Reviewer: Cheaux Signed 
Date: 24 Apr 2012 12:34 am Title: When the Dawn Seemed Forever LostThe tissue box came out in the fourth paragraph . . .Lovely story, Patina. I enjoyed your telling of this part of Cartwright history and the new insight you brought to what each member of the family was feeling. Thank you for sharing your vision.Author’s Response: Thank you, Cheaux. I’m glad you enjoyed it even though you needed tissues.*
Date: 24 Apr 2012 12:34 am Title: When the Dawn Seemed Forever LostThe tissue box came out in the fourth paragraph . . .Lovely story, Patina. I enjoyed your telling of this part of Cartwright history and the new insight you brought to what each member of the family was feeling. Thank you for sharing your vision.Author’s Response: Thank you, Cheaux. I’m glad you enjoyed it even though you needed tissues.*
Reviewer: Laurie Anonymous
Date: 17 Apr 2012 09:32 pm Title: When the Dawn Seemed Forever Lostvery good story, thankyouAuthor’s Response: Thank you, Laurie.*
Date: 17 Apr 2012 09:32 pm Title: When the Dawn Seemed Forever Lostvery good story, thankyouAuthor’s Response: Thank you, Laurie.*
Reviewer: sandspur Signed
Date: 17 Apr 2012 02:23 pm Title: When the Dawn Seemed Forever LostThis is a terrific study of one of the worst tragedies to ever befall Ben; we learn what happened to him and what nearly happened to his family as a result. It’s a real reminder that no man is an island; what affected Ben affected, and nearly ripped apart, his whole family. Great use of minor characters to add insight (or court disaster, which Joyce just about did), or simply to move the plot along. Loved the descriptions from Joe’s point of view and his reactions to the proceedings. They were convincing and real. The pain was real. It was a hurting story, not always easy to read, but the payoff was grand. Thanks for sharing it!Author’s Response: Thank you very much, Spurry. Marie lasted the longest of the wives and was the only one to live on the Ponderosa. I can imagine Ben thinking he’d finally found *the one* he was going to grow old with then being devasted when fate reared its ugly head. Even though Adam had been through this before, it had to have hurt just as much as Inger’s death. Thank you for sticking with this story–and thank you for all of your gentle nudges.
Date: 17 Apr 2012 02:23 pm Title: When the Dawn Seemed Forever LostThis is a terrific study of one of the worst tragedies to ever befall Ben; we learn what happened to him and what nearly happened to his family as a result. It’s a real reminder that no man is an island; what affected Ben affected, and nearly ripped apart, his whole family. Great use of minor characters to add insight (or court disaster, which Joyce just about did), or simply to move the plot along. Loved the descriptions from Joe’s point of view and his reactions to the proceedings. They were convincing and real. The pain was real. It was a hurting story, not always easy to read, but the payoff was grand. Thanks for sharing it!Author’s Response: Thank you very much, Spurry. Marie lasted the longest of the wives and was the only one to live on the Ponderosa. I can imagine Ben thinking he’d finally found *the one* he was going to grow old with then being devasted when fate reared its ugly head. Even though Adam had been through this before, it had to have hurt just as much as Inger’s death. Thank you for sticking with this story–and thank you for all of your gentle nudges.
A tragic but beautiful story that captured all the emotions after losing someone you love. It was interesting to see how each Cartwright (and friends) handled the loss differently, but still grieving in their own way.
Thank you, wx4rmk! This was a difficult story to write so I’m pleased to know you enjoyed it. Marie’s sudden death must have left a hole in the Cartwright family but running the ranch had to continue.
This is one of the best stories I have ever read. It is o poignant yet so heartwarming going from despair to the hope and knowlege that this family would thrive despite grief.
Thank you so much for your review, Rosalyn! I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
I really like how you described Adam’s feelings. I always thought that he has to be feeling guilty a little bit about the death of his mother. And I can understand his believe that he is somehow responsible for Marie’s death. I am glad that Ben was so understanding at the end
Thank you, Conny1971. I appreciate knowing you enjoyed this story.
Patina, this story was one of the most thought out and well written stories that I have had the pleasure to read. The raw emotion is what I love about Bonanza and your story definitely had that. The barn scene at the end held so much explosive grief in Adam and so much anguish that I got tears in my eyes. I could see everything happening as it occurred and I could hear his cry of frustration vividly. You captured the entire family’s pain and difficulty in dealing with her absence. Thank you for yet another intimate look–that you girls are so good at turning out–about the moments, days, weeks and months after Marie’s death.
Thank you so much for reading, MissKitty4Adam! Marie’s death must have nearly torn the Cartwrights apart, especially as Ben had finally thought he’d found the woman he’d spend the rest of his life with. Her death had to have left a gaping hole in the Cartwrights’ hearts. I’m so pleased to know you enjoyed this story.
A box of tissues later . . .
So glad you mentioned this story in the BoNaNo thread as I had not read it. Thanks for the rich funereal details and the addition of the Paiutes (totally plausible), as well as the peas!
Thank you for reading, Cheaux. Despite the need for tissues, I’m glad you enjoyed the story.