Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for May 25, 2015

Now she’s just running away.

Maybe it is time to face the future, grandma style.

Is she on sick leave?

Just acting immature & childish. I do not like this previously unknown side of Val. I had always thought her a strong woman, but, I guess I was wrong. Sorry, but I have been in her situation, & no adult acts like this. I am glad that others are making sure that she does not screw up what she has with Phil. Still, she is an adult. Children pout, not adults.

Looks like anxiety, maybe depression.

Will this story tell us what happened to her first husband, I wonder?

Therapy??

Where is Frasier when you need him?

I want to know where Evie gets her money??? Roundtrip last minute tickets from South Africa to North America cost about $2500!!!

YAY! Evie to the rescue!!

Yes, I too am sick of Val acting like an infant. Is this how she wants her daughters to treat important people in their lives? “Going gets tough so I’ll just take to the bed”.

Val is definitely not someone who can face hard times. I feel sorry for anyone who becomes her spouse. Can you imagine her running to her bed every time something bad happened (death of family or friends, accidents, etc)? Who needs that sort of behavior in their life?

I am so surprised Val and the girls did not go where husband is buried at. Not sure if comic strip has tribute to Memorial Day.Hope mom helps Val as she needs all she can get while Phil is still recovering.

A shock like having a loved one having a close encounter with death can disable a person – it’s real. Even strong, independent people need help sometimes. Everyone copes (or doesn’t) differently. Denial is not just a river in Africa. She’ll snap out of it and do what is best for her and her family – whatever that might turn out to be.

Evie’s money comes from a big lottery win she split with a couple of friends.

Fix it, Evie.

I feel like many of you are very harsh towards Val. She has mastered all the trials and tribulations life has thrown at her with bravery and zest so far. She handled the death of her husband for the sake of her children, she works full time as a single mom, for years she also took care of her sister and nephew. She was barely fazed when her mom quite suddenly stopped her support to go live her own life. But everybody has a breaking point, that isn’t childish or pouting, that’s human. The possibility of losing her fiance to death, the danger of his job is too much to take for her right now. Her behavior at the moment very much looks like a small nervous break down or depression to me. Even strong persons have a breaking point and they don’t deserve to be scorned for it.

The bed of course.

After reading what everyone says, I see truth in it all. I feel that the things that have sculpted each of our individual lives, has bearing on how we feel here. My wish is that Val can get over her fears. To her NOW…they are real. The invasion of this personal trial has invaded her life deeply, considering all she’s been thru. Let’s all hope she ends up doing what is right for her…That said…..GO EVIE!!! :-) :-)

Time to introduce a new character: psych-man!

Everyone’s so down on Val. But perhaps she’s in clinical depression from fear and concerns over the future and no control and… It can be overwhelming. She will get better when she’s ready to face things. Until then, I’d give her grace!

Come on guys give her some grace. She hasn’t has had as much time as us readers to think and reflect over what’s happened. The fear of losing someone is so real. In healthcare I see this kind of situation often. Your mind just goes haywire regarding all the possibilities that could have happened regarding your loved ones if they hadn’t been able to pull through a particularly trying trial. Now that gramma’s here, I’m sure she’ll be able to handle her daughter in a way that’s sensitive, firm, and keeps her grounded. :)

Val needs the understanding and professionalism a psych doctor could provide. All the other characters have their own selfish or doubtful agenda’s