~
Comment from royowen
We have something in common, my parents fought like cat and dog when I was young, but mum was more likely to be violent than dad. Your early life was a bit hellish, the lack of photos when young was a similar thing for us too. Patty, excellent biographical write, well done, blessings, Roy
Typo : My family blamed (me) for almost everything..
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reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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We have something in common, my parents fought like cat and dog when I was young, but mum was more likely to be violent than dad. Your early life was a bit hellish, the lack of photos when young was a similar thing for us too. Patty, excellent biographical write, well done, blessings, Roy
Typo : My family blamed (me) for almost everything..
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Comment Written 21-Apr-2017
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2017
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Hi Roy; thank you for catching the typo - I appreciate the edit. Writing this chapter was a final catharsis of this pain. I've dealt with it through therapy, but I felt something 'let go' with this telling. I appreciate your share, and hope you are in a better place, too.
~patty~
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Most welcome Patty, I'm glad you're in a better place now, if only parents knew how they can ruin another life besides their own .