Date: 22 Feb 2014 00:30 Title: A Mother's Love
What a wonderful letter.
Date: 23 Dec 2013 06:38 Title: A Mother's Love
I don't know how I didn't hit this one before, but I somehow missed it. One of the best things about your exploration of TOS is the way you interweave their family members into the greater tapestry of things. Here, you render Amanda Grayson's final words to her son with such beauty. This was exactly what Spock needed to here and, really, represents a relationship between these two that is so deep and layered. I adore this. Thank you for it. :)
Date: 07 Dec 2013 08:43 Title: A Mother's Love
Man, within six weeks. Talk about a truly wrenching time for Spock, but you convey the dignity he manages to hold onto even in that turmoil well. Amanda's letter was beautiful, and I hope as a mother I can leave something like it for my own children. For me, I take videos. But a letter, too, maybe.
Very poignant and well done.
Date: 10 Jun 2012 11:05 Title: A Mother's Love
*sniff*
*proceeds to bawl eyes out*
Author's Response:
Thank you kindly. An echo of how I felt after reading your piece 'Interlude--Grown.'
Date: 30 May 2012 15:29 Title: A Mother's Love
As a parent myself, I just can't imagine not being able to give my child physical affection. I'm so glad that Amanda expressed all her emotions to Spock while she could. But it makes me wonder about Sarek...did he get a letter?
Author's Response:
That was exactly how I approached it. As the mother of three, I couldn't imagine having watched my children grow without being able to hug or kiss them, or express to them just how much they mean to me. Amanda is a much stronger person than I can ever hope to be.
As for a letter for Sarek - that thought never crossed my mind. Hmm...something to contemplate...;-)
[Report This]Date: 12 Jun 2011 12:09 Title: A Mother's Love
LBD -
This story is a poignant glimpse into the heart of an iconic hero as well as the woman who surely gave him the inspiration to leave Vulcan, join Starfleet and find what was on the other side.
As always, you have painted your story with the emotional palette I have come to appreciate.
[Report This]Date: 10 Jun 2011 09:30 Title: A Mother's Love
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you. I haven't been around much-this was a great way to come back.
Author's Response:
Thank you Mistral - as usual, it seems my pieces manage to tweak your softer side. As always, taking the time to read and review is geatly appreciated. So glad it worked for you. And welcome back - you were sorely misssed. :D
[Report This]Date: 10 Jun 2011 01:27 Title: A Mother's Love
Dear Gentle Reader,
Like many reviews, this one contains spoilers! Please read the story first.
Dear LBD,
There are few stories that have used the embedded personal letter to such great effect as “A Mother’s Love.” At the very least a wonderful storytelling device, in your able hands it is elevated to a powerful concentrator of emotion and even Spock himself is not immune, nor should he be.
We often speak of a story’s emotional relevancy, emotional fluency, etc. but less often do we discuss the underlying psychology of a story against which all emotions are projected. Part of the reason this story works so well is that we all deeply wish we could receive, or could have received, a letter like Amanda’s. Such a compelling backdrop creates a canvas against which every event is magnified, not as isolated phenomena, but as elements of an interwoven psychological web.
Because Spock is ostensibly logical in every respect, few of us realize how well adjusted he is most of the time. While I haven’t yet completed the Kohlinahr, I believe it logical that the purging of emotions will succeed more easily if those emotions exist as part of a psychologically healthy individual.
Spock’s reaction to the letter, although suppressed, tells us how well adjusted he truly is, and the content of the letter tells us why: A Mother’s Love.
Sincerely, Sam.
Author's Response:
Sam - I am always amazed by your reviews; by your knack for being able to cut through the layers and expose the kernel of the piece in a way even I find myself unable to articulate. I tend to write with my heart, and you always manage to translate that perfectly into words and ideas that are easily understood. At times I'm unsure whether to commend you or pity you for that uncanny ability to get inside my head - a place many fear to go. ;-)
As always, thanks for the review, and the thoughtful, helpful comments that made this piece what it is. :-D