Siiw · 13 August 2012 · Chapter 9: Fairbairns
I really can't wait to read the rest of this...
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it.
To The End of His Days by GamgeeFest
Reviews (217)
shirebound · 13 August 2012 · Chapter 9: Fairbairns
What peace it must give Sam to see such a loving family unit, and foresee nothing but good for them in the future.
Author's reply
Sam will be able to go now knowing that his children will be there for each other and have their own families to care for.
Andrea · 13 August 2012 · Chapter 9: Fairbairns
This was exactly what Sam needed before leaving. The sight of Elanor, Fastred and their children living happily together did indeed calm him. He is now ready for going on.
Author's reply
Yes indeed. The Fairbairns have been, in a sense, living without Sam for some time and they're exactly what he needed to assure himself that all his children will be able to continue on without him.
Andrea · 13 August 2012 · Chapter 8: Westmarch
Some will even tell you how hobbits built them long ago. LOL!!! How does it go again? "History became legend. Legend became myth." Some hobbits do it the other way around ;-) And of course Sam is restless, so near to the Sea! Maybe this will change a little bit when he has handed over the Red Book.
Author's reply
:D Some hobbits have quite the imagination. It probably makes them more comfortable living there if they can convince themselves that hobbits built the towers. Sam is eager to get going with his adventure, while also wishing he could stay a little longer. Torn in two is our Sam.
Dreamflower · 13 August 2012 · Chapter 9: Fairbairns
What a beautiful picture of Elanor's family and Sam's grandchildren! I am so glad that seeing them together helps him feel reassured about their future without him!
Author's reply
Sam will certainly feel better about leaving knowing how happy all his children are.
Larner · 9 August 2012 · Chapter 8: Westmarch
Ah! Time to hand over the Red Book and give his last farewell to his family. Bless him. And the locals are now trying to claim that HOBBITS built the towers to begin with? Oh, dear!
Author's reply
Heh! I'm sure it's like Al Gore inventing the internet. Everyone knows it's not true, so they just sort of humor them. ;)
shirebound · 9 August 2012 · Chapter 8: Westmarch
What wonderful details. Dear Sam, he has loving family everywhere he goes. (I'm reading this at the airport. Thanks to you and your hobbits for keeping me company.)
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! Have fun in Philly!
Larner · 7 August 2012 · Chapter 7: Gifts
I suspect that Frodo has already done his version of the tale. It would be good to compare his to Sam's. And each gift sounds perfect for its recipient.
Author's reply
I would think Frodo would be content to leave it up to the Elves to write their own version of the tale, contributing here and there to fill in blanks. Sam can add his own side of things once he gets there. Sam knows his children well, and which gift would suit each one best.
shirebound · 7 August 2012 · Chapter 7: Gifts
I just love Sam's musing about the "G" rune.
Author's reply
That "G" rune has come to stand for many things. :)
Andrea · 7 August 2012 · Chapter 7: Gifts
Very appropriate gifts, indeed! I especially liked the framed family tree with the imaginary Lily.
Author's reply
Lily couldn't be forgotten, even if she was only ever imaginary. :) Sam certainly picked the best gifts for each of his children. They'll treasure them always.
Antane · 7 August 2012 · Chapter 7: Gifts
More loving gifts to be treasured - how wonderful that each will get a part of their father to keep. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And while Sam may doubt his ability to do so, they're each receiving the gifts that will mean the most to them.
Dreamflower · 7 August 2012 · Chapter 7: Gifts
Such perfectly appropriate gifts for each of his children! Robin's a wise one. I think he knows his father will find a lot more to say when he gets where he's going. I'm glad he made Sam promise, for Sam always keeps his promises.
Author's reply
Sam knows his children well, and they'll each treasure their mementos. Robin is truly his father's son: simple, wise and perceptive. Sam does keep his promises, and I'm sure he'll find something to write about. :)
Dreamflower · 7 August 2012 · Chapter 6: Journals
Such a sweet gift to give Robin. And I love the way this particular chapter sums up so much of your Shire 'verse and your version of Sam's childhood. Like Robin, it was like holding up the journals and remembering. Beautiful and deftly done!
