Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "Peaceful Interlude"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
28 total reviews
Comment from jmdg1954
Do you remember being in school and using a yellow (some girls used pink) marker to highlight the important sentences and/or phrases in you text book?
For me, I think I would have highlighted this entire post. I received such a good feeling after reading it, I could not stop smiling. I love how your kids love him like Jonathon being their own brother.
I understand getting to this point has been painful and difficult for you especially.
Cheers,
John
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Do you remember being in school and using a yellow (some girls used pink) marker to highlight the important sentences and/or phrases in you text book?
For me, I think I would have highlighted this entire post. I received such a good feeling after reading it, I could not stop smiling. I love how your kids love him like Jonathon being their own brother.
I understand getting to this point has been painful and difficult for you especially.
Cheers,
John
Comment Written 01-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you John! Your words are very kind, encouraging and supportive, and make me want to keep writing his story. The pain and difficulties of the last chapters are nothing compared with what is to unfold a few chapters down the line. I am already having sleepless nights because of thinking about it and reliving it. Your gift of six stars is therefore acknowledged with much gratitude and many thanks.
Wendy
Comment from kahpot
" how to love without conditions" to me Jonathan, was not only the strongest of all but an inspiration, and somewhat of a mentor, to enjoy the little things,(ironing etc.) which would (did) encourage a family to do, an excellent read, so very well written, I enjoyed this immensely, ****kahpot
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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" how to love without conditions" to me Jonathan, was not only the strongest of all but an inspiration, and somewhat of a mentor, to enjoy the little things,(ironing etc.) which would (did) encourage a family to do, an excellent read, so very well written, I enjoyed this immensely, ****kahpot
Comment Written 01-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Kahpot. Your thoughts and encouragement mean a great deal, every single time.
Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
For the introduction alone, I would give this a six- so beautifully constructed, but the excellence in writing continues as you give the reader a great opportunity to observe what it is like to have a person with such limited abilities a part of your family, one you all work seek to help to adjust to laugh and find joy through difficulties.
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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For the introduction alone, I would give this a six- so beautifully constructed, but the excellence in writing continues as you give the reader a great opportunity to observe what it is like to have a person with such limited abilities a part of your family, one you all work seek to help to adjust to laugh and find joy through difficulties.
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Verna. Especially for the beautiful gift of six stars, and the huge encouragement that is. I value your reviews a lot.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Another heart-warming chapter beautifully expressed with so many fine messages to impart. I particularly like how Jonathan became the teacher and how this inner world of his actually radiated wisdom and contentment that contrasted with the competitive and often harsh 'dog-eat-dog' world beyond. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story, Wendy. Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Another heart-warming chapter beautifully expressed with so many fine messages to impart. I particularly like how Jonathan became the teacher and how this inner world of his actually radiated wisdom and contentment that contrasted with the competitive and often harsh 'dog-eat-dog' world beyond. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story, Wendy. Take care Debbie
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you so very much Debbie. Always greatly appreciated. And yes, I think he influenced greatly what we counted as important.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
This is where we are at in the story at present (what if you took one "at" out - This is where we are in the story at present
I like the parallels between the symphony and life with Jonathan. It's a good entry into this chapter.
I agree that Jonathan was a teacher - a teacher of how to live your life as a compassionate human being, to have patience, and to love unconditionally.
How is Jonathan doing these days?
Thanks for sharing these observations, Wendy. Again, your children are amazing and you gave them more by "adopting" Jonathan than any social activity ever could.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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This is where we are at in the story at present (what if you took one "at" out - This is where we are in the story at present
I like the parallels between the symphony and life with Jonathan. It's a good entry into this chapter.
I agree that Jonathan was a teacher - a teacher of how to live your life as a compassionate human being, to have patience, and to love unconditionally.
How is Jonathan doing these days?
Thanks for sharing these observations, Wendy. Again, your children are amazing and you gave them more by "adopting" Jonathan than any social activity ever could.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you Pam, and especially for the pickup. I am glad to gave you as a reviewer. That's exactly what I need, attention to those little details. I'll change it straight away. At present he's well, having survived seven weeks critically ill in hospital in October and November, and then covid at Christmas.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
That was such a well written and heartwarming continuation to the story, Wendy. You laid it all on the line, not trying to sugarcoat everything but admitting how difficult and lonely it was for you at times, and how much work it entailed having a disabled child, as well as three others, to care for.
I loved how you viewed Jonathan as a teacher who greatly inspired your children to be generous, patient, tolerant, and ever-conscious of the feelings of others. These are all important life skills that make for wonderful people, and you did a fine job in demonstrating and encouraging it in your family.
This piece was presented so well with that symphonic introduction at the beginning with a great metaphor, and the story-telling was captivating and interesting. These stories are wonderful works of writing done very professionally. I'm guessing that if you were to submit them together for a Seal of Quality award, you would probably get one for these. - Jim
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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That was such a well written and heartwarming continuation to the story, Wendy. You laid it all on the line, not trying to sugarcoat everything but admitting how difficult and lonely it was for you at times, and how much work it entailed having a disabled child, as well as three others, to care for.
