Am really enjoying this and caught up with a whole heap of updates.  Jem and Madge are being wonderful and gave really stepped up to the plate whereas Jacks being a wet dish rag about handling everything. Thanks can't wait to see what happens next

Madge was very perceptive here, to spot that Jack too has not really accepted that Len will never call Freudesheim home again. He seems to be ducking the issues too, to some extent, only not so violently and aggressively as Joey. I don't think he has yet managed to see Len as an individual, with as much right to consideration as her mother.

It really is good to see Madge revitalised in this way rather than simply being "that very nice woman, Lady Russell" as Joye herself described her in "Changes"; it's just a pity that it's taken several events, including a couple of near-tragedies, to spark that revitalisation.  Good that Joey is now in hospital, Len and Ted safely back in England.  Also good that Mary-Lou is willing to look after the younger Maynards for the time being.  I did like the honesty with which Madge discussed M-L's concerns - and that the latter is honest enough to admit that she might have been wrong, also to realise that perhaps Joey was also wrong in some of her beliefs.  More power to Madge for blaming so much of that on Joey's illness rather than "bad-mouthing" her to Mary Lou. 

Thanks, Terry.

Nice to see Madge finding her old vigour and energy, some good coming out of a bad situation.  

Thanks Terry, glad that Madge can see what Joey is doing and that she isn't afraid to tell Jack what she thinks about his behaviour in asking Len to help Joey when Len was still in pain and shock. Nell and Kathie did well to get Ted to unburden herself and to also make her realise that she is just as important to them as Len is, Ted needed to know that

Like the fact that Len now essentially has adopted older sisters, people who care and look after her rather than Len having to look after everyone else, really enjoying this :-)

Ted needed that and thank goodness she has good mature friends to help her. And, btw, I agree with Madge about Jack being a big wet dreep and hugely unfair to his daughter. If he had been able to see past his beloved Joey sooner all this misery might have been avoided!

Author's Response:

I love your sayings shesings, and I understand them. Jack has been unfair, still is to Len, Joey is his wife, he loves her and puts her first, but that is not always the right thing to do.

Hmm, despite my comments earlier, I did wonder just how far Len would be able to extend an olive branch, at least so soon.  I do admire her for the way she "said what she needed to hear", but later admits to Ted and the others that she only forgave Joey for assaulting her; no hint of forgiveness for her attitude towards Ted and herself.  Here's hoping that Joey will indeed now accept help, but I'm sure she'll give any psychiatiatrist a hard time - she's very unlikely to be a co-operative patient, especially since she will deny emphatically that she is in the wrong!!   I also admire Madge for the gentle, but inexorable way in which she remonstrates with Jack for forcing Len to visit Joey in the first place.  

Thanks, Terry, I will be looking forward to further developments.  

Thanks Terry, this is a defining moment for Joey, if she doesn't accept help now then I don't think she ever will :-(

Glad that everyone is being so supportive to Len, Ted and to Jack as well, he would have been so torn between Joey and Len- it's very difficult for them all!

I must say I think it's very fortunate that Joey's assault of Len didn't take place in front of any other witnesses.   At least if Joey even half realises the enormity of what she did, it may be possible to convince her, finally, that she needs help, and Madge is probably the one best able to do this; I think Mary Lou could be a big help too, now that her eyes have been opened.  I know it's hardest on Len and Ted, but I'm glad that Ted is gradually calming down and recognising the situation results from Joey's illness - however bewildered Len may be, I imagine that she herself will be more ready to find a way of holding out the proverbial olive branch in due course.  I'm glad the girls will have the support of Nancy and Kathie, and that Hilda and Nell will do their best to help Jack, recognizing how torn he must feel.

Thank you, Terry - I may not manage to comment every time, but I do read each chapter as you post it.

Not good, but maybe end result will be if it forces Joey to see how wrong she is. I think Mary-Lou already sees Joey's problems so hopefully she can add her persuasions to Jack's and get Joey into some treatment.  

Lovely update and good  that Hilda and Nell want Len and Ted to do the  talks and practical cooking.   Good that Jack got to see Len and he is pleased that things are working out for her.  I hope Joey gives  in soon and gets help before everyone she loves have had enough of her  behaviour.

Thank you for lettings us know about Len and Ted proposals for preparing students.  

Many students lived in Halls or colleges where all the students had all meals provided and most of their laundry was done for them.  All I did was make a cup of coffee or tea whilst living in a residence during my first years away from home.  One tutor i knew had not cooked or cleaned for herself or her life and had to be taught how to on retirement,