Yes ma'am. That's exactly the message I was trying to convey. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, it means everything to me. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a memorable New Year. - Jim
Black marble slab: talk about a return to reality. The whole time I wondered, What did John do to ruin his marriage? Well, nothing. Not everyone can move on. I don't think I could. I hope I don't have to find out. I missed you, Brother.
Hey K.C., missed you too. Yeah, there was a little trickery going on and it wasn't necessarily fair. As far as being able to move on after something like that is a sad myth for some. Not saying it can't be done but the cold hard truth is that it can't always be achieved. The challenge is just too great for some. So glad you liked it - and thanks for the restack. - Jim
Wow Douglas, I had no idea. Much appreciated. I'm so glad you liked it and commented. I did a quick read of your bio as is my habit and you've led one helluva life. As you're well aware, Lockheed Martin is an incredible company with a brilliant history. I live outside of Ft. Worth and my neighbor is a retired Air Force pilot, who flew F-16's forever and F-35's when they first rolled out. He finished his career as a senior American Airlines pilot, picking and choosing where he wanted to fly, based out of DFW. I would almost bet you two could trade some names, haha. The guy is scary smart and I would imagine you are too. You almost have to be. Anyway, I'm officially rambling now. Thanks so much again for reposting my story. While you're here look around, I don't always write nasty crime fiction. - Jim
Didn't see that one coming - I see from the other comments here you were on a bit of a hiatus, as a new subscriber all I can say is I'm glad you didn't stay away!
Pam! So good to hear from you. You're reading my mind, I tend to write stories with an open ending. Not always intentionally. With this one I'm glad I did. I think John Turner might be a cop...Anyway, thanks so much migrating back here to read. I appreciate your patience. - Jim
I was invested in the breakup story, and then he hit me with the twist at the end - a poignant reminder that all relationships (both good and bad) come to an inevitable end - now where's my wife, random hug time!
And I missed this...and you, Emma. Simple as that. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. This story has a special meaning to me and while not trying to be dramatic, I was compelled to write it. Almost didn't post it. - Jim
I’m so glad you did! Sometimes I wish you’d make a post ABOUT your stories, so we can better know the meaning behind them. I’m sure you’re sharing something personal, but my curiosity is always peaked nonetheless.
Beautiful Jim. A perfectly ended tale of grief. Thank you for coming back and sharing this with us. They say that grief is the price we pay for loving. I had no idea what grief even meant until my mother's death. And I have learned since that my own grief will never go away. I simply had to make room for it in my life and I live with it.
The thanks go all to you Sharron. I can honestly say that I would not have come back if it weren’t for people that I care about, people that I respect and admire…people like you. - Jim
But....but... if you don't come back what will you do with all those stories rolling around in your head? You have to let them out to stay sane, don't you think? Or is it too late?
Always enjoy your stories Jim...I should know by now that there's usually a twist in your stories, but I never see it coming. Glad you're back. Missed reading and hearing from you. This story was special
Excellent reveal.
It's a good reminder that the people we love who've gone on want us to be happy.
Yes ma'am. That's exactly the message I was trying to convey. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, it means everything to me. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a memorable New Year. - Jim
Thank you Jim. All the same to you. A very Merry Christmas!
Cheers on your return.
Hey, thanks Anthony. Appreciate it.
Black marble slab: talk about a return to reality. The whole time I wondered, What did John do to ruin his marriage? Well, nothing. Not everyone can move on. I don't think I could. I hope I don't have to find out. I missed you, Brother.
Hey K.C., missed you too. Yeah, there was a little trickery going on and it wasn't necessarily fair. As far as being able to move on after something like that is a sad myth for some. Not saying it can't be done but the cold hard truth is that it can't always be achieved. The challenge is just too great for some. So glad you liked it - and thanks for the restack. - Jim
Jim this is beautiful! Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing! And welcome back!
