This story is told with sensitivity, @chuksmeezy. We believe in the characters, partly because you weave current events into the plot. That is an effective technique. You also allow us to 'see' Ganny. Time has taken a toll. This is perhaps exacerbated by worry about her son. 15 years is a long time. Hope will surely dim in those years.

The young man, John, is clearly deliminated, also. This character is revealed most clearly through your description of his actions.

Thank you for sharing this story with us, @chuksmeezy