Comments on HURSY GROWS UP

Go to Oklahoma RockingAdd a commentGo to HURSY GROWS UP

He was adventuresome and I think moms can’t stop a child so inclined. This is so well-written. I feel for his mother, though. He lived quite the life! Please continue with this excellent series. 

posted by Sea_Gypsy on December 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM | link to this | reply

This piece really pulls you in. I love how Slim’s growth is shown through lived experience—boxing lessons in hobo camps, cooking for tips, hopping trains—rather than spelled out outright. The rhythm of his wandering life feels authentic and unromantic, which makes the moments of hope and longing stand out even more. The shift to Ollie at the end is especially powerful; her quiet years of praying and worrying hit hard, and that final image of her clutching the package is devastating in the best way. You’ve captured both the restlessness of the road and the enduring ache of home beautifully.

posted by FormerStudentIntern on December 27, 2025 at 11:14 AM | link to this | reply

Whew! That scene on the ship could have turned out differently. Thank goodness he made it off without further trouble. Had he have made it to Mexico, that would have been something to talk about had he survived it.

posted by Sherri_G on December 27, 2025 at 7:51 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Kabu.....

I certainly felt that way about Mark (Ribcage) going off to the NAVY and being stationed on the other side of the world and he wrote home a lot and called on Christmas.

posted by TAPS. on December 27, 2025 at 7:02 AM | link to this | reply

of course she did! I know about missing my boys! What a lovely gift that was to send to his parents to let them know he is OK. I could kick his backside though for taking so long!

posted by Kabu on December 26, 2025 at 8:21 PM | link to this | reply