Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Great details to give us more of the story. So from what you wrote, I understand that Ken took his dad's motto of "another day, another dollar," and made a great effort to enjoy his job and bless his fellow employees so that he could retire well. But he still thanks his father for the good work ethic to keep on going.

 Comment Written 02-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 02-Nov-2021

Thanks for reviewing! This is a contest entry with a 50 word limit, so not too much wiggle room for clarification.
While your take on the "thank you" to Dad is entirely plausible, it's not what I had in mind.
His father's unimaginative, plodding approach to life, was the motivation for his son to aim a good deal higher.
As an older and wiser man, he realized how his father's life was key in his early determination to not be like him, but to "be all he could be."
Hopefully, he also had a much more understanding view of his Dad which saw the good in being steadfast in his work ethic.
I think every son should try to learn his father's life story. no doubt, a good deal of forgiveness and appreciation would be experienced...by both fathers and sons.

reply by lyenochka on 02-Nov-2021

Yes, that is how I understood your story. He chose not to plod on but to make the most of it but still gave thanks because of the motivation. Great story! My father-in-law used to say the same thing but I suspected he enjoyed his job a lot more than he let on.

reply by the author on 03-Nov-2021

Thanks!

Comment from Shirley McLain

Excellent

I like your story about retirement. I've certainly enjoyed mine. I did not find any errors. I liked your character and the sentiment you gave him. Have a wonderful afternoon. Shirley

 Comment Written 01-Nov-2021

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reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021

Thanks for reviewing but you seem a little skimpy on the happiness wish?only "afternoon" well wishes? Whatever happened to, "Have a nice day"? 😅

reply by Shirley McLain on 10-Nov-2021

I have been offline for a few days because of a hard drive failure. You have all of my best wishes for happiness. I never want to be skimpy. :)

reply by the author on 11-Nov-2021

:)

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Oh yes indeed, I went in a different direction from my dad, but my girls became educators like their mum, the difference is they worked with the smaller kids, whereas Elaine taught difficult teens, well done Denis, excellent post, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 31-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021

Thanks Roy, appreciated

reply by royowen on 01-Nov-2021

Welcome Denis

reply by royowen on 01-Nov-2021

Well done Denis

reply by the author on 01-Nov-2021

👍

Comment from pookietoo

Excellent

A lovely little story. Good luck in all you write. I hope all us well with you. I enjoyed reading this. Best wishes and keep smiling. Enjoy little things that matter most.

 Comment Written 31-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 31-Oct-2021

Thank you, you are very kind and your words encouraging. God bless you with the knowledge of Him.

reply by pookietoo on 31-Oct-2021

You are welcome.

reply by the author on 31-Oct-2021

:)

reply by pookietoo on 31-Oct-2021

:)

Comment from Elizabeth Emerald

Excellent

Wonderful piece! This would have been a flash contest contender for sure. Wry charm turns sweet and sentimental in the stunning closer. Masterful misdirection. Surprise to the reader!

 Comment Written 31-Oct-2021

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reply by the author on 31-Oct-2021

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the encouraging words. Very much appreciated!