Comment from OneGirl

Excellent

This was really good. It started out sad and depressing and jumped to life at the end. I love the way yyou use your words and your message is really inspirational. I think you have done a great job!

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2007

Hey, OneGirl! Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I've been lost in my mind the past few days trying to dredge up new stories :-)

I thank you for taking the time to read and review. I am glad that you enjoyed the read and the message it imparted.

Comment from Carms

Exceptional

Very well done. The fact that millions of people live in this state is sad but very true.

Thank you for the touching piece.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2007

Hey Carms! Always good to see you :-)
It is a sad thing. I wish no one had to experience these feelings... but then, I would have never appreciated life as much as I do without the struggle to see it.

Thanks for the review, my friend, and taking the time to read my story :-D

Comment from thenext-poe-t

Excellent

I died.

So how can I write this if I am dead, you ask. A ghost cannot hold a pen for it has no substantial weight to bear one. But I say, I am not a ghost, nor any other sort of phantom menace from the netherworld.

Flawless Intro grabbed me and I didnt want it to end!

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2007

Thank you very much! That line came to me in a dream and the next day I just had to find a way to use it. After I wrote it down, it seemed as if the feelings I had experienced as a young woman just came pouring out. I needed to show the hell of living in such a terrible state and the joy of finally overcoming it.

I am so glad that it was able to capture your attention. Thank you for taking the time to read and review :-)

Comment from Thayamax

Excellent

Very well written, love the first line. The descriptions of the bleak nothingness that is felt are very good. This is quite a message that comes through in your words. Well done.
Thaya

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2007

Thank you, Thayamax! I am so glad that you enjoyed it :-)

Comment from alenton

Excellent

I loved this story from the first two words. Very powerful. I suffered similar feelings a couple of years ago after the break-up of a long-term rtelationship - your story really touched me and reafirmed that old adage "what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger'. I am stronger from my own experiences, and also from sharing your story. Thanks for a great read.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2007

Hey, alenton... I apologize for the late response... I've been a little lost in my own world for the past few days :-D

Yes, what doesn't kill us can only make us stronger. I have learned it through this experience (the story you read) first hand. It took me years before I finally realized I didn't have to live in the state I was in. It was a hell of a battle, but I am much better today for having fought it.

Thank you for reading and reviewing. Your comments were appreciated :-D

Comment from mshugh

Excellent

This is a well written story that I had to read TWICE tro bsorb it all - the paralles you draw to our human condition caused me to pause and think and each time to restart my thanks

One minor nit

that binds you [insert a period and begin a new sentence] for only

Very nicely done

Michael

 Comment Written 22-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 22-Jul-2007

Thank you. I will go in and fix that asap. I appreciate you stopping by to review my work :-)

Comment from mtngalofnc

Excellent

This is an excellent story! It brings us to the reality of what can happen to us, and what it takes for our life to be revived! You did a great job, and I could find no mistakes! Looking forward to hearing more from you. God bless, and best wishes!

 Comment Written 22-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2007

Thank you for taking the time to read and review my work :-)

It takes hard work and determination, strength, wisdom and hope, to overcome the struggles life throws our way. Those of us with enough courage to fight the battle come to love life all the more.

Comment from DawningOne

Excellent

That was an incredible story. You captivated your reader from the words, "I died."
You asked in your piece if I ever died. I died once on the operating table during an emergency gall bladder surgery. I didn't know at the time, but many years later I can look back and see myself just floating in the air above my body. There is a bright light saying you have to go back. I feel perfect love and peace. I fear no evil. Any way, that's my story in a nutshell. Good read here. God bless you.
Much love,
Dawn

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 22-Jul-2007

Thank you! I was hoping the "I died" would grab everyones attention and hold it.

I have never died in the sense that you are speaking of, but I DID die inside. Though I was no true phantom, I still hovered on the outside looking in.

I appreciate your time, your comments, and your wonderful review!

Comment from Bryana

Excellent

I found this piece writing at its best! It caught my attention from the beginning and as I read I came to understand how many people are in this state of half dead, half alive. It's their call to become completely alive and not just a phantom.

Thank you for sharing your writing talent.

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2007

Yes, exactly! I am so glad that you were able to see the meaning behind the words. I hope that, in time, others will be able to banish the past that holds them down and come back to the life that awaits. Thank you for taking the time to read and review my work :-D

Comment from drivenbackward

Excellent

Hey, Ric. I'm going to keep this review really simple: Loved it! You're one of the few writers who aren't wordy, and that's a pleasure to read. Great job holding reader's attention.

For years I wandered in this state; half alive, half dead --- I think a colon would work better there. Your call, though.

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2007

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2007

well, I actually had one there and someone told me I shouldn't have it there... :-/ confusing, no?

Anywho, as always, I am thrilled that you would stop in and review my work. Your comments are always appreciated :-D