Grasping the Elusive Dream
Viewing comments for Chapter 15 "Life in the Mid Seventies "The Followup to Chasing the Elusive Dream
21 total reviews
Comment from Tom Horonzy
mama mia - not the play or movie but simply an exclamation how frightening losing a child may ... or not be. I never had the happenstance to act that play out. Thank you, Lord.
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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mama mia - not the play or movie but simply an exclamation how frightening losing a child may ... or not be. I never had the happenstance to act that play out. Thank you, Lord.
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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Thank you, Tom. Yes, losing a kid is scary. Thankfully they were lost permanently.
Beth
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Beth, another fascinating chapter about life in the Shelby family. And don't worry I won't be at all judgemental because I am to in awe of your skills as it is in managing your large active family. Anyway, I had a nice driver bringing my 2 year old daughter home after she wandered out of the drive on to the sidewalk while I was hanging the washing out! In your case you would have needed eyes in the back of your head as well as being a sprint runner! A great read which sounds cruel given the inevitable tension you're probably still feel recalling these incidents! Small edit: In our three bedroom house....we need(ed) more space. Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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Beth, another fascinating chapter about life in the Shelby family. And don't worry I won't be at all judgemental because I am to in awe of your skills as it is in managing your large active family. Anyway, I had a nice driver bringing my 2 year old daughter home after she wandered out of the drive on to the sidewalk while I was hanging the washing out! In your case you would have needed eyes in the back of your head as well as being a sprint runner! A great read which sounds cruel given the inevitable tension you're probably still feel recalling these incidents! Small edit: In our three bedroom house....we need(ed) more space. Take care Debbie
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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Thank you Debbie for the nice review and comments. I was releaved to find that most people had kids wonder away at times.
Beth
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Oh goodness yes! And be the last parent to pick them up from school etc..
Comment from royowen
I can remember Rebecca and Catherine both sleeping with Elaine and I for the first few years of their lives, then, although my handy brother made two beautiful bunk beds, they slept in the same bunk, they remain that close to this day, although both were completely different from one another, don't worry we lost both of the a couple of times, but they were clever enough, as per instruction, to go were people could help. Beautifully written Beth, Blessings Roy
Typo : Was (possible). possibly larger? 2: Teaching Connie, (her) phone number, my? 3: Ev(e)n gave a blank look, Evan?
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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I can remember Rebecca and Catherine both sleeping with Elaine and I for the first few years of their lives, then, although my handy brother made two beautiful bunk beds, they slept in the same bunk, they remain that close to this day, although both were completely different from one another, don't worry we lost both of the a couple of times, but they were clever enough, as per instruction, to go were people could help. Beautifully written Beth, Blessings Roy
Typo : Was (possible). possibly larger? 2: Teaching Connie, (her) phone number, my? 3: Ev(e)n gave a blank look, Evan?
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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Thank you Roy. It is so good your girls are close. It seems a lot of people have lost their kids for a short time. Thanks for your help with spags. There was one of those I hadn't cleaned up.
Beth
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Well done
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
We all try to do our best as parents and we are never perfect, but it sounds like you were well tuned into your children and always considered their needs Beth. This is all we can do and I expect your kids turned out to be wonderful adults. I enjoyed the journey here Beth and learning about your kids growing up, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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We all try to do our best as parents and we are never perfect, but it sounds like you were well tuned into your children and always considered their needs Beth. This is all we can do and I expect your kids turned out to be wonderful adults. I enjoyed the journey here Beth and learning about your kids growing up, love Dolly x
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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Thank you Dolly, I really appreciate your comments.
Beth
Comment from barbara.wilkey
The worst I ever did, was Steven was about 10 years old. I was youth director of our church and had to go to church earlier than my husband needed to be there, so we took separate cars. My husband left after the service, and I remained with my teenager youth group. When I finished, I drove home, thinking Steven went home with his dad. At home there was no Steven. He was still at the church. Oh my!! I do understand.
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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The worst I ever did, was Steven was about 10 years old. I was youth director of our church and had to go to church earlier than my husband needed to be there, so we took separate cars. My husband left after the service, and I remained with my teenager youth group. When I finished, I drove home, thinking Steven went home with his dad. At home there was no Steven. He was still at the church. Oh my!! I do understand.
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2023
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Thank you Barbara. Almost everyone is saying they lost a child for a short while so now I don't feel so bad. They get away fast.
Beth
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Good chapter, Beth. You've given us some insight into you and your children. Losing a child is very scary, and I'm sure we can all tell similar stories, I know I can, but, like you, they never stayed lost. They always find their way back one way or another.
Again, I am impressed by your memory for details. I understand the extreme memories, like losing the kiddos, but for minutia as well. What a great gift to share with your children and grandchildren.
Take care,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Good chapter, Beth. You've given us some insight into you and your children. Losing a child is very scary, and I'm sure we can all tell similar stories, I know I can, but, like you, they never stayed lost. They always find their way back one way or another.
Again, I am impressed by your memory for details. I understand the extreme memories, like losing the kiddos, but for minutia as well. What a great gift to share with your children and grandchildren.
