This is so cute! I can't believe i haven't read it before! Absolutely adore it!

I meant to comment on this way back when, so I apologize for Chrismukkah comments in March. It's the thought, right? And it didn't take more than a decade, like it did for poor Ryan!

Thanks for this poignant progression. Even though the snippets are concise, each one is insightful and reveals far more than a simple wish list. Every glimpse shows that Ryan never had the luxury of being a typical kid who thought about himself and what toy or object would make him happy. Although his first letter bears the closest resemblance to the norm, it's still remote at best. There was never really any mention of wants, only needs. For a small child to be asking for the basics of food, clothing, shelter, safety and stability for his family speaks volumes about the dire circumstances and about Ryan's perceptions and character.

Each letter follows the downward spiral of the Atwoods first, as we meet a lonely (hence the puppy and the need for companionship and unconditional love- and someone to care for), neglected, despairing boy whose tendencies to put others first and who obviously is lacking in love, affection and emotional and physical necessities. As the situation becomes more dire, the needs become more desperate and heart wrenching.

What resonates throughout is Ryan's ability, no matter the age, to make the connection to abstract concepts and how significant certain components of life are- lessons that some people never prioritize or learn. However sad this is, at least you give Ryan some sense of peace by the end.

Thanks for this wonderful portrait! You've captured Ryan so well and with such a creative format.

That was brilliant. Original.

I actually shed a few tears as a read the last letter.

Good Job

Oh, my goodness!

So, so sweet and sad. *sniffs*

I just love, "P.S. Thanks for the puppy."

:D

What a great story!

Thank you.

This made me grin like I've never grinned before, I absolutely loved it!

Its so unique and bittersweet. Christmas 19 and 20 broke my heart...the fic was sort and got to the point.

it deserves a big christmas cookie!

Happy holidays!

Wow. That was a great Ryan-centric Chrismukkah fic. Really heartwarming. And I love the puppy thing at the end. Great work

-pc

Aww too cute! Loved how in the end he got his puppy! I remember reading this fic about Ryan and his cat, I would so love to read about him and his new adorable puppy!

I really liked this. Great job!