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Evans Family Saga #7
Dylan's Memories: Epilogue for the Evans Family Saga
As Dylan talked to Gwen, he told her how he felt that some of the more important stories of the first two generations needed to be passed on to the younger Evans. She suggested that he should write them down so they wouldn’t be forgotten, and he agreed. He knew that he would have to invent some of those stories because he wasn’t there, but he knew the character of the men and women who had created much of the Evans family legend, and he was sure that they wouldn’t mind his use of a bit of literary license.
He only hoped that the youngsters would be able to read his hen scratching. Even when he was young, his penmanship was horrible and now that he was an old man with arthritic fingers, it was close to an illegible scrawl. But it was important to him because they were. They were the Evans family.
He only hoped that the youngsters would be able to read his hen scratching. Even when he was young, his penmanship was horrible and now that he was an old man with arthritic fingers, it was close to an illegible scrawl. But it was important to him because they were. They were the Evans family.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2020
912 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
103 books220 followersMost biographies start with birth and then roll through the years as they drift by but that would bore me to death, and I lived through it.
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 21, 2023
“Dylan’s Memories” is the last book in the Evans Family Saga. C. J. Petit ends the series with the ending of the lives of the original family members. The story is told by the son (Dylan) and daughter (Gwen) of Lynn Evans. The story opens in 1955 at the Double EE Ranch when Dylan and Gwen are in the final stages of their lives. Gwen suggests Dylan write down what he remembers of their parents and grandparents’ lives. Be prepared. This story is a tear jerker, but a great ending to a memorable series. I enjoyed the extra story tagged to the end of the book. A short story about the donkey, Peanut, who is featured in almost every book in the series. The story is told by Peanut, which is a different touch. This is a series that is worth rereading in a few years.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is six hours and eighteen minutes. Jim Meskimen does a good job narrating the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is six hours and eighteen minutes. Jim Meskimen does a good job narrating the series.
October 12, 2020
Fortunately I have had the opportunity to read all of the Evans outstanding accomplishments, thus far, but this compassionate storytelling masterpiece is definitely one of the best. Kind of a lifetime achievement of this outstanding family, which is very family-friendly and heartbreaking to say the least!
Most definitely another five star masterpiece by one of the most prolific writers of outstanding western entertainment, and the culmination of the exciting existence of unending adventures of the infamous Evans family. Mr. Petit pulls no punches, as his descriptive rendition of this compassionately outstanding portrayal of how a lot of us may have perceived our old American West was finally tamed.
These outstanding storylines will certainly touch the toughest individual's heartstrings, as this outstanding western family slowly slips away from us. Too his successful selection of characters were compassionately selected for their commanding assignments throughout this compelling retelling of the Evans superb life time of unending exciting adventures!
Definitely recommend this compassionately entertaining revelation of this truly realistically family, and an ongoing representation of how I perceived our old American West was finally settled! A very heartwarming compilation of unending adventures of this compassionately motivated family, which I hate see end! Regardless of your reading pleasure, I assure you to be perfectly engrossed within the first few pages of this ongoing family sag relived! Some of you may want to have your tissues handy, If you have any conscious at all! Don't say I didn't warn Y'all!!!😃
Most definitely another five star masterpiece by one of the most prolific writers of outstanding western entertainment, and the culmination of the exciting existence of unending adventures of the infamous Evans family. Mr. Petit pulls no punches, as his descriptive rendition of this compassionately outstanding portrayal of how a lot of us may have perceived our old American West was finally tamed.
These outstanding storylines will certainly touch the toughest individual's heartstrings, as this outstanding western family slowly slips away from us. Too his successful selection of characters were compassionately selected for their commanding assignments throughout this compelling retelling of the Evans superb life time of unending exciting adventures!
Definitely recommend this compassionately entertaining revelation of this truly realistically family, and an ongoing representation of how I perceived our old American West was finally settled! A very heartwarming compilation of unending adventures of this compassionately motivated family, which I hate see end! Regardless of your reading pleasure, I assure you to be perfectly engrossed within the first few pages of this ongoing family sag relived! Some of you may want to have your tissues handy, If you have any conscious at all! Don't say I didn't warn Y'all!!!😃
January 6, 2021
Read every one of C. J.s books
I have read and loved every one of C.J.s books and loved every one, this one not so much. I grew up in the Colorado mountains and can relate to every one of the Evans family stories. I can understand the need and desire to bring closure to the family sags. I also know from hard experience that life deals many harsh outcomes. But to end an entire family saga with so much grief just seemed too extreme and improbable to really fit with the other books of this saga.
