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 Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That had to be hard to see the reactions of the elite, the so called Christians in society. They are the worst. It's the down and outs, those two burley men, that multi-coloured haired woman, they are the true Christians. I can't imagine how tired you became, or the pain that poor child went through. Your blood children were amazing, they were brought up in a loving family and passed it on to Jonathan, their new brother. I'm off to read the next part now. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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That had to be hard to see the reactions of the elite, the so called Christians in society. They are the worst. It's the down and outs, those two burley men, that multi-coloured haired woman, they are the true Christians. I can't imagine how tired you became, or the pain that poor child went through. Your blood children were amazing, they were brought up in a loving family and passed it on to Jonathan, their new brother. I'm off to read the next part now. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 11-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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Thank you so much for reviewing. You can't imagine how honoured I feel that you are going back to read and review these stories. IT's both humbling and encouraging.
Wendy
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I've just caught up, it is such an incredible story. 🥰xx
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Thanks for all you did. I loved what you wrote about talking to the person, not talking to people about him when he's there in the room. I remember a carer doing that when my great-auntie was in a nursing-home. It annoyed me so much, I had to say to him: "She is here!"
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2024
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Thanks for all you did. I loved what you wrote about talking to the person, not talking to people about him when he's there in the room. I remember a carer doing that when my great-auntie was in a nursing-home. It annoyed me so much, I had to say to him: "She is here!"
Comment Written 23-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2024
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Yes, it's very demeaning when people don't talk directly to the person, and they're not even invisible. I'm glad you spoke to him, maybe he'll be more thoughtful with others. Thank you very much for such a positive review. I apprecite your words.
Wendy
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, You Chose a Boy Like That?, captures much of the unthought-of truths and realities that exist in society as one tries to do what others see as extreme. Your description of people's inability to function with a nonverbal person, whose responses were not being picked up, was quite telling of the struggle. The last experience, with the help from strangers, was super-meaningful.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
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This story, You Chose a Boy Like That?, captures much of the unthought-of truths and realities that exist in society as one tries to do what others see as extreme. Your description of people's inability to function with a nonverbal person, whose responses were not being picked up, was quite telling of the struggle. The last experience, with the help from strangers, was super-meaningful.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
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Thank you, Bill, for your thoughtful and understanding review.
Wendy
Comment from Spitfire
You cover a lot of territory in this chapter.
I think there needs to be more show instead of tell when it comes to the wear and tear on your mental and physical self during this time. Jonathan's problems in both categories come across well and reminds me of the problems my sister faced in bringing up her son who suffered from muscular dystrophy.
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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You cover a lot of territory in this chapter.
I think there needs to be more show instead of tell when it comes to the wear and tear on your mental and physical self during this time. Jonathan's problems in both categories come across well and reminds me of the problems my sister faced in bringing up her son who suffered from muscular dystrophy.
Comment Written 16-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much Shari, and I appreciate the suggestion as well as your review. I'll have another look at this chapter.
Wendy
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
You wrote very well. People can be complete dolts when it comes to facing different kinds of people. I would have walked up to Johnathan, said hello and told him that since he couldn't speak, I would be happy to do all the talking, as I might have anyway.
And asked him if he wanted to here some jokes, or stories