21 Comments

Survivors' guilt is a tough one. Many truths in this piece: go your own way, make the most of what is given to you, the importance of family when one is in distress, and you can always start over. I'll add one. When you are doing God's will, you get what you need to accomplish the task. Alexander got the job he needed to wed his true love and remain in the mountains.

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I think so. Thank you, K.C. I agree100% re "God's will!"

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War is hell, and then it follows you home inside your mind. Even the lucky soldiers have much to overcome starting over after returning. I was worried for Alex half-way through the story, and relieved when he found a good next step for himself.

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I can only imagine the things they have seen that can't be unseen. I think it drives many crazy in their efforts to manage, or forget. And then, where do they go? As if life itself isn't enough to navigate. Being part of a cohesive family and/or having an exceptional Faith, is key, I think. Alex is lucky. Thank you for writing, Jim!

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I really appreciate the gentle progression of Alex's journey. And it sounds like paradise :-) This one hit home for me, as I left college to work on farms like this. I don't regret it, and I'm still doing it. I just brought in the last of my apple harvest today.

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Glad it connected with you, J.M. Thank you. I've had opportunities to work outdoors in more rural areas and often wish I had taken advantage of them. At the time, the grass always seemed greener, so to speak, in the city. What you are doing with horses and apples sounds great.

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This was deeply evocative Ron, so well done.

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You are very welcome. You write well

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Steve, thank you very much!

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This story is so full of hope. It could have easily gone the other way. Every one is in such a cynical, angst-ridden mood these days, I thought it surely would. You saved it, Ron. Thank you!

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Thank you, Sharron! Glad you enjoyed it. It did indeed start out with a negative slant in mind, but it took a turn for the better. I'm glad it did.

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Fantastic Ron. A simple pleasure to read, and more than once too. You've really captured the personality of Alex and the gentleness of rural life.

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Hi, Bob. There's something about rural living that really appeals to me. I've been in the city too long. : ) Thank you!

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Agree. Was on a farm but with age have migrated to the edge of a small city. Miss the farm though.

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Great story. I call myself “gentleman farmer”. I joined a Farmers Club when I retired and moved to South Carolina. It is like “ starting over” for me on a very small scale.

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Thank you, Barry! “gentleman farmer” - that sounds really good. I hope you were missed by the storm.

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I lived on Cape Cod for a while. That was as close to rural as I've been. I liked it a lot. Yes, with age, there are conveniences living in the city.

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thx 🌹🌻🌸💐💚💛💜❤️🌼😍🥰

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Thank you! 🙂

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Awesome! I find myself getting more and more into stories with happy endings these days.

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Thank you very much, Jim. I hope you have weathered the recent storms! Y'all took quite a hit.

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