Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Sounds like Brian is going in the right direction. I can't wait to read more.

Peter, who I was very close to, died of an Oxy overdose just last year. It was devastating to my brother's family and to me personally because Peter and I were very close (The 'very close' part is repeated way too close to each other.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

Of all the support he has been lucky enough to garner, this one has the greatest chance to make a difference for him if he can manage to stay clean.

Thanks for your great catch, Barbara. I have changed it now to avoid the repetition.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Exceptional

This rating is not only appropriate for this chapter but, also, as a cumulative evaluation of the previous ones, particularly this last week when I've been out of my paltry allocation. It would have been easy to reach a bit of an impasse in this story but you've always kept the pace and entertainment of it on an impressively high level. And you do this with the element of surprise, the ups and downs of Brian's quite fragile life. Despite his increasing support network, he is still not (understandably) trusted and needs safeguards along the way. Even the reader is kept second-guessing his next stage which is generally not a linear one, but who knows? Because Brian certainly doesn't.
I've never come across a physiatrist and, first off, thought this was supposed to be psychiatrist. But I know now what it means (it may well be better known in the States but, if not, maybe a footnote?). Also, I stumbled a bit on 'extra-attuned' but, again, this is not overly important.
I think what came over very emotionally for me was the professor's conversation and understanding, together with the reminder of all Brian had gone through and the vulnerability of his position. A lot packed in here and done with your usual expertise. Thanks for sharing. Debbie

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

My gosh, Debbie. Your reviews are always so well thought-out, thorough, and perceptive and are such a pleasure to read. You are a reader who really understands everything I'm trying to do with the story. You can't imagine how gratifying that is to have a reader who really "gets it."

I so appreciate the time and thought you put into them, and they make my day. Thank you so much, and for those 6 stars too, though they pale to insignificance next to your words.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

What a fortunate bunch of luck, but once again you've cleverly found a solution although there's still so much that can foil that, but his college professor has offered a lifeline to be free of his addiction forever, but he's got a couple of wonderful females to help, well done Jim, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

One of my college professors was named Dr. Paul Rieke, and this is a tribute to him because this fellow reminds me so much of the real Dr. Rieke.

reply by royowen on 02-Sep-2024

Well done

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

Well, you have set up the beginning to the next part of this tale. I assume this is a picture of you. Looks as if you could tee it up and still have a single digit h/c.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

No, that's not me but just some random dude I found on the internet. His picture first appeared in chapter 25. I was able to extract his head and insert it into this picture too using a combination of Microsoft Word, a snipping app, and Microsoft Paint.

(You may notice his head missing from the picture in chapter 25 if you go back there and look for it :-)

I've done that for my different pictures of Julia too. My daughter could have done it in 1/10 the time using Photoshop, but I'm too cheap to buy that, and this method works for me the few times I've done it.

Don't I wish I could tee it up and play again! Are you still playing?

reply by Tom Horonzy on 02-Sep-2024

Playing golf? No. Playing at golf? Yes. I have lost 1/3 of my distance off the tee, can shank an utility club, and CANNOT make a putt though I can always get 'em close.

Comment from tfawcus

Exceptional

The introduction of a new character at this stage gives the plot a bit of extra zest. I liked the way you handled the conversation between him and Brian, and Brian's reaction to the offer.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

Thanks very much, Tony. Dr. Rieke is exactly what Brian needs to get the ball into the end zone, to make it to the finish line, to get the ball into the goal (take your pick of sports metaphor.)

Thanks very much for that 6th star. Much appreciated.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

I am so pleased he has now been honest with his very astute and caring professor. This should be a huge help to him, and I wonder if together they will discover or create something huge and beneficial to help with the management of chronic pain.
Very well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

Thanks so much, Wendy. I will tell you that Brian and Dr. Rieke become bona-fide friends and work together more on an equal footing in Part 2.

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Exceptional

Do you know this quote? It's one of my all-time favorites: Every at-risk child is just one caring adult away from a much better life. I'm thinking Dr. Rieke knows this quote and emulates it. This is a wonderful opportunity for Brian to regain everything he's lost lately. I'm eager to see what awaits!

Nicely done chapter with authentic dialogue and a situation that is understandable and authentic, as well.

xoxox

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

I haven't heard that quote before, but it is very apropos here. Brian was very lucky to have such a person take an interest in him. He probably thinks to himself, "What did I do to deserve this?"

In Part 2, this relationship grows beyond simply a mentor/mentee one into one of true friendship. I'm guessing you may have that, Rachelle, with some of your former students.

Thanks for this wonderful review and the 6 stars too.

reply by Rachelle Allen on 02-Sep-2024

I definitely do, and it is the biggest perk of this fabulous gig I love. This past summer alone, I attended a wedding of one student (he's 26 now; I've known him since he was 9) and another student invited me to her BABY SHOWER!!! (I've known her since she was four and in my JCC dance class!!) I feel so very lucky to have these attachments. They make life sweet. xoxo

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

I understand where the professor is coming from. He couldn't help his nephew because he didn't know he had a problem, but he wants to help another addict succeed with his life. Brian now has another helper in his corner.

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 Comment Written 01-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

I guess Dr. Rieke sees it as a way to assuage some of the guilt he feels for never seeing the signs of drug use with his nephew. He's now hyper-aware of the warning signs.

Comment from lancellot

Excellent

A well-crafted chapter with another kindhearted person in your main character's life, who is open, and honest with him, also forgiving and understanding. Brian has an amazing support system. (So, no legal issues and no suspension or charges for the OD/drugs on campus.) I saw no writing issues.

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-Sep-2024

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024

Thanks very much, Lance. You raised a good question about the legalities involved and the university's response to an overdose. According to five minutes worth of research using my favorite AI bot, in 2010 when this took place, most universities had policies which aimed to encourage students who OD to seek medical help without fear of disciplinary action. It was called "medical amnesty." The bot did not know the specific rules for NC State Univ. in 2010, but encouraged me to look at a student handbook from then, which I didn't do.

It probably would have gone in his records, and if he did it again, he would likely have been charged, but probably not for a first offense.