Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

You did a great job, Mary Kay, with your tribute to Mastery. I love the chosen image. You covered much of his time on FS, before I knew him here. Your words are heartfelt. I remember bits and pieces from some of the books by Mastery that you referenced.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2021

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2021

Thank you so much for your beautiful review and for the five stars, Jan. I didn't know him during those early years either, but I filled in the gap with some research, and was really impressed by his memoir of his youth. It turned out that "Phoenix Rising from the Ashes" was not a book he wrote, but a description Ralf wrote of his determination to overcome adversity -- that's why I couldn't find the book anywhere! I was just sad to see him go. Bless your heart.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Bob also lost his son, and suffered grief greatly in that period of his life. I think Bob was a fiercely private person, but yet generous in his assessment of one's work. Yes, it's true that "Falling up the stairs" was based on his young life, in fact I guessed it was about him, so emotive was his writing, it could only be him, he was Joey. Thanks for your kindness and skill in writing this fitting tribute Mary Kay, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2021

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2021

Thank you, Ron, for your beautiful and very thoughtful review, and for the five stars. I wish I would have had the opportunity to read "Phoenix..." while it was posted on FanStory, because it doesn't seem to be available anywhere now. I have heard that it is extremely difficult for a marriage to survive the death of a child (especially one of tender age), but I understand that he went on to marry his present wife, and have a large family, praise God. For one so poorly treated in his youth to become a good husband and father is truly remarkable and a great blessing. God bless you and yours. - Mary Kay

reply by royowen on 24-Jul-2021

I agree Mary Kay.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

I think everyone must have Bob's biography, Falling Up The Stairs, it was my favourite book of his, I suppose because it was about him and his sister, Beth. I'm sure he is at peace now, Mary Kay. Well done, this is a lovely tribute to Mastery. :)) Sandra xx

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 Comment Written 24-Jul-2021

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2021

Thanks for your beautiful review, Sandra. I actually released it before I was ready to, and had to do a quick clean-up job. Thank you for the five stars and thoughtful comments. Love and blessings, Mary Kay xoxo

Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)

Excellent

It has been too long you haven't written, and I am distressed that it took such a sad event to draw you out of your silence. What I most appreciated about your post was the book review on Amazon of falling up the stairs. Like you in the past, this piqued my interest, and I have now added this book to my wish list so expect (hopefully) to have it on my bookshelf for my forthcoming birthday).

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 Comment Written 24-Jul-2021

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2021

Thank you, Katherine, for your caring review and the five stars. It was actually this sad event, and Ralf's personal request, that drew me out of my "silence." My husband and I have been going through some very difficult trials, not marital ones, but of a personal nature (as well as my mother's illness), and it is probably the most difficult time of my life. Neither is it an easy set of problems to write about. It is therefore much easier to just read and do reviews, for it helps take me away from the distress I am feeling. Maybe some day, I will be able to write about this; I'm not even sure.
I do appreciate that you were concerned about me. May God bless you.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo

reply by Katherine M. (k-11) on 24-Jul-2021

I am so sorry you have problems. At least you have each other...

reply by the author on 24-Jul-2021

Thank you so much. Yes, that means so much! I thank God for him.

reply by Katherine M. (k-11) on 24-Jul-2021

I don't want to pry, but I am always here if i can help in any way.

reply by the author on 26-Jul-2021

Thank you so much for asking, Katharine. It is very kind of you. Our situation is complex and difficult, and I will consider how much I might share. Often we seem to get bombarded with either judgment, or solutions we can't readily use. I don't mean to be so cryptic... for now, please pray for us to the Lord God Almighty, in Jesus' Name, for His mercy and grace, that He will provide us strength, courage and wisdom to get through our crisis. God bless you, my friend.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo

reply by the author on 26-Jul-2021

Sorry I misspelled your name, Katherine! My mother spells it the same as you, but it's spelled two different ways, even in her official records, so it throws me off a little, occasionally!

Comment from BethShelby

Exceptional

This is a very lovely tribute to Bob and I'm sure it will be a excellent addition to the book being put together in his memory. I read the first book about his childhood as he put the chapters on Fanstory and looked forward to each chapter of his struggle. He turned out well despite a terrible childhood. The story of the child he lost tragically was heartrending. I was reading his later detective stories, although it wasn't exactly my taste in writing. I'm glad he found love in his life, and I hope he found peace as well.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2021

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2021

Thank you so much, Beth, for this touching review, the six beautiful stars and for sharing your experience with Bob on FanStory, as you both had a much longer history on this site than me. Blessings and love, Mary Kay