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Lori Mattsson Bjorke's avatar

“I had only known these two people as parents, which, in the scheme of things, is not knowing somebody much at all.”

Excellent observation. I’m glad that you were able to find two people you were able to love. Not all of us are that fortunate.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

I thank god for the right therapist and parents willing to make that difficult journey with me.

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Kevin David Crowley's avatar

Me too, love the pure and deep insight you bring summed up in the sentence, “I had only known these two people as parents, which, in the scheme of things, is not knowing somebody much at all.”

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate your commenting on that.

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Joanne Toft's avatar

what an interesting thought "only knowing your parents as parents". I have recently looking back at old photos of my parents when they were young. See them before kids - party goers and lovers. It was pretty amazing to reflect on that side of their life. Love this phrase of yours.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

Thank you, Joanne. It's a little humbling realizing that they had thier own stories and weren't just characters in mine.

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Kenny Cook's avatar

I'd love for you to write a novel with your mother as the main character. What a book that would be! Be well.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

In my first novel, The View for Delphi which later became a shortened Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League, many of the incidents in Hazel's story are taken directly from my mom's life. But there is so much more. Perhaps enough for another novel.

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Kenny Cook's avatar

I bet there is. I'd love to see your novels in film format. I know, some people say it cheapens a novel. What can I say? I'm cheap 😉. Has your publisher/agent/PR Rep sent your work out to any producers lately? Reece Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes, Chinonye Chukwu, Ava DuVernay or Oprah Winfrey, oh and Hillary and Chelsea? Or for that matter, big name actors, Viola Davis, Alfre Woodard, Danielle Deadwyler, or Whoopi Goldberg. Just to name a few. I REALLY want to see your work on the big screen and I believe there's a place for it and people who'd be interested in being a part of it.

All right, I'll get out of your business... for now, anyway.

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Kenny Cook's avatar

And I read and loved both of those books. I want more! And when is someone going to make the film of The Healing, The View for Delphi, or The Rosa Parks League? 🤔

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Mary Lois's avatar

Food for thought, very well said indeed.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

Thank you, Mary Lois. Looking forward to your new book! I learn a lot by reading your memoir pieces.

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Julie Angeles's avatar

Thanks for sharing the insights you have about your life and your relationships. You encourage me to examine my own.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

Julie, you are so kind to say. I try to to prescribe to others. Each person's story is different , but I hope there is something there that is helpful in your journey..

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