Author's reply
Robin will treasure those journals always. I can see him reading them to his children and nieces and nephews. Oh, I'm so glad you caught onto that! This story as a whole is summing up my 'verse and I do think that all those young!Sam stories were passed down through the journals he left behind. :)
Antane · 6 August 2012 · Chapter 6: Journals
This is a wonderful, loving gift that will be long treasured! Love it. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Robin will get much use from the journals, especially as he adjusts to life without his parents. Thanks, dear!
Larner · 5 August 2012 · Chapter 6: Journals
How wonderful, that he's truly given Robin a bit of himself to hold for the rest of his life! Truly the perfect gift!
Author's reply
Robin will read those many times over the years, I'm sure.
Andrea · 4 August 2012 · Chapter 6: Journals
... and children hunting for buried treasure This seems to be a Bag End tradition! I very much liked the idea that the Gaffer gave Sam the journals when Sam started learning his letters. And Robin will treasure those journals to the end of his days, I'm sure.
Author's reply
But of course! I'm sure the legends of hidden gold only increased over the years and various journeys Outside. Robin most certainly will and he'll share them with his children, I'm sure.
shirebound · 4 August 2012 · Chapter 6: Journals
What a wonderful gift! And I'm so happy to remember Nibbler with Sam. I love those wee Gamgee stories.
Author's reply
Nibbler was a great cat to the Gamgees. Maybe Sam will write some of those stories for the Elves. ;)
Andrea · 3 August 2012 · Chapter 5: Feast
A wonderful farewell party! I'm glad that Sam's "own attempt at a disappearance trick" did not work as well as Bilbo's, though. It is much better to say good-bye personally than to sneak away.
Author's reply
It certainly was! Sam could never sneak away from his family and friends. I'm sure they had lookouts posted just in case of such an attempt. :)
Andrea · 3 August 2012 · Chapter 4: Preparations
Yes! This is the Art of Preparation, and no one is better at it than our Sam! I also liked this musing: There’s no way of knowing what the weather will be like in Valinor. Do they even have weather there? Good old Sam is developing a philosophic streak, it seems ;-)
Author's reply
Sam is the Master of Preparation. He's trying to prepare himself for anything, even perfect weather all year round. ;)
Larner · 1 August 2012 · Chapter 5: Feast
I so rejoice that this last celebration of The Birthday is a memorable one! Delightful! And I love the final glimpse of the Mallorn, which can be seen for miles!
Author's reply
It may not even be the last. I think Frodo-lad would keep up the tradition, as Master of Bag End. Hobbits are very much about traditions. :) The mallorn would normally be a beacon for him, showing the way home. Now it's the final farewell and also represents what he's going toward.
shirebound · 1 August 2012 · Chapter 5: Feast
The only things missing are the fireworks. Only a few of us here remember them. Ohhh, that's so bittersweet. These are wonderful memoirs from Sam.
Author's reply
It's sad to think that there will soon be no one left who remembers the fireworks, though hopefully they won't be forgotten entirely in the stories that are passed down.
Dreamflower · 1 August 2012 · Chapter 5: Feast
Oh, I'm so glad he got a lovely send-off feast! So many stories just have him sneaking away from his family, but I am sure they all loved him too much to let that happen!
Author's reply
I can't imagine how he'd be able to sneak away and I certainly don't think he'd want to leave in that way. He'd want to see everyone one last time, and he'd know how important it is for them to see him off. Plus, who doesn't like a party? :D
Siiw · 30 July 2012 · Chapter 3: Expectations
What a treat to come home to after a vacation without a net connection! I can't wait to read more about Sam's adventure. He has always been one of my favourite characters.
Author's reply
Thank you, Siiw! Sam is my favorite as well. I hope you had a great vacation!
Dreamflower · 29 July 2012 · Chapter 4: Preparations
Ah, Sam! As practical and prepared as always! I love his litany of brushes! He's going to be so missed! *sigh*
Author's reply
That is our Sam, brushes and all. :D There will be many who will miss him.
Larner · 29 July 2012 · Chapter 4: Preparations
He is working so hard to see that all is properly ready. Bless him so as he prepares to leave the world he's lived in for so long, and as he prepares for the transition to the new one set to welcome him.
Author's reply
Sam's gotten good over the years at preparing for any possible situation to arise, and he's ever thinking of any possible oversight.