The Best Christmas Ever
We can all make the most of Christmas if we try.27 total reviews
Comment from Antoine Charlemaine
A lovely, heart-warming story, Sandra. I really felt the love (and tension) between this father and his daughter, and the sadness as the inevitable draws nearer. Perhaps I'm not a good one to read this, though, as I am actually a renal nurse and care for dialysis patients every day. A few of your 'factual' details are a little inaccurate. It is possible (and usual) for patients in renal failure to survive for many years without having kidneys at all. Often kidneys are removed due to diseased states or have simply ceased to function for any number of reasons, but the dialysis machine becomes the artificial kidney for these people and the success of treatment is not dependent upon functionality of existing kidneys. Another thing is that you state Peter was born with only one kidney (like Monica), so he would not be considered as a transplant match for Monica, even if he was compatible in other areas.
Otherwise, this is an enchanting story, Sandra, which I truly enjoyed reading, and which fits the sentiment of the Christmas season so well. Thank you.
Anthony.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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A lovely, heart-warming story, Sandra. I really felt the love (and tension) between this father and his daughter, and the sadness as the inevitable draws nearer. Perhaps I'm not a good one to read this, though, as I am actually a renal nurse and care for dialysis patients every day. A few of your 'factual' details are a little inaccurate. It is possible (and usual) for patients in renal failure to survive for many years without having kidneys at all. Often kidneys are removed due to diseased states or have simply ceased to function for any number of reasons, but the dialysis machine becomes the artificial kidney for these people and the success of treatment is not dependent upon functionality of existing kidneys. Another thing is that you state Peter was born with only one kidney (like Monica), so he would not be considered as a transplant match for Monica, even if he was compatible in other areas.
Otherwise, this is an enchanting story, Sandra, which I truly enjoyed reading, and which fits the sentiment of the Christmas season so well. Thank you.
Anthony.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Hi, Anthony, thank you for your really helpful review, I didn't realise you could survive without kidneys, would you have to be attached to a dialysis permanently? My uncle was born with only the one kidney and he had a serious infection about four years ago, they put him in an induced coma for nearly a month, he totally missed Christmas and the New Year. He was lucky, his kidney was saved and he is doing very well. He's well into his late 70s now, and has had a very full and active life. I didn't explain myself in the story, the father would have given his life up had the kidney been a match. I must admit, I did write blind there. I will have to have a little rethink on that part. But thank you for all the info. I am glad you liked the story though, thank you. I'll now go and have a look at that bit again. :) Sandra xsx
Comment from royowen
You wrote the most beautiful bittersweet story I have read, I think such a well written, I'm afraid not every story you read is going, it depends where the story leads you, it happens all the time to me, I think there's somebody who guides the hand! Great characters, a well designed and composed story, deep and emotive, it's where the heart lies, very absorbing. well done, blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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You wrote the most beautiful bittersweet story I have read, I think such a well written, I'm afraid not every story you read is going, it depends where the story leads you, it happens all the time to me, I think there's somebody who guides the hand! Great characters, a well designed and composed story, deep and emotive, it's where the heart lies, very absorbing. well done, blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Roy, thank you so very much my dear friend, what an amazing review, and the 6 stars, I can't thank you enough for your very kind words. I am so happy you enjoyed it. :) Sandra xsx
Comment from Curly Girly
Worthy of six stars. Well done, it was an enjoyable story to read. The best Christmas ever turned out to be a very ordinary one, which is a reminder to all healthy people to enjoy what they have. I am glad that she did not receive a new kidney on Christmas day, at somebody else's expense. I think you did a fine job with this tale.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Worthy of six stars. Well done, it was an enjoyable story to read. The best Christmas ever turned out to be a very ordinary one, which is a reminder to all healthy people to enjoy what they have. I am glad that she did not receive a new kidney on Christmas day, at somebody else's expense. I think you did a fine job with this tale.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Thank you so much, Nicole, for your lovely review on this one. That is the problem with donors, isn't it, someone else has to die. I have left a note that they can take whatever they think is still usable when I go to the next place. Thank you, my friend for the 6 shiny stars too. I haven't seen anything from you lately, are you not writing at the moment? Thank you again!! xsx sandra
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Oh Wow Sandra! Where did this come from? It is so sad yet so loving. It does seem as though some people get more than their share of sorrow. It would be terrible to be on the emergency donor list. You did a wonderful job with this. Good Luck. Nancy
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Oh Wow Sandra! Where did this come from? It is so sad yet so loving. It does seem as though some people get more than their share of sorrow. It would be terrible to be on the emergency donor list. You did a wonderful job with this. Good Luck. Nancy
Comment Written 07-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Thank you so much, Nancy, for your wonderful review and the 6 glowing stars!! My uncle only has one kidney, and two years ago he was really poorly, they had to put him into a coma for a month while the infection in his kidney could heal itself. It was a very worrying time, we thought it was his time, but he is still going strong now. I think my idea came from that. I'm so glad you liked it. :) Sandra.
Comment from Nosha17
Great story, Sandra, so poignant and heart-breaking. It does make you stop and think before complaining and not giving thanks for all we have. Good use of descriptive language, well drawn characters and a very appropriate message. Good luck in the contest. Faye
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Great story, Sandra, so poignant and heart-breaking. It does make you stop and think before complaining and not giving thanks for all we have. Good use of descriptive language, well drawn characters and a very appropriate message. Good luck in the contest. Faye
Comment Written 07-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Thank you so very much, Faye, what a wonderful review! And a big hug for the 6 shiny stars, my friend. :) Sandra. xsx
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You're so welcome, Sandra, you are a great writer. My daughter arrives from America 2 weeks tomorrow for Xmas, so am very happy. Fayex
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How wonderful! How often do you get to see her? It's such a long way away. I know your Christmas is going to be a good one!! :)
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This year I got lucky, twice in one year!! We are going up North together to visit my son, too. Should be lots of fun. Hope you will spend a lovely peaceful Xmas, Sandra and thank you for the good wishes. Fayex
Comment from bhogg
I didn't do my duty and spot areas that might need to be revisited, but it's your fault. Your story grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me. I just had to hang on for the ride. A beautiful story, well told. Bill
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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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I didn't do my duty and spot areas that might need to be revisited, but it's your fault. Your story grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me. I just had to hang on for the ride. A beautiful story, well told. Bill
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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That's a good enough reason, Bill, LOL! Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm really pleased you liked it. :) Sandra
Comment from Domino 2
Hi, Sandra.
I rarely review prose in detail, as I have trouble concentrating on the written word for long, and when I DO review it, it's in general terms where I pick up something of style that may be improved.
I can's see anything that CAN be improved here. 'UNFORTUNATELY' LOL.
Believable dialogue.
Excellent SPAG
Excellent heart-wrenching story with a happy ending to suit the season.
Top imagery in your speech tags and descriptions of characters and surroundings.
Cheers, Ray xx
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Hi, Sandra.
I rarely review prose in detail, as I have trouble concentrating on the written word for long, and when I DO review it, it's in general terms where I pick up something of style that may be improved.
I can's see anything that CAN be improved here. 'UNFORTUNATELY' LOL.
Believable dialogue.
Excellent SPAG
Excellent heart-wrenching story with a happy ending to suit the season.
Top imagery in your speech tags and descriptions of characters and surroundings.
Cheers, Ray xx
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2014
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2014
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Thank you so much, Ray, I am sure others will find any spags, there is bound to be some!! I am so pleased you enjoyed it, though, thank you, my friend. xsx sandra