Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "You chose ... a boy like THAT?! "Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
28 total reviews
Comment from patcelaw
I was moved with compassion by your story about Jonathan. It is very important that we all remember that even though his disabilities were great, there was still a bit of God in him a lot of God as a matter of fact. When I was going to church with a family, who had a son who was just about as physically disabled as the one that you described with Jonathan, I would speak directly to this young man, and you would see his face with a nice expression, even though he was not able to communicate verbally. I admire you for the work that you did with this young man. I know God has a special place in his heart not only for Jonathan, but he also has a special place in his heart for you as well. Patricia.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I was moved with compassion by your story about Jonathan. It is very important that we all remember that even though his disabilities were great, there was still a bit of God in him a lot of God as a matter of fact. When I was going to church with a family, who had a son who was just about as physically disabled as the one that you described with Jonathan, I would speak directly to this young man, and you would see his face with a nice expression, even though he was not able to communicate verbally. I admire you for the work that you did with this young man. I know God has a special place in his heart not only for Jonathan, but he also has a special place in his heart for you as well. Patricia.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Thank you Patricia! Your encouraging review brought tears to my eyes. You understand perfectly. I am hoping that even if the attitudes of a few people are changed towards interacting with and respecting disabled people, then one of my goals will be achieved. Many thanks for the six stars. It means a huge amount to me.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
This is fascinating. I have met some fringe types. Some were exactly as I imagined but then there were those who were amazing and wonderful. My world became a better place because I met them. This is an incredible journey you are taking me on. I am fascinated with the unity your family had to accept this. Great chapter. Gretchen
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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This is fascinating. I have met some fringe types. Some were exactly as I imagined but then there were those who were amazing and wonderful. My world became a better place because I met them. This is an incredible journey you are taking me on. I am fascinated with the unity your family had to accept this. Great chapter. Gretchen
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much Gretchen for this super review. Your six stars are such an encouragement (especially because I respect your own writing hugely). I hope you'll stay for all the twists and turns.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
I am fascinated by the way you are able to tell this story without an Aren't I Just the Most Awesome Person Ever tone or Poor Me, But I'm Sallying Forth Anyway. It's truly conversational and so INTERESTING.
I mean, I DO think of your contribution to his life (and yours and your family's) as wonderful, but not because YOU'RE saying so making me think I should, but rather because of how you're sharing the experience of it all. This is SUCH a difficult tightrope on which to balance, but you are doing so with panache and aplomb.
I'm continuing to enjoy this book very much, Wendy. Great job. xo
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I am fascinated by the way you are able to tell this story without an Aren't I Just the Most Awesome Person Ever tone or Poor Me, But I'm Sallying Forth Anyway. It's truly conversational and so INTERESTING.
I mean, I DO think of your contribution to his life (and yours and your family's) as wonderful, but not because YOU'RE saying so making me think I should, but rather because of how you're sharing the experience of it all. This is SUCH a difficult tightrope on which to balance, but you are doing so with panache and aplomb.
I'm continuing to enjoy this book very much, Wendy. Great job. xo
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Rachelle, thank you so very much. The last thing I want to do is self-promote (especially because I don't always come out looking good, as you will see). I am writing this mostly for my family and a few friends, and also to raise awareness of attitudes towards disabled people, with a hope of increasing respect and compassion. Also with some incidents later on there will be exposure of serious wrong-doing. Many thanks for your most encoutraging and valued review.
Wendy
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It's my pleasure. You're doing a terrific job with this. xo
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Wow. Your angelic mien seems to have been gifted to your children. You are a wonderful person who has an unimaginable strength forbeing kind.
As for the piece I thought it was extremely well-written until the last for paragraphs, which seemed muddled. Sheryl was introduced without forewarning, that I recall, and this sentence was clear if pondered long enough.
Luv you for being who u r.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Wow. Your angelic mien seems to have been gifted to your children. You are a wonderful person who has an unimaginable strength forbeing kind.
As for the piece I thought it was extremely well-written until the last for paragraphs, which seemed muddled. Sheryl was introduced without forewarning, that I recall, and this sentence was clear if pondered long enough.
Luv you for being who u r.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Thanks so much Tom. Yes, I should have mentioned that this was the third in the series. The first two were Sheryl's story, and then Jonathan's story. Sheryl was his birth mother. I need to remember that not everyone has read the first two, so I have now added notes to that effect in the Author's Notes. Thanks for pointing it out.
