No Longer Alone
I thought I was all alone, and then I found my friends.25 total reviews
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
This is a great story for entry in the Alone contest. You must have felt more alone when you returned to this country after being with the children and facing people who had nothing but contempt for you. I know my friends did.
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2022
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This is a great story for entry in the Alone contest. You must have felt more alone when you returned to this country after being with the children and facing people who had nothing but contempt for you. I know my friends did.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2022
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I do recall feeling the hostility I received in the San Francisco Airport on my return home. I also specifically remember the only positive greeting I received was a very small sign over the entrance to the Oakland Army Terminal that read, "Welcome Home." But, then again, nothing could diminish the exuberance I felt knowing that I would soon be with my family, which I hadn't seem for one year and fifteen days. Thank you for your kind and understanding review.
John
Comment from Jay Squires
Yes, children, when not subverted, while still innocent are the same as any other innocent children around the world. And yes, we could learn a great deal about each other by following the lead of the children. You are a wise man and you've written a very compelling story.
Jay
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2022
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Yes, children, when not subverted, while still innocent are the same as any other innocent children around the world. And yes, we could learn a great deal about each other by following the lead of the children. You are a wise man and you've written a very compelling story.
Jay
Comment Written 08-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2022
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Thank you, Jay, for your review and kind words. It's a shame the children have to grow up, isn't it?
John
Comment from jmdg1954
I enjoyed the premise to your poem beginning each line with 'alone' and telling your story.
Remember, a child is born innocent, no hatred, or jealousy in their hearts. They are extremely a curious bunch ( never met one who wasn't).
Best of luck in the contest.
Cheers, John
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2022
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I enjoyed the premise to your poem beginning each line with 'alone' and telling your story.
Remember, a child is born innocent, no hatred, or jealousy in their hearts. They are extremely a curious bunch ( never met one who wasn't).
Best of luck in the contest.
Cheers, John
Comment Written 08-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2022
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You're absolutely right. That's an excellent description of a child. The little Vietnamese children were not short on curiosity. Thank you for your review and best wishes.
John
Comment from barbara.wilkey
This is an excellent contest entry. Thank you for sharing it with us. Yes, children are accepting and loving. That's why I taught first grade for 26 years. I enjoyed reading and wish you the best of luck with the contest.
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2022
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This is an excellent contest entry. Thank you for sharing it with us. Yes, children are accepting and loving. That's why I taught first grade for 26 years. I enjoyed reading and wish you the best of luck with the contest.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2022
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Congratulations. My mother taught first grade for 20 years. She loved it and had so many funny stories to tell. Thank you so much for your review.
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Yes, the little children come to know you and do not care about the differences in our skin color or religious status or whatever holds others back in our country. They have faith in our humanity and often reach out when no one else would bother. I love this Alone story and the way you start so many lines with alone going into the different things you did to enlist in the Army and go to war for our country. Thank you so much for your service.
Jesse
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2022
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Yes, the little children come to know you and do not care about the differences in our skin color or religious status or whatever holds others back in our country. They have faith in our humanity and often reach out when no one else would bother. I love this Alone story and the way you start so many lines with alone going into the different things you did to enlist in the Army and go to war for our country. Thank you so much for your service.
Jesse
Comment Written 08-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2022
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You're so right. I felt that acceptance and friendliness from those little children despite our differences...they didn't care. It's a shame we have to grow up and lose that God-given innocence. Thank you for your thoughtful and very insightful review.
John
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Innocence is a wonderful quality to hold onto as long as we can.
Thank you for your service.
Jesse
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Although I wasn't thrilled at the time, l'm honored to have served this great country. I appreciate you acknowledging my service.
John
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It is understandable you not being thrilled to join and it must've been hard while you were there but I still thank you for doing all you can for this country.
Jesse
Comment from T B Botts
Hello John,
So many things in life we have to tackle on our own. Some things no one else can share with us. Friendship though is something that requires at least two. So glad you were able to make friends in that far off land.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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Hello John,
So many things in life we have to tackle on our own. Some things no one else can share with us. Friendship though is something that requires at least two. So glad you were able to make friends in that far off land.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 06-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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Thank you, Tom. I appreciate your review. Blessings to you, as well.
John
Comment from Mary Vigasin
So well-told! I wished there was more because it was so delightful to read.
Children are trusting and naturally curious.
Even as their country is at war they were able to find a friend.
Best wishes for the contest.
Mary
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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So well-told! I wished there was more because it was so delightful to read.
Children are trusting and naturally curious.
Even as their country is at war they were able to find a friend.
Best wishes for the contest.
Mary
Comment Written 06-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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Thank you, Mary. It's odd to say, but I do have fond memories of Vietnam and they all revolve around the children. Thank you for your review.
John
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Your contest entry read well, John. I liked your unique
approach. The repeat of the word alone emphasizes the
feeling well. There were so many instances where it was
felt. Then even in time of war, you found you were no longer
alone. The children were mesmerized by you, and you were
grateful for their acceptance. You were no longer alone. I liked
how you stated children everywhere are the same curious little
people who could teach adults many 'things.'
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest, Jan
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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Your contest entry read well, John. I liked your unique
approach. The repeat of the word alone emphasizes the
feeling well. There were so many instances where it was
felt. Then even in time of war, you found you were no longer
alone. The children were mesmerized by you, and you were
grateful for their acceptance. You were no longer alone. I liked
how you stated children everywhere are the same curious little
people who could teach adults many 'things.'
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest, Jan
Comment Written 06-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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Thanks, Jan. Some good can come from bad circumstances, and I think that's what I experienced. I appreciate your kind words and best wishes. John
Comment from Terry Broxson
John, I think you have written a good memoir for this contest. I wish you well. I think you are right about children, and the note underscores your point well. Excellent work. Terry.
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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John, I think you have written a good memoir for this contest. I wish you well. I think you are right about children, and the note underscores your point well. Excellent work. Terry.
Comment Written 06-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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Thanks, Terry. I'm glad you referenced Luke's Scripture verse. It's important to remember how Christ treated the little children. I appreciate your review. John
Comment from Sarah Robin
I enjoyed reading your story. Children are the same every where. And, yes, we could learn a lot from them just by observing them. I saw a little girl fall. Her friend helped her get up and told her he would stay with her. It was touching to me to watch these 1st graders help each other. Well written story! Good luck with the contest. Sarah
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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I enjoyed reading your story. Children are the same every where. And, yes, we could learn a lot from them just by observing them. I saw a little girl fall. Her friend helped her get up and told her he would stay with her. It was touching to me to watch these 1st graders help each other. Well written story! Good luck with the contest. Sarah
Comment Written 06-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2022
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Beautiful story, Sarah. It reminds me of a story that I think took place in the Special Olympics. One of the runners fell and his fellow runner stopped and helped him, giving up any chance of winning the race. I truly believe God has a special place in Heaven for little children. Thank you for your sweet review. John