I loved how you viewed Jonathan as a teacher who greatly inspired your children to be generous, patient, tolerant, and ever-conscious of the feelings of others. These are all important life skills that make for wonderful people, and you did a fine job in demonstrating and encouraging it in your family.
This piece was presented so well with that symphonic introduction at the beginning with a great metaphor, and the story-telling was captivating and interesting. These stories are wonderful works of writing done very professionally. I'm guessing that if you were to submit them together for a Seal of Quality award, you would probably get one for these. - Jim
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Oh thank you, Jim! I don't know anything much about the seal of quality. There are quite a few chapters left to write - we are around half way. Should I wait till the end? I actually hope to publish this when it's finished. There's a lot of drama still to come. I always appreciate your quality reviews, encouragement, and insights and thank you for this one.
Wendy
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If you want to read about the seal of quality award, look under the Community link, then Q&A and scroll down near the bottom to these two questions:
- How is writing recognized?
- What is a professional level author?
They are strict judges and these are not easy to earn. I would wait until you are all done, and possibly turn them into a book before submitting it, if you are interested.
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Thanks so much, Jim.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Jonathan was a great teacher, and your family was blessed that he came into your lives, and we are blessed that you've chosen to share his story with us. Thank you for that.
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Jonathan was a great teacher, and your family was blessed that he came into your lives, and we are blessed that you've chosen to share his story with us. Thank you for that.
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you for this very encouraging review! I am glad you are enjoying these stories.
Wendy
Comment from karenina
I understand your love for one another.
It is clear that Jonathan added a perfect storm to your family... Yet look at the lessons learned!
Your children learned to love unconditionally both from you AND from Jonathan!
As exhausted as each day must have been, I think of what Jonathan's quality of life would have been if he'd not been part of such a loving family who saw beyond his disabilities and focused on how best to enrich every day within the parameters of what he was capable of!
I'm haunted at his distress over the sound of a baby crying...and the ensuing arm biting.
Lord knows what triggered this in his earliest years!
As ever, I'm distressed and disgusted that those appointed to help you and Jonathan were (as here, in the U.S.) viewing him as yet another disabled "foster" to be checked off in the "oversaw" box.
If there is one through message here it is that every human is God's treasure and everything possible should be done to enrich the life of anyone challenged with any disability!
Bless you all for being Jonathan's superheroes! I suspect he is a superhero to you as well!
Karenina
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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I understand your love for one another.
It is clear that Jonathan added a perfect storm to your family... Yet look at the lessons learned!
Your children learned to love unconditionally both from you AND from Jonathan!
As exhausted as each day must have been, I think of what Jonathan's quality of life would have been if he'd not been part of such a loving family who saw beyond his disabilities and focused on how best to enrich every day within the parameters of what he was capable of!
I'm haunted at his distress over the sound of a baby crying...and the ensuing arm biting.
Lord knows what triggered this in his earliest years!
As ever, I'm distressed and disgusted that those appointed to help you and Jonathan were (as here, in the U.S.) viewing him as yet another disabled "foster" to be checked off in the "oversaw" box.
If there is one through message here it is that every human is God's treasure and everything possible should be done to enrich the life of anyone challenged with any disability!
Bless you all for being Jonathan's superheroes! I suspect he is a superhero to you as well!
Karenina
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you Karenina. A beautiful and moving review. Yes, we never could figure what prompted the trauma about babies. Re DOCS, just wait till you see what happens in about three or four chapters. I'm already having sleepless nights just reliving it. I appreciate you greatly.
Wendy
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I have heard some nightmarish stories about our DSS... and I'm sure given what you've shared thus far my blood will be boiling!
Comment from GWHARGIS
This is just such a wonderful story. You don't sugar coat the situation nor do you act as if you were the one with all of the answers. You act human. Admitting that there were times when you were overwhelmed, yet all the time keeping this child's welfare and support in perspective. Great continuation. Gretchen
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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This is just such a wonderful story. You don't sugar coat the situation nor do you act as if you were the one with all of the answers. You act human. Admitting that there were times when you were overwhelmed, yet all the time keeping this child's welfare and support in perspective. Great continuation. Gretchen
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Gretchen. I am so glad you are continuing to read and enjoy these stories. The six stars are so very encouraging.
Each one is greatly valued.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
I very much got that about unconditionality, it's something to learn only by exposure to it, even with my knowledge, the manifold unconditional love of God is difficult to grasp unless it's learned environmentally, beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy
Typo : list tor a (glacement)
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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I very much got that about unconditionality, it's something to learn only by exposure to it, even with my knowledge, the manifold unconditional love of God is difficult to grasp unless it's learned environmentally, beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy
Typo : list tor a (glacement)
Comment Written 31-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2024
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Thank you for reviewing. Appreciated always.
Wendy
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Most welcome
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Well done