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Estel Counts  by Larner 8 Review(s)
Kaylee ArafinwielReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/16/2010
Poor kitten! But alas, such things happen. I'm so glad that Estel found the ducklings to take his mind off of the death. And there's TEN of them! Wow!

Kaylee Arafinwiel

Author Reply: Our ducks' clutches used to hatch on Mothers Day (U.S., that is), and they usually had between ten and sixteen ducklings. Had to include that memory from my own childhood. And unfortunately young animals often don't live to maturity, I fear. Thanks so, Kaylee.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/12/2010
his grief set aside with the delight of the new experience

Well said, Larner!

Children are able to overcome their grief much easier than adults do. And they should learn as soon as possible that life still goes on.

Author Reply: Yes, that is true, bless them!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/12/2010
his grief set aside with the delight of the new experience

How sweet. Ah, the resilience of youth!

Author Reply: Yes, this is how children experience much of the grief of life, as wonder crowds against it.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/12/2010
Yes, death and life side by side. Truly the mortal experience.

Author Reply: That it truly is, isn't it? Joys are accompanied by grief, and sorrows crowded out by pleasures....

TeresaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/11/2010
That was touching........ I like that Estel will have the memories of how the kitten enjoyed that spot and the sight of the ducklings and their mother to balance the kitten's death. I've always tried to do that when such losses have happened to me; temper the grief with the good memories. I love seeing the experiences that build a great man and future king! Many thanks! :)

Author Reply: This is how we do live, after all, supported by good memories to temper the sorrowful ones. And I am honored--yes, such small things together build the man he will one day be.

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/11/2010
And so Estel learns of the cycle of life and death. Little fluffy ducklings can bring a smile to anyone's face. :)

Author Reply: Yes--they bring smiles to mine, I know. And the death of a pet is such a common way for a child to learn the reality of death.

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/11/2010
Distractions are so good sometimes! Especially for children.

Author Reply: That they definitely are, Cairistiona.

Kitt OtterReviewed Chapter: 10 on 12/10/2010
The sad thing about kittens is that you go through them. :( I think younger children bounce back more quickly than older from a pet's death; they always have something new to find hope in! Estel certainly personifies that. He actually reminds me of my youngest brother. When one of the cats vanishes he's the one (I'm sure, not intentionally) who finds comforting words.
Anyway, another beautiful addition, Larner. :)

Author Reply: I know. Death is a part of life, and our common introduction is by what happens to our pets, I find. And so this day Estel sees both death and birth. Our ducks used to hatch out their clutches on Mothers Day in May, we found.

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