As others have said, this piece punches. I really enjoyed it; the structure gave it a life within a life within the lives of others. Hope that makes sense; it's approaching 1 a.m. and I'm a little loopy past my bedtime. After reading your story a few hours ago, I got inspired to write. I love it when that happens. Thanks for the story, Jim! Nicely done.
Man oh man, Jim, I felt this on so many levels. What a gut-wrenching, sentimental, and all around beautiful story. And the way you wrote it and structured it was simply awesome. Loved it from start to finish!
Very Fine Work is an understatement. Fantastic piece here Jim, just as I knew it would be. Sentimental and touching, with feelings expressed that are so familiar, recognizable and real. Again, just a tremendous job of writing. Thanks for simply making it possible for me to read and enjoy, which is no small thing. - Jim
I loved it. Told from the boy's POV with the verse added in produced a touching combination of innocence and reflection. Sales was a popular profession for that generation. All of my uncles were sales people except for one (civil engineer). My father worked as an insurance underwriter. The opening line was brilliant. I always enjoy your work, Jim, and look forward to reading more of it.
Thank you for the kind comment K.C. You are right about sales being a popular profession back then. It seems like the word "salesman" has come to have a bad connotation these days.
That is unfortunate. I made my living as a full-commission, outside direct salesperson for forty-seven years. For the last forty years of my career, I sold printing. I was self-employed most of the time. Once I learned that sales is primarily a numbers game, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved serving my customers.
Oh, how sweet and beautiful this is, how heartbreaking and uplifting, too. Precious little Danny talking to his Papa and telling him of the gift he left him is the most rending thing and it made me cry a little, and smile.
Really moving, Jim. Having the perspective from the young lad made this really powerful. Seeing and interpreting through his eyes and experience makes this really special.
Also, this is a killer line: After tomorrow, Papa will wake up on the wrong side of the grass every day.
As others have said, this piece punches. I really enjoyed it; the structure gave it a life within a life within the lives of others. Hope that makes sense; it's approaching 1 a.m. and I'm a little loopy past my bedtime. After reading your story a few hours ago, I got inspired to write. I love it when that happens. Thanks for the story, Jim! Nicely done.
Thank you, Victor. I am honored to have inspired you to write.
Man oh man, Jim, I felt this on so many levels. What a gut-wrenching, sentimental, and all around beautiful story. And the way you wrote it and structured it was simply awesome. Loved it from start to finish!
Thank you Justin. Guys like Papa Hap were role models to me. I'm happy to think I've done them justice.
Very Fine Work is an understatement. Fantastic piece here Jim, just as I knew it would be. Sentimental and touching, with feelings expressed that are so familiar, recognizable and real. Again, just a tremendous job of writing. Thanks for simply making it possible for me to read and enjoy, which is no small thing. - Jim
Thank you Jimbo. You are too kind. The "Papa Haps" are almost all gone now. Didn't want to wait till the last minute to give them a little tribute.
Understood.
Very sweet. We could use more stories like this.
Thank you brother. These guys were my role models, my mentors. I miss them dearly.
I loved it. Told from the boy's POV with the verse added in produced a touching combination of innocence and reflection. Sales was a popular profession for that generation. All of my uncles were sales people except for one (civil engineer). My father worked as an insurance underwriter. The opening line was brilliant. I always enjoy your work, Jim, and look forward to reading more of it.
Thank you for the kind comment K.C. You are right about sales being a popular profession back then. It seems like the word "salesman" has come to have a bad connotation these days.
That is unfortunate. I made my living as a full-commission, outside direct salesperson for forty-seven years. For the last forty years of my career, I sold printing. I was self-employed most of the time. Once I learned that sales is primarily a numbers game, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved serving my customers.
And I'll bet you were pretty damned good at it. And you're right, great customer service is customer retention.
I don’t want to toot my own horn, but…
Oh, how sweet and beautiful this is, how heartbreaking and uplifting, too. Precious little Danny talking to his Papa and telling him of the gift he left him is the most rending thing and it made me cry a little, and smile.
Thank you so much Liz. I hope you smile more than you cry as I do when I remember "Papa Hap."
Beautiful story. Danny boy grew up a little in this story. I felt his growing pains.
Yes Sharon, growing up and growing pains. We can all relate. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Wonderful story. I want to share it with the world... best story I read this week. Thank you.
Thank you Martine. Your comment makes my day! (My week, my month)
Oh, wow! Such a wonderful story, Jim, I am so glad you brought it back! I love the POV of the little boy. What a story teller you both are...
Thank you so much Sharron. Little boy POV comes easy for me. It's all this old guy stuff I need to get the hang of.
Thank you Justin!
Really moving, Jim. Having the perspective from the young lad made this really powerful. Seeing and interpreting through his eyes and experience makes this really special.
Also, this is a killer line: After tomorrow, Papa will wake up on the wrong side of the grass every day.