Wendy
Comment from Mrs. KT
Good morning, Wendy,
I was captivated by your sharing of your early days with Johnathan. Thank goodness he had you and your family in his life.
I have found, in my own life, that the "marginalized" individuals are often the ones who give of themselves - as you so aptly describe the two burly fellows who assisted you with Johnathan and his wheelchair. (I taught those so-called "marginalized" individuals during my entire teaching career.")
Your caring for this little boy, and treating him with dignity, care, and love while at the same time caring and loving for your three biological children speaks volumes. I am honored to know you, Wendy...
Thank you for sharing...
diane
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Good morning, Wendy,
I was captivated by your sharing of your early days with Johnathan. Thank goodness he had you and your family in his life.
I have found, in my own life, that the "marginalized" individuals are often the ones who give of themselves - as you so aptly describe the two burly fellows who assisted you with Johnathan and his wheelchair. (I taught those so-called "marginalized" individuals during my entire teaching career.")
Your caring for this little boy, and treating him with dignity, care, and love while at the same time caring and loving for your three biological children speaks volumes. I am honored to know you, Wendy...
Thank you for sharing...
diane
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Diane, thank you so much. Your words mean a huge amount to me, as do the six stars. Very precious encouragement. You understand very well because of your experience. We often don't know the road the marginalised ones have endured, and each person is to be repected and valued without judgment. Thank you again.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
There's nothing like living with someone to really know them - you seemed to sense so much more about his intelligence and understanding than the medical professionals did. Isn't that the way it is with normal children? Our pediatrician would often say things that I knew were wrong because I was there with them every day.
It sounds like those who didn't want to deal with a "person like that" didn't know how to - that fear is instilled in a lot of us, the fear of the unknown. Or perhaps we're just uncomfortable with facing a situation we would not want to be in.
I think your children's behavior toward Jonathan is admirable. I'm sure it made him feel like part of the family.
A tough road ahead in this story. Thank you for sharing, Wendy.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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There's nothing like living with someone to really know them - you seemed to sense so much more about his intelligence and understanding than the medical professionals did. Isn't that the way it is with normal children? Our pediatrician would often say things that I knew were wrong because I was there with them every day.
It sounds like those who didn't want to deal with a "person like that" didn't know how to - that fear is instilled in a lot of us, the fear of the unknown. Or perhaps we're just uncomfortable with facing a situation we would not want to be in.
I think your children's behavior toward Jonathan is admirable. I'm sure it made him feel like part of the family.
A tough road ahead in this story. Thank you for sharing, Wendy.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much Pam, for this lovely review. Yes, there was a tough road ahead, and it was just as well I didn't know yet about what was to come.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Much more than you imagined - I would say so!
"Two burly rough types who one would hesitate to meet on a dark night." Reviewers might point out that this sentence is incomplete, lacking a verb, but I call it style. Math has 'rules', Composition has suggestions.
This is a nice chapter.
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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Much more than you imagined - I would say so!
"Two burly rough types who one would hesitate to meet on a dark night." Reviewers might point out that this sentence is incomplete, lacking a verb, but I call it style. Math has 'rules', Composition has suggestions.
This is a nice chapter.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Thank you, Wayne for your careful reviewing and for your encouragement. It does lack a verb, but is the answer to the previous question. "Who ...? Two burly men ..."
I hope it is okay.
Wendy
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It is, absolutely.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I have no idea how you managed to look after this special needs little boy and teach and look after your own family Wendy, you are truly remarkable. We have a disabled boy in our family who suffered debilitating disabilities from birth and his parents dote on him and find his presence rewarding, much like you do Wendy, a fine post, love Dolly x x x
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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I have no idea how you managed to look after this special needs little boy and teach and look after your own family Wendy, you are truly remarkable. We have a disabled boy in our family who suffered debilitating disabilities from birth and his parents dote on him and find his presence rewarding, much like you do Wendy, a fine post, love Dolly x x x
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Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I had paused teaching while my children were young, did some extra post-graduate study instead, so the first few years we had him I wasn't teaching. One learns to value and appreciate every little success they have. Thank you so much for reviewing.
Wendy