Thanks so much for reading and the gracious comments, MaKenna. I appreciate the welcome back as well. I'm so glad you liked it. - Jim
What a wonderful story and so well told. I hope you like how I presented it in Crown Valley Quarterly. https://liveyosemite.wordpress.com/2024/02/23/science-and-technology/
Wow Douglas, I had no idea. Much appreciated. I'm so glad you liked it and commented. I did a quick read of your bio as is my habit and you've led one helluva life. As you're well aware, Lockheed Martin is an incredible company with a brilliant history. I live outside of Ft. Worth and my neighbor is a retired Air Force pilot, who flew F-16's forever and F-35's when they first rolled out. He finished his career as a senior American Airlines pilot, picking and choosing where he wanted to fly, based out of DFW. I would almost bet you two could trade some names, haha. The guy is scary smart and I would imagine you are too. You almost have to be. Anyway, I'm officially rambling now. Thanks so much again for reposting my story. While you're here look around, I don't always write nasty crime fiction. - Jim
I will pile on as well, and say welcome back!
Thank you sir. Much appreciated. - Jim
Jim! You're here!
Charlotte! I've missed the updates on the kids. Going to have to get caught up. So good to hear from you. - Jim
Loved it.
Thank you Jason. I very much appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment. Glad you liked it. - Jim
welcome back, Jim!
Kristin! Thanks for dropping by and it's good to be back. Always so good to hear from you. - Jim
Didn't see that one coming - I see from the other comments here you were on a bit of a hiatus, as a new subscriber all I can say is I'm glad you didn't stay away!
First of all C J, welcome and I really appreciate you subscribing. I'll do my best to keep you reading. Thanks again. - Jim
Pam! So good to hear from you. You're reading my mind, I tend to write stories with an open ending. Not always intentionally. With this one I'm glad I did. I think John Turner might be a cop...Anyway, thanks so much migrating back here to read. I appreciate your patience. - Jim
I was invested in the breakup story, and then he hit me with the twist at the end - a poignant reminder that all relationships (both good and bad) come to an inevitable end - now where's my wife, random hug time!
WELCOME BACK WE MISSED YOU
And I missed this...and you, Emma. Simple as that. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. This story has a special meaning to me and while not trying to be dramatic, I was compelled to write it. Almost didn't post it. - Jim
I’m so glad you did! Sometimes I wish you’d make a post ABOUT your stories, so we can better know the meaning behind them. I’m sure you’re sharing something personal, but my curiosity is always peaked nonetheless.
Great story, Jim. Nice to see you back.
Thank you Thomas. I so appreciate you reading and commenting on this old fool's story. Hope you've been well my friend. - Jim
Beautiful Jim. A perfectly ended tale of grief. Thank you for coming back and sharing this with us. They say that grief is the price we pay for loving. I had no idea what grief even meant until my mother's death. And I have learned since that my own grief will never go away. I simply had to make room for it in my life and I live with it.
The thanks go all to you Sharron. I can honestly say that I would not have come back if it weren’t for people that I care about, people that I respect and admire…people like you. - Jim
But....but... if you don't come back what will you do with all those stories rolling around in your head? You have to let them out to stay sane, don't you think? Or is it too late?
Well, it is late and getting later with every passing day but as the old saying goes, never say never, right? Thanks so much Sharron.
Ya got me bud...great piece Jim.
Thanks Peter. Appreciate you reading this and commenting. Means the world to me to get a reaction. Hope everything is good with you. - Jim
Always enjoy your stories Jim...I should know by now that there's usually a twist in your stories, but I never see it coming. Glad you're back. Missed reading and hearing from you. This story was special
Thanks again Peter, always good to hear from you too pardner. - Jim
Oh, boy. I did not see that coming. Beautiful and heartbreaking, Jim.
Jimbo, I tried hard to keep it a sad surprise. It means everything to me to have you read and comment. Thanks so much. - Jim
Masterfully done, Jim. Heavy impact with this one. Reminded me of that great George Jones song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Thanks for reading and generous comment Bob, I really do appreciate it. This one is sort of special. - Jim