Thanks for seeing so much in my story, dear @samsmith1971 and for your kind words about me. The story was there before I wrote it :) It just had to come out, and I wanted to do it right.
I'm very glad the message came through. These stories that write themselves are a gift (ha ha) aren't they? Of course, the editing....that's all on us, as writers.
I hope you have a most wonderful and peaceful New Year. May good fortune visit you and your family each and every day.