Take care,
Rhonda
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you Rhonda. I not sure why all that sticks to my memory. My kids don't seem to remember as much as I do but I remember my own childhood even clearer than I remember theirs. I appreciate your comments.
Beth
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That's interesting. My sister said one of her daughters doesn't remember anything before she was 7.
Comment from jim vecchio
You ended this chapter at a most intriguing point. As always, you leave me wanting for more. Thanks for baring your soul about every parent's worst nightmare: missing children. There is so much wonderful content in each chapter, it is difficult to focus on one point.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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You ended this chapter at a most intriguing point. As always, you leave me wanting for more. Thanks for baring your soul about every parent's worst nightmare: missing children. There is so much wonderful content in each chapter, it is difficult to focus on one point.
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much Jim, I really appreciate you review and comments. I glad you like my chapters. You made my day with the six stars.
Beth
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I truly enjoy your writing!
Comment from heavenempress
I read part of a book and wished to read it to the end. I got interested in knowing the challenges that mother's go through and we take it for granted. Excellent piece of work
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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I read part of a book and wished to read it to the end. I got interested in knowing the challenges that mother's go through and we take it for granted. Excellent piece of work
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you so much for the review and comments.
Beth
Comment from damommy
I know how terrified you were when you couldn't find your child! Back in the early 70s, I had those child harnesses for my boys so when we went to parades, she couldn't get away or be snatched up. When I've gong to New Orleans, I never ventured into the French Quarter at night!
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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I know how terrified you were when you couldn't find your child! Back in the early 70s, I had those child harnesses for my boys so when we went to parades, she couldn't get away or be snatched up. When I've gong to New Orleans, I never ventured into the French Quarter at night!
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you for the review and comments. I didn't even think of harnesses back then. It might have saved some scary; times. They would for dogs, so why not?"
Comment from Paul Manton
Well, you left me on a cliffhanger! Will Carol survive? I'm guessing the answer's yes, since you tell us they all come back like homing pigeons.
Now there are some parents who would love to succeed in getting rid of all their children, sitting back and having happy undisturbed lives - but you had so many opportunities to lose yours, and you failed completely! What's going on Beth? You mean, you actually like your children!?
Well, not even a rhetorical question - but you must still wonder about your memory loss. When my mother was alive, she was not only my only family, but the one person for whom I would destroy the universe to protect. I had never forgotten her birthday, but one year maybe in the 1980s I was suffering a little with agoraphobia which also meant losing touch generally - not that she knew anything about it - but I forgot her birthday until three weeks later. In panic, I phoned and almost screamed, 'Did I forget your birthday?' I didn't even know if I had or not. I had! I spent most of that week in tears, regularly shouting unrepeatable things to myself. That was not a good year! It never happened again.
What is most remarkable is the saintly nature of the woman - rather than remind me, she just waited until I worked it out. I never met another person like her.
Every teacher's nightmare on a school trip is to do the final count, just before going back to school and finding someone missing! I remember only one occasion when we waited on the bus, with an increasingly distressed driver, while the Deputy Head and two other helpers scoured the museum to find the 'lost sheep.' I'm guessing it's an even bigger panic for a parent. But, as here, it makes a very good story.
Thanks, Beth.
Paul
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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Well, you left me on a cliffhanger! Will Carol survive? I'm guessing the answer's yes, since you tell us they all come back like homing pigeons.
Now there are some parents who would love to succeed in getting rid of all their children, sitting back and having happy undisturbed lives - but you had so many opportunities to lose yours, and you failed completely! What's going on Beth? You mean, you actually like your children!?
Well, not even a rhetorical question - but you must still wonder about your memory loss. When my mother was alive, she was not only my only family, but the one person for whom I would destroy the universe to protect. I had never forgotten her birthday, but one year maybe in the 1980s I was suffering a little with agoraphobia which also meant losing touch generally - not that she knew anything about it - but I forgot her birthday until three weeks later. In panic, I phoned and almost screamed, 'Did I forget your birthday?' I didn't even know if I had or not. I had! I spent most of that week in tears, regularly shouting unrepeatable things to myself. That was not a good year! It never happened again.
What is most remarkable is the saintly nature of the woman - rather than remind me, she just waited until I worked it out. I never met another person like her.
Every teacher's nightmare on a school trip is to do the final count, just before going back to school and finding someone missing! I remember only one occasion when we waited on the bus, with an increasingly distressed driver, while the Deputy Head and two other helpers scoured the museum to find the 'lost sheep.' I'm guessing it's an even bigger panic for a parent. But, as here, it makes a very good story.
Thanks, Beth.
Paul
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 17-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you Paul. I appreciate the review and you sharing events from your own life with me. You were a good son to never forget her birthday. I've been known to forget my own. In Europe on bus tours the driver would count heads but would only wait a little while if someone was missing. They usually fournd they way back, but I was carefully not to get left behind.
Beth
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We wouldn't have been thanked for leaving little Mildred in the Isle of Wight!
(Would we??)