36 Comments
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K.C. Knouse's avatar

The ending brought a tear to my eye. Mission accomplished, Sharron. As always, you discover just the right photos to accompany the story.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

You are an old softy. I suspected that about you. I sure am enjoying your story Junior's Luck! Big project.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

I appreciate your continued support. It makes it fun.

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James Ron's avatar

Now that is a very cool story and ending, Sharron! And good job with the the dialect.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

hah! Thanks! You know, Ron, I have written enough 50-stories to know now that I need to go directly to the heart of the story. All the details about who killed the mother, how Ian was able to adopt and raise a baby, and all that, was not important. The story was simply about a man and a child who needed someone to love.

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Kate Henry's avatar

Ah.... WAY nice. And that's the troooth. ))

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Kate. Both were lost, both were found. ( Reminds me a bit of Eizer Griggs and little Eli.)

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Kate Henry's avatar

Very much yes ))))

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

Beautiful. The Land of the Faeries awaits. This lovely story fits well into the pantheon of mysterious Celtic tales of creatures found upon the shore that bring joy to humans in their hour of need. And Bill Joel's lullaby is perfect. Thank you, Sharron, for a lovely start to the day.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Sue. Those opening bars of Billy Joel's lullaby make me burst into tears every time. It is like a toggle switch. I am not sure why. Some songs just grab the heart.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

That one certainly does.

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Kim Smyth's avatar

I'll skip the song but that was a good attempt imo. I understand the story just fine!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Kim. I did the voice over four times and still couldn't quite get it. I've been away from the Highlands for seven years.... sigh.

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Kim Smyth's avatar

Oh! I didn't listen to it yet, I was basing my comment on your writing.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Give it a go. It is only four minutes. The accent is 80% there... and provides a little atmosphere, I think. But I need to polish it up.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

A tear tae ma eye as well--now that's scrambling up the brogue! But just what's needed: a mix of scrambling, wandering and wondering hearts and your tale!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

My friend, David, in South Scotland would say , "T'would bring a tear tae a glass eye!" Thanks for accepting my attempt at the dialect. I need to get back to Scotland, my second home, but I fear I never will.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

No place for fear.

Now is the time for courage.

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Jack Herlocker's avatar

Alright, eyes a bit wet, not too bad, don't need a tissue <sniff> well maybe one...

Well done, dear lady! 💚💚💚

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Sorry! I guess I got you. Ha ha ha! Thanks so much, my friend, for always reading over here at Leaves.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Cut to five years later. Perfect. We know what we need to know and we can guess at the rest if we want to. I will admit to a tear in my eye, starting about halfway through. I love the way you brought this story home, Sharron. Just beautiful.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you for reading it, Jim. Men and their children. This theme of father-love seems to come up in my writing from time to time. It is a wistful/wishful topic that lives somewhere under the heart.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

As always, Sharron, brilliant! It brought tears to my eyes! So, so lovely.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, kid! I skipped over about five years, but I think I hit the heart of the story.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

It was perfect. Readers can fill those 5 years with their own imaginations, and it will be seamless! Great work, Sharron!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

👍🏻 Thanks, sweetheart.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

So beautiful and sensitive as usual. I was read fairy stories when I was small. Thank you, Sharon.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I am happy you liked this little story, Yael. I loved this father-daughter duet, myself, though I wasn't sure I did it justice. Thank you.

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Justin Deming's avatar

What a lovely and heartfelt conclusion, Sharron. It’s perfect. Also, those stories we hear hundreds of times are the best ones—especially when we’re young.

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Switter’s World's avatar

What’s across the ocean, Child? Walmart and Home Depot!

I smirk, because I once decided to see what was at the far north end of our road. When I finally arrived there at Yellowknife, NWT, instead of dirt floor log cabins with bearskin doors, I found the local Walmart.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I lived next door to a MacDonalds .... in Milan. urrrgh.

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Switter’s World's avatar

The world is not what our hearts want it to be, is it.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Not yet.

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Switter’s World's avatar

You just left the door of hope open a tiny crack.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Sharron, you have left me in absolutely pieces with this beautiful, beautiful story. And gosh, you're amazing, because the first chapter stands alone, as does this one, but together, well, gosh. Gosh again.

Right, I need a cup of tea RIGHT NOW. Strong one. I'm in no fit state for anything else, thanks to the effect this story has had on me.

(That's a compliment, trust me.) xxx

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Dear, Rebecca. Thank you so much for these comments. You have lifted my spirits. I really needed that right now…

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