22 Comments
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Patris's avatar

Justice can make us shut up and want to talk about it at the same time, doesn’t it?

(Who here didn’t have that one uncle?)

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

I don’t generally have large unwritten backstories for characters but I fleshed out Allan and Pierre’s friendship pretty well. I think in many cases people need a personal connection to care about justice. My wild uncle Bert Okuley was friends with Hunter S Thompson. He’s mentioned in a book called Vietnam: A Reporter Returns

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Patris's avatar

You never fail to bring a depth to the relationships in your stories, no matter how brief the story..and there is no doubt that the personal rockets the empathy when injustice is involved. Your uncle Bert had to be an experience to know, even briefly. Uncle Jimmy was that guy in my life.. the good looking bad little brother who Mom loved but told us not to go driving with again after he took us joy riding in his Cadillac convertible.

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

All my uncles are cool: Bert, Buddy and Jimmy and then their sister's husband Doug. The siblings bailed Detroit (California and Vietnam) so I didn't get to see them a lot. And my mom would never dare warn me about them because she was a bigger fuckup than all 3 of em put together. Then I was the juvenile delinquent they were lecturing (and also laughing with). My Uncle Jimmy lives in Vietnam still.

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Patris's avatar

We go through the fire (which let’s face it can be a lot of fun) and come out richer and stronger… You, for instance: Case in point.

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

When I started my Substack I had no idea it would be another fire to navigate. But here we are. And again, I’m thrilled that my endlessly supportive crew loves what I’m writing.

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Patris's avatar

one of them from your first story.

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Paul R's avatar

Praying for someone to die might seem bizarre, even odd

But Uncle Allan now believes in an interventionist God.

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

It does seem strange to me. But people seem to do it a lot and a lot more lately

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Joe's avatar

God is not to be underestimated or ignored.

He does what He wants in His time.

Reminds me of the poem "Who Has Seen the Wind?"

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Joseph Mara's avatar

I was taught not to pray for something bad to happen to another person. It’s very difficult not to, when that person causes harm to other people.

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

Yeah, that was something my grandmother stressed. Only pray for good

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Joe's avatar

Powerful story, Jimmy.

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

Thanks J/S. I was battling illness and fatigue on that one. Glad I managed to unleash a good one.

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Gerard DiLeo's avatar

Like you, I'm writing a story a day, but—unlike you—I lack the consistency to deliver the sideways humanism that just seems to pour out of you. My hat's off to you. I'm really enjoying your work. The deceptive simplicity belies the profundity. Bravo. Just sayin'.

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Joe's avatar

He does have the gift.

Most concentrate on one area and attempt to create a niche.

Keep writing!

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

At this point I'm basically thinking about the stories from the time I wake up. I have other obligations and pursuits but it feels like a constant game of I Spy {Is that shaving cream part of a story? What is that guy on the street thinking right now}. I'm glad people are enjoying them.

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Lars of Mars's avatar

Exceptional and appreciable Jim! Way to keep this going!

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

I’m trying every day. Wish I could drum up some more excitement for it.

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Patty Mallett's avatar

Interesting back story.

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Angel L. Martinez's avatar

I am not familiar with Vennimore, but now I want to learn about it and that night. I appreciate your bringing this story to words . You spoke profoundly of a tragedy in an intriguing way that compels reading. Many thanks!

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Jimmy Doom's avatar

Vennimore is fictional, based on a number of small correctional facilities in rural areas. Thanks for reading it and for the kind thoughts.

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