I have read and loved every one of C.J.s books and loved every one, this one not so much. I grew up in the Colorado mountains and can relate to every one of the Evans family stories. I can understand the need and desire to bring closure to the family sags. I also know from hard experience that life deals many harsh outcomes. But to end an entire family saga with so much grief just seemed too extreme and improbable to really fit with the other books of this saga.
October 17, 2020
I have read most of your books. I have read all of the Evans family stories. I cried and cried as I said good-bye to people that I had come to love and care about. It was very poignant that the some of the husbands and wives died together as they had lived.
This is a family story filled with joy, the love of life and the love that knows no bounds in life or death.
This was an amazing story written by a great story teller.
This is a family story filled with joy, the love of life and the love that knows no bounds in life or death.
This was an amazing story written by a great story teller.
November 16, 2020
Great Evans Family Eulogy
A wonderful story to bring to a close the lives of all of our Evans family heroes and way they left this world was as exciting as the lives they lived. These Evans Family stories are all as exciting as his other books which I have read at least once and many at least twice.I started this time with Rock City and reread all 60± books in numerical order with the exception of Evans family6&7
A wonderful story to bring to a close the lives of all of our Evans family heroes and way they left this world was as exciting as the lives they lived. These Evans Family stories are all as exciting as his other books which I have read at least once and many at least twice.I started this time with Rock City and reread all 60± books in numerical order with the exception of Evans family6&7
April 30, 2024
Fantastic Story, must read 🐎🐴
This was a real tear jerker, should get 6* could not stand Losing all the good guys, with the fact of losing my favorite writer C J also absolutely broke my heart
Have read 66 of his 95 books. When I start one I can't put it down, you will be greatly missed.
Really got to go a long way s to match up to C.J.Petit
Definitely recommend the series, some better than others, but ALL good. & and great excitement!!🐴🐎
Tweety🐦🐦
This was a real tear jerker, should get 6* could not stand Losing all the good guys, with the fact of losing my favorite writer C J also absolutely broke my heart
Have read 66 of his 95 books. When I start one I can't put it down, you will be greatly missed.
Really got to go a long way s to match up to C.J.Petit
Definitely recommend the series, some better than others, but ALL good. & and great excitement!!🐴🐎
Tweety🐦🐦
September 21, 2020
The ending of family members.
It was interesting to have final endings but but there were several stories to go. What happened to Colwen. The baby left behind. They took alwene but never listed his cousin. Then what happened to Gwendolyn, s mother and sisters. They just left them after they moved.
It was interesting to have final endings but but there were several stories to go. What happened to Colwen. The baby left behind. They took alwene but never listed his cousin. Then what happened to Gwendolyn, s mother and sisters. They just left them after they moved.
September 22, 2020
Worst
Petit should have left well enough alone. Writing about the demise of the Evans'
characters is too much for me. One other gripe: Petit doesn't understand the upwind versus downwind concept. He switches them around and has the characters upwind so the horses won't smell them - NOT! Need to be downwind to avoid detection.
Petit should have left well enough alone. Writing about the demise of the Evans'
characters is too much for me. One other gripe: Petit doesn't understand the upwind versus downwind concept. He switches them around and has the characters upwind so the horses won't smell them - NOT! Need to be downwind to avoid detection.
October 1, 2020
I loved this family saga!
I began to feel a part of the Evans family as I read the whole series. I went through a few Kleenex before I finished this last book in the Evans family saga. My biggest negative would be that the author occasionally mixed up the names, but, I was so deep into the story that I knew who was being referred to.
I began to feel a part of the Evans family as I read the whole series. I went through a few Kleenex before I finished this last book in the Evans family saga. My biggest negative would be that the author occasionally mixed up the names, but, I was so deep into the story that I knew who was being referred to.
October 7, 2020
Thank you!
Wonderful and honorable endings for these wonderful characters! Thank you for the tears and joys of this family. Your writing always means a lot to me. You're my favorite author!!!! I hope you have many more books to write. I read your stories over and over. Thank you!!!
Wonderful and honorable endings for these wonderful characters! Thank you for the tears and joys of this family. Your writing always means a lot to me. You're my favorite author!!!! I hope you have many more books to write. I read your stories over and over. Thank you!!!
October 9, 2020
Great
Would've given a higher review. I though this was one of Petit best. Seeing how the Evans family met their maker was a fantastic idea. The only drawback was trying to remember who the characters were but Mr. Petit added enough insight to help you figure it out. Made me think of reading the whole series again.
Would've given a higher review. I though this was one of Petit best. Seeing how the Evans family met their maker was a fantastic idea. The only drawback was trying to remember who the characters were but Mr. Petit added enough insight to help you figure it out. Made me think of reading the whole series again.
October 14, 2020
Evan's Family Saga
I couldn't put this down. I cried and then I cried more. These characters became real through the books that you have written. The Evan's family instilled real value in their time. Thank you for introducing us to this amazing saga. I just wish that it wasnt over.
I couldn't put this down. I cried and then I cried more. These characters became real through the books that you have written. The Evan's family instilled real value in their time. Thank you for introducing us to this amazing saga. I just wish that it wasnt over.
October 27, 2020
Tears!!! Funny feelings
Wow that was a good read as usual but a sad read the stories right through this Evans family were good it’s a shame it had to draw to an end and so so sad tears kind of stop you reading but alas I’m a softy at heart ,thank you CJ for the enjoyment through your books
Wow that was a good read as usual but a sad read the stories right through this Evans family were good it’s a shame it had to draw to an end and so so sad tears kind of stop you reading but alas I’m a softy at heart ,thank you CJ for the enjoyment through your books
November 1, 2020
This book was so heart wrenching I quit reading it three times because it broke my heart . You really know what love is CJ. For that reason I have read all of your
Books.. Your own story mirrors who you are. I would love to have your courage and human. Depth. Larry keep it going!
Books.. Your own story mirrors who you are. I would love to have your courage and human. Depth. Larry keep it going!
December 9, 2020
Epilogue for the Evans Family
Dylan writes epilogue of famous Evans family. Most of the last day were spent together as husband and wife. No matter how old the couple were, at the end they were young at heart. The Evans family couples would rather die together than be left behind without the other partner. True Love.
Dylan writes epilogue of famous Evans family. Most of the last day were spent together as husband and wife. No matter how old the couple were, at the end they were young at heart. The Evans family couples would rather die together than be left behind without the other partner. True Love.
January 2, 2021
I am an avid reader of C J Petit books having read all of them that he has written so far. I really enjoy them and think that they all deserve a five star rating. Dylan's Memories is the best so far in my opinion. If anyone has read all of the Evans Family Saga books this one will really reach you emotionally. Great read!! Now on to "East of the Cascades"!
January 6, 2021
Captivating.
Captivating. I continually read and don’t often find a book that I just can’t put down. This series of the Evans Family Saga completely involved me within the stories themselves and I could not stop reading. I felt like I was right there involved in the scene being portrayed. I highly recommend this Saga set.
Captivating. I continually read and don’t often find a book that I just can’t put down. This series of the Evans Family Saga completely involved me within the stories themselves and I could not stop reading. I felt like I was right there involved in the scene being portrayed. I highly recommend this Saga set.
February 2, 2021
A Heartfelt Farewell
I put off reading this book because I have read the Evans Saga 3 times and loved them more each time as I know C J. does too. They all passed as honorably as they lived and perfectly in character with their adventure filled lives. Each was a faithful love story to the end that warmed my sad heart.
I put off reading this book because I have read the Evans Saga 3 times and loved them more each time as I know C J. does too. They all passed as honorably as they lived and perfectly in character with their adventure filled lives. Each was a faithful love story to the end that warmed my sad heart.
April 30, 2021
Old Friends
What an incredible book. It was so good to revisit each of the Evans again. Tough women and tough men, but such a sad book. Sad, as it should be, to revisit the final chapter of old friends. So sad to say goodbye for the final time. A wonderful book about "Old Friends" and thanks for this book.
What an incredible book. It was so good to revisit each of the Evans again. Tough women and tough men, but such a sad book. Sad, as it should be, to revisit the final chapter of old friends. So sad to say goodbye for the final time. A wonderful book about "Old Friends" and thanks for this book.
September 25, 2021
What a story...I am still in tears.
I don't think I have ever had a book hit me like this one did. Every one of these Evans family saga books were extremely good, but this one was beyond amazing! I was a slobbering nose running ninny as each of Dylan's memories came to the end! I don't want to put them away! If only I had the talent to tell a story like this!
I don't think I have ever had a book hit me like this one did. Every one of these Evans family saga books were extremely good, but this one was beyond amazing! I was a slobbering nose running ninny as each of Dylan's memories came to the end! I don't want to put them away! If only I had the talent to tell a story like this!
November 14, 2021
This is a book of short stories about the ending of their lives
Marshall Dillon retired is writing the book and his sister Glenn is reading it for him to proofread. He writes about the ending moments or adventures of the lives of the Evans clan. It is moving book and brings to mind the excellent qualities of each evidence person.
Marshall Dillon retired is writing the book and his sister Glenn is reading it for him to proofread. He writes about the ending moments or adventures of the lives of the Evans clan. It is moving book and brings to mind the excellent qualities of each evidence person.
April 21, 2022
Dylan's Memories
All good things come to an end sooner or later and the Evan's saga was no exception, but it was a fitting conclusion to that historical brave family of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed each book and the short story on audio books about peanut the donkey and his perspective of the Evans family.
All good things come to an end sooner or later and the Evan's saga was no exception, but it was a fitting conclusion to that historical brave family of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed each book and the short story on audio books about peanut the donkey and his perspective of the Evans family.
August 11, 2022
What a tribute
Second time reading Dylans Memories. Glad I get to review. Was in to big a hurry first time around. As each of the Evens life is memorialized, it brings back memories of the original settings. These memories bring each member to the final days of their lives. This is so well written. It is like we are grieving a dear friend. Thank you C.J. For Dylan's memories.
Second time reading Dylans Memories. Glad I get to review. Was in to big a hurry first time around. As each of the Evens life is memorialized, it brings back memories of the original settings. These memories bring each member to the final days of their lives. This is so well written. It is like we are grieving a dear friend. Thank you C.J. For Dylan's memories.
January 23, 2024
Perfect book to finish this series
After reading each book in the series and finding it hard to say which was my favorite. This epilogue book was a tear jerker and being a grown man it's hard to admit C.J. you are a great story teller and I will continue till I read and reread all your books. Thank you for the journey back to the old west where the good always wins.
After reading each book in the series and finding it hard to say which was my favorite. This epilogue book was a tear jerker and being a grown man it's hard to admit C.J. you are a great story teller and I will continue till I read and reread all your books. Thank you for the journey back to the old west where the good always wins.
September 23, 2020
A Farewell To A The Evans Family
I have read all the Evans series and really connected with the characters. I hated to see it end but this series deserved a closing. You found a way to make it real and gave the reader a chance to say goodbye to them.
I have read all the Evans series and really connected with the characters. I hated to see it end but this series deserved a closing. You found a way to make it real and gave the reader a chance to say goodbye to them.
September 27, 2020
Great follow up six great books
I think this is one of the best ending to such good character's. I have never read anything to hold your interest so well. C. J. Petit writes like I part of the story over everything
I think this is one of the best ending to such good character's. I have never read anything to hold your interest so well. C. J. Petit writes like I part of the story over everything
October 1, 2020
Dylan’s memories
My wife and I are older and I have always enjoyed Mr. Petit’s books. I am retired from Law Enforcement after 46 years of service.
This book was a little depressing and after about 1/2 finished, I stopped reading.
My wife and I are older and I have always enjoyed Mr. Petit’s books. I am retired from Law Enforcement after 46 years of service.
This book was a little depressing and after about 1/2 finished, I stopped reading.
October 2, 2020
Epilogue
I’ll admit to being a little disappointed when finding that this would be the end of the Evans Family saga. I’ve enjoyed the characters and stories. I really appreciate how the author has treated their final chapter. Read this series and then read it again.
I’ll admit to being a little disappointed when finding that this would be the end of the Evans Family saga. I’ve enjoyed the characters and stories. I really appreciate how the author has treated their final chapter. Read this series and then read it again.
October 7, 2020
Dylan's Memories
After reading all six books I feel like I've lost family. I want to be an Evans in Spirit and character. Dylan's Memories just made them even more endearing to me. I can let my breath out now...ahhh...I loved the journey.
After reading all six books I feel like I've lost family. I want to be an Evans in Spirit and character. Dylan's Memories just made them even more endearing to me. I can let my breath out now...ahhh...I loved the journey.
October 10, 2020
Great job of writing about a bigger than life western family.
You did a great job of writing all of these to become bigger than life. You have a great talent, keep writing. Thank You
You did a great job of writing all of these to become bigger than life. You have a great talent, keep writing. Thank You
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews