The Rest of Our Lives (Read 96,953 times)

[Kpatch]

Chloe does need help, and I am glad she's acknowledged that.

I think it would be kind to keep in mind that only a few weeks have gone by in her world and her life has been flipped upside down. Meanwhile, it's been a lot longer for us. Plus she may still be experiencing residual trauma from a major brain injury.

I'm going to cut her some grace.

That said, I understand where she's coming from. I think the nightmares of killing Philip and Parker are real to her, and she doesn't want them to die, too. It's not super rational, but I am thinking it's similar to Scarlett O'Hara having the dream about Rhett only to find that the dream was him leaving her (which happened). Her killing Philip and Parker is her sabotaging her relationship with them.

And, from someone who has had miscarriages eons ago, I can honestly say the pain is still real. For her, it's only been a few months.

I hope she accepts the help she is offered. She needs it. I'm just glad that Philip and Parker are moving on and working on their healing while she gets her life in order.

Thank you so much, Trey, for showing Chloe (and me) grace.

I need to say this. This is personal for me, both as an author and someone who’s lost a child. That’s why some recent comments, such as Chloe not being the only person who’s lost a child and that she should just get over it, have struck a nerve with me. Losing a child may not be uncommon, but that doesn’t lessen the pain for the one going through it. Grief is very individual and very personal. So you cannot expect someone to just get over it. It’s no different than for people who have lost a spouse or a parent or a sibling. There’s no timetable for grief and it’s not a pity party. Everyone deals with grief differently and many people who’ve lost a child never get over it. It’s the most difficult tragedy parents can face in their lifetime and it often does destroy families. That’s in real life.

In Chloe’s situation there are extenuating circumstances and she believes the choices she made put her in the wrong place at the wrong time and contributed to her child’s death—that, on top of everything else she’s been through. Story-wise, it’s a journey she has to go through before she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[doolfan4life]

Thank you for that Kpatch
I agree it’s different journey for all who’ve been through it
While this is a story and a soap so it’s suppose to be extra dramatic, the topic is a sensitive one for many of us as it’s been pointed out it’s not uncommon
I appreciate the acknowledgment that being uncommon doesn’t make it less and doesn’t erase the trauma
I’m one of those uncommon people as well as are a few very important people on my life who experienced it in different ways (two of who’s marriages did fall apart as a result)
While I admit I’ve been hard on Chloe it’s not because I think she should get over it but more to do with I don’t see her reasoning of it’s her fault when Brady and Daniel took the cake on that
While she lied trying to be there for someone it doesn’t mean she deserved to lose her baby if that makes sense
Having said all of this I do believe Chloe’s reactions are exactly what I would expect and true to her character

[Kpatch]

Who wants previews? Here’s what’s coming next week.

FYI, I had to change up the order of chapters so some previews from last week didn’t happen, but they’re still coming up.


-We are still in Chicago for the week.

-Philip and Parker enjoy a lovely dinner at George and Louise’s, after which Philip and George have one of their heart-to-hearts.

-Stephanie has a rude awakening.

-Parker has a session with Mary.

[André DiMera]

Can't wait for Philip and George's talk! Parker's session with Mary should be interesting.

Wonder what happens with Stephanie.

Thanks for the previews!

[doolfan4life]

Ouch to Stephanie’s rude awakening
Maybe Alex will fire her in the end even though he said she was safe

[fluffysmom]

I think Chloe would benefit from inpatient treatment. However her experience at The Oaks makes it impossible for her to even consider it.

Thanks for the previews Kpatch. I'm looking forward to seeing George and Louise. I think seeing Mary will be good for Parker.

[Kpatch]

Chapter 476a

After dinner at George and Louise’s home, Louise asked for Parker’s help baking refrigerated chocolate chip cookies.

While they were in the kitchen baking, Philip took George outside and showed him around the RV which was parked in George’s driveway. “This is a sweet ride,” George stated as he sat down on the sofa inside the RV.

“I’m just leasing it month to month,” Philip explained. “It’s served its purpose for me and Parker to roam the Eastern Seaboard but I have no use for a vehicle this big and hard to maneuver in my regular life.”

George stroked his own chin while eying Philip’s. “Is the beard part of your regular life or just a vacation beard.”

“Ah,” Philip shrugged. “Shaving is too much trouble in a tiny bathroom like we’ve got in the camper.”

“You know, me and Louise have talked about getting an RV and tooling around the country when I retire.”

“You’re not thinking about retiring yet, are you?”

“Thinking? Sure. Doing it? Not yet.” He paused to scan the space. “Listen Phil. As cozy as this RV is, I think you and Parker should sleep in the house tonight.” Philip opened his mouth to say something but George kept talking. “You’ll have a nice big bathroom to shave in, a shower with water that heats up fast. And you get George’s famous pecan praline waffles for breakfast.”

“That’s a tempting offer,” Philip replied.

“You’d have to share the guest room with Parker, but—”

“Parker and I don’t mind sharing.”

“Good. I’ll tell Louise.” George slapped his thighs. “How about an after dinner drink?”

Philip nodded and smiled. “You sure know how to spoil a guy.”

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Philip has a friend like George. And that they're staying over. Pecan praline waffles sound delicious

[André DiMera]

Sounds like Philip’s going to take George up on his offer.

[doolfan4life]

That was a sweet offer and I’m glad Philip will take him up on it
Also I’m glad he’s going to shave, it’s a shame to cover those dimples with a beard 😂

[mae00]

awwww. I'm so glad they are staying with George and Louise.

[Trey]

Yay George! It's important for people to feel groomed when they're at their lowest. Philip and Parker are lucky to have George and Louise

[Kpatch]

Chapter 476b

Philip and George returned to the house after Philip gave George a tour of the RV. George motioned for Philip to join him in the living room. The older man handed Philip a brandy before he sat down heavily on the sofa beside Philip.

“Aren’t you joining me?” Philip asked, holding up his glass.

“Can’t. Messes with my blood sugar.” He chuckled. “The waffles are my one weekly indulgence. So, tell me what’s going on with you and Chloe.”

Philip laughed wryly. “Feels like you and I are back where we started nearly six years ago. Me pouring my heart out to you over a case of beer after Chloe left with Parker.” His expression grew serious. “Only this time she didn’t leave with Parker. She just plain left Parker. And me. But I get it. She’s completely broken.”

“Because of the baby dying.”

Philip nodded. “You may remember that I almost jumped off a building after Victoria died, but a good friend stopped me. But Chloe’s situation is different. She feels responsible for the baby dying. And maybe she’s right.” He took a long sip of brandy. “Mostly it was a tragic series of circumstances that no one meant to happen. I just don’t know why after all these years she feels the need to turn away from me instead of turning to me.”

“Do you think she’ll come back?”

With a shrug Philip said, “Doesn’t matter anymore. I almost don’t want her to.”

George looked askance at Philip and repeated the word, “Almost.”

[doolfan4life]

I find it odd that Philip agrees that it’s her fault
It’s not, I refuse to even see that in any way shape or form
Maybe it’s better she doesn’t come back if he blames her too
I get being upset that she lied but it’s a far stretch to say she caused an accident that involved someone sleeping behind the wheel and another person high putting his foot on the gas
I’ve heard the explanations but I’m not sold

[André DiMera]

So glad Philip is talking to George about this!