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Contest Entry and Winners

Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "A Loss Greater Than One"
Short Stories

29 total reviews 
Comment from karenina
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We reap what we sow... At least in some cases. I had a great uncle, long deceased, who did this very thing to disinherit a son who had no time for him in life. His son was belligerent and angry and was ever-present after his father passed, to take up a legal battle! Alas, that "$1.00" inheritance proved to be his downfall. Proof positive that his father did not unintentionally overlook him! Great write, Carol!

Karenina

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2022
    Good morning, Karenina

    My brother still calls now and then to see if he can sipher anything out of me, but I had caved and gave him an allotment monthly and learned to regret it...Greed is a terrible thing. I won't surrender again.

    Smiles, Carol
reply by karenina on 10-Mar-2022
    Good Morning Carol...

    (And I sincerely hope it is smiling upon you this day!)

    Greed overshadows any sense of family loyalty or love...

    It's a bitter truth, but one we learn to live with!
Comment from Terry Broxson
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A well-written story for this contest, good luck. Sometimes in life, a few folks get exactly what they have earned. It seems like Gene was one of those people. It was sad for you. But he reaped what he sowed.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2022
    Thank you Terry!

    Yes, it hurt me worse then him because I knew I had lost my parents and my brother.... He resented it and said I'd talked her into doing it and then he blamed my father.... but my mother did it after my father had passed. She deserved so much better from her family.

    Smiles, CArol
Comment from Wayne Fowler
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Wow! Well done.
I'm sorry for the heartfelt trauma, the heartache, though.
I just hope that the 'True Story' wasn't 'your' reality, but someone else's. It must hurt terribly to be in such a family. I'm sorry for you/them.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2022
    Unfortunately, it is my true story. Because my brother had something bad happen to him once he felt the world owed him. When he neglected our mother, she wasn't as weak as he thought she was. Thank you for your kind review. Have a great day!

    Smiles, Carol
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh Carol! You've had this on top of everything else?! Firstly your mother was a very shrewd and astute lady who understood and appreciated the sacrifices you made because of your genuine love. Your brother's attitude to you and to your mother, and to money is very distressing. Thoughtfully written, an excellent entry, and I wish you the very best for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2022
    Good morning, Wendy

    I finally surrendered and gave him an allotment which I've learned to regret because when I hear from him I know it's because he wants more.

    Smiles, Carol
Comment from Leann DS
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Very well written with a suspenseful climate. You very effectively built up the drama from the beginning until the end. Nice dialogue that is realistic and effective in character development.

Girl... I sure hope this wasn't your story! It's sad and heartbreaking and it pisses me off.

Hugs!

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2022
    Good morning, LeAnn

    And the wheels of true life keep rolling along. I hear from him when he wants money otherwise I am nothing. I hope he can live with himself because he lost more than he will ever know (the last year with my mom after my dad passed was eye opening and more than I could have ever asked for.

    Smiles, Carol
reply by Leann DS on 10-Mar-2022
    Yes, I really believe it is his loss! My mom had similar experiences with her only sibling, and after my grandmother died, they cut ties. We found out two years ago that he passed away unexpectedly, and now she cannot mend fences with him ever. Sadly, I don't think it matters much to her though. I send you many, many hugs.
Comment from lyenochka
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Oh my goodness. That must have hurt him. I wonder how he missed the signals that he would be disinherited by your mom. He should have had an inkling. I guess his goals and values in life changed after his marriage? But I think he was pretty awful to you in childhood as well, if I recall your memoir correctly...So sad indeed!

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2022
    Good morning, Helen

    He didn't miss the signals, he ignored them. He thought my mother would never stop being the "enabler" for him. She gave him money throughout his life... a house, paid his taxes for years, bailed him out of trouble time and time again.... but he couldn't give her any of his time until it was too late.

    Smiles, Carol
Comment from Carolyn Dooley
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This is a terrible situation. Some people expect something for nothing. I wonder what made him think he was entitled to anything? Your mother knew who she could rely on. That letter spoke volumes.Thank you.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2022
    He thought it, Carolyn, because my beloved mother was was enabler, giving him every cent he asked for and bailing him out of trouble time after time. But when he refused to sit with her for a few hours each week, I think the sting was more than she could bear. She never said a word to him until the end.

    Hugs, CArol
reply by Carolyn Dooley on 10-Mar-2022
    Yes, and I understand.
Comment from BethShelby
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He must have really unset your mother. I don't blame you from trying to shield him from reading that. I would think that would have to hurt to know your own mother thought so little of you that she left you a dollar.
That is the thing about being an only child. You made be the one that is responsible for taking your parents, but no one fights about the trust if you are the sole heir.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2022
    My mother was the kindest woman I ever knew, but my brother took full advantage. As she suffered from cancer eating her body (three times) I was the only one to care for her and my father plus Mike. He was always too busy. Even though I gave up my business so I could take care of them. He waited till she was dying and then came and tried to say how much he loved her and was there for her. He didn't deserve a thing, but I caved and gave it to him in the end.

    Smiles, Carol
reply by BethShelby on 08-Mar-2022
    It is probably best you did, He is still your family and I hate to see families estranged forever over money. It is seems to everything when someone dies.
Comment from Judy Lawless
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Wow, Carol. How did some of your family members turn out to be kind, generous people, and others well, not so much. Obviously your mother was wise enough to know the difference. Good luck in the contest. Hugs.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2022
    She was and understood exactly what my brother had become. Me on the other hand, caved and tried to give him a second chance. He took the money and never changed. I hope he can live with himself. I know I can live without him.

    Smiles, Carol
reply by Judy Lawless on 08-Mar-2022
    It's sad, but sometimes there is no saving some family relationships.
Comment from Shirley McLain
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Deaths are a hard enough time in the family without all the squabbling. You did a great job, and I didn't find any mistakes. Have you and your brother got things worked out? Have a great afternoon. Shirley

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2022
    Unfortunately, no. I caved and gave him an allotment each month thinking it would heal the wounds, but instead he asked for more. It was all about greed instead of my mother.

    Smiles, Carol