Reviews from

Do You Believe In Monsters?

Viewing comments for Chapter 5 "The Monster Don't Sing Or Dance"
Living with a madman.

8 total reviews 
Comment from royowen
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It sure sounds like he certainly was crazy, but it just goes to show the difference between law and grace, my dad was never violent, although my mum could be from time to time, it amazes me that your pastor couldn't recognise the religious demon in him, a know a couple who were like that. Beautifully written Douglas, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 13-Dec-2024
    Spooky things happened in that home as well. I didn't write about it, but hangers banged in the closet, footsteps, and the weirdest is we often had rattlesnakes in our garage to the point that I was bitten and became the second person in Elkhart Indiana to ever be bitten by one, Seems evil.
reply by royowen on 13-Dec-2024
    There are other possibilities but they are a little hard to believe
Comment from Wendy G
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This was very hard to read, and very moving. Unbelievable. He was obviously completely crazy and quite evil. And to think he had a leadership role in the church! Totally inappropriate, and wrong.
Wendy
Edit: For years, my tuesday ritual (Tuesday)

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
    Thanks, Wendy! Appreciate you.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
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I know he's dead now and that death wouldn't have come soon enough, had I been in your shoes! He was a monster, totally out of control and getting off on ruling the roost, just because he could against children and his poor oppressed wife. Big man!! I think that the more times he puts you in fear of your life, maybe it will get to the point that you get bigger, stronger and think: 'What the Hell, I've got nothing to lose anymore!' I'm so pleased you can continue to vent your emotions, with your siblings for support. This is a shocking tale of childhood which makes my blood run cold. Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
    Not an easy path, but I am getting it written, finally.
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
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With all we have been through, it's a wonder we are so acceptable. I was going to say normal, But I have never been normal a day in my life. Updates: Marilyn Hamilton slipped on the ice and is in the hospital with a broken hip. Put her on your best wishes list please.
Da Mommy (Yvonne) is back in the nursing home, and Debi P.M. is soon to be back in the hospital for her cornea replacement. Jessie James Doty is recuperating from his spinal surgery. Patcelaw is recuperating from her heart surgery. Jim Vecchio is having multiple biopsy's soon. That's all the new stuff I know. I pass this along . Our lists keep getting longer. Love to you and yours.Karen

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2024
    My goodness. Getting old is a &$*#^%. !!!!!
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 10-Dec-2024
    Marilyn just told me her hip is not broken but she thinks it will be 3 more days. :-)
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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Back in the day Child Protective Services, I guess really wasn't a thing as it is today. I know we had a neighbor who sexually molested his daughter, she was maybe 4 years older than me. Nothing was ever done. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Dean Paul ran that thing over with his old Dodge van, then backed over it again for good measure. (I'm surprised Duane's parents didn't complain.)

For years, my tuesday ritual was spending three and a half hours sitting at the dinner table. (Tuesday)

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
    I didn't write it but Duane's Dad, Jerry, was a big biker type. He came down and Dean Paul couldn't get the money out quick enough to pay for the bike.

    Thank you!
reply by barbara.wilkey on 11-Dec-2024
    GREAT!!!
Comment from Begin Again
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Oh, Doug, I knew the minute I flipped to your post, I would have chills crawling all over me. The man had more than one or two screws loose, that's for sure. I can't help but wonder what made him that way and how he could possibly feel donning a sheet and pretending to be a ghost would make what he did okay. As for the liver.... my father said I had to sit at the table till I ate it too...fortunately, I had a tiny Pekingese who loved the stuff. I became a pro at dropping it at my feet. I can't stand the sight of it to this day.
Hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2024
    Hon,
    You don't have to read these. I wrote them as a therapy for myself. I had to put what was hidden for so long. I understand it is harsh.
    D

    PS Liver sucks!
reply by Begin Again on 11-Dec-2024
    You do what ever it takes to help you and I'll be here because that's what friends are for... I've got one of those black boxes too! I think I threw away the key...at least that's what I tell myself so myt brain won't go there.
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
    Appreciate you!
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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This is a very scary event for you and the other boys Douglas and thank you for sharing this brave post with us. Being afraid of an adult who intends to abuse is terrifying and that terror repeats itself in the minds of the victims throughout their lives. I am sorry you have suffered like this, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
    A tough childhood, my friend.
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
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Your story had me from start to finish. The way you captured the fear in those moments was so clear. I felt like I was right there hearing every pop of Dean Paul's knee. I appreciate how you brought out the raw emotions and painted such a clear picture of life under his control. Your voice is so strong. Your storytelling shines. Keep sharing - your courage and talent are undeniable!

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024
    Thank you. Your words are so very kind. I appreciate you!