This is one of the best fictions that I have read to date, coming to the site later than most (glad that I had a completed work). I have worked in the medical industry for almost 45 years in one capacity or another, and other than "Regarding Henry" with Harrison Ford, this is one the best narratives for the trauma, and recovery from a brain injury (whether by traffic crash, roadside bomb or natural process/stroke). There have been such advancements in the field, but unfortunately, not all damage can be corrected or re-patterned. You involved us totally in the emotions, and frustrations, not only of the patient, but the patient's family, friends, and co-workers. If nothing else, I would hope that those reading this story to learn the virtues of patience and understanding when dealing with those apparently "challenged" by the directives of natural or man-made design. It has made me think of "signs" that I might have missed.

And then there was music, which is Christmas to me...it really does soothe the raging beast. When working by myself in the lab, I would start by putting a CD on that I could repeat..no matter how many STATs I had it provided me with an inner calm...that was a beautiful ending.

Kate

Thanks a million for posting this wonderful story. It would have been compelling even if not based on favorite characters from a favorite TV show. The examination of Steve's handicap and his rehabilitation was quite accurate and compellingly described. You could just feel both his frustration and the frustration of the people around him. Marcus, the speech therapist, was a great character and I loved MinJe and Sara and the whole bit about the violin and music lessons. The information about the instrument and lessons was also quite accurate. Do you play yourself?

The only thing I found just a teeny bit disconcerting was that after the rape of Sara by her step father I don't recall that it was made clear what happened to her and her siblings. Were they taken in by her biological father and his wife? If you mentioned that I might have missed it because I was reading this so fast.

The Christmas party was very moving and the 11th hour turning up of the stolen violin just perfect.

I was very surprised by the direction you ended up taking this story. I originally expected that Steve would have some sort of car accident and the violin would get broken. I never expected it would be Steve who essentially got broken.

I would almost like to see a sequel to this. It was so emotionally satisfying that I wanted to see more.

Thanks again, Beth Palladino

Awesome! I love how its scietifically accurate and everything... awesome story!

You have an awesome flair for words. I love how your stuff reads so much more like a novel then a script as some of the other stories do. Great story so far I can't wait to read more, just had to send a review first!

I find myself sympathizing with Steve at the moment...because I'm at a complete loss for words. This...just...WOW.

Maybe this will say it for me...

I stayed up until 2:30 in the morning reading. I didn't want to stop at all even then but I knew I needed sleep. I dreamed about the story. And when I woke up I ran to the computer and was extremely impatient waiting for it to boot up so I could finally finish. At the end...I was in tears.

You can’t know how much I wish that I could find a way to express myself better, but I guess in a lot of ways, actions really can speak louder then any words. I just hope it’s enough.

My mom told me about his bachelor factor and it's ,my fics are wacked.I'm in luv with a 14 year-old guy!Please read them...

Heh heh...I do most of my stuff on my left hand!

At my teen years,my father keeps yelling at me.I know how Steven feels...and I added this fic to my faves.

OOOH!

I loved it. I dont usually visit the DM section, but I'm glad I did. The whole thing was great. I loved how youe started with an unusual plot and wove in the illness as a development instead of just doing the story on aphasia.

It made the story more real in a way and really drew you in.

Thanks

Jo Jo,

The ending between 12 & 13 dragged a bit. I wanted closure sooner. Once I got to the party, though, I was quite touched. I even had tears in my eyes a few times.

Wow! What an improvement from your earlier works.

Soon, someone may hire you or something.

KAZ

Jo Jo,

The Bathroom story a few chapters ago was attempted to be funny. It wasn't too funny for me because somehow I got lost in trying to figure out what was going on. I guess it wasn't Physically clear or something. May want to consider.

It isn't totally clear to me why he can't write (when he first gets in the accident). May consider explaining sooner.

Finally, how's Marcus know about the violin if it's a secret and Jesse promised not to tell Steve?

Just a comment.

Love the story.

I'm really feeling for Steve and his recovery. The scrabble scene is pretty entertaining.

KAZ

Jo,

Very cool. Can't stop reading.

Exciting.

So tv drama-ish.

KAZ

Jo,

from a previous chapter - did you ever tell us about the fall on the ice?

Would Alex know about Mark's feelings about Steve (& Sara) before he mentioned anything to Steve? How did Alex find out?

I don't ever remember seeing Minje arrive at the hospital.

Is the hit with Jesse a little over dramatic or is it just the tv show thing?

Very enticing story.

I can't wait to read the rest.

KAZ

Jo,

The girl's reaction seems so very vulnerable. I wonder if a girl would really do that ?

Maybe.

Mark sees - what an interesting twist.

The plot thickens.

Focus of the story? Still wondering.

KAZ

Jo,

Sara's entertaining.

The maestro is a bit dull at first.

I can't help but get into the story.

I can't figure out where it's leading, but it's quite interesting.

:)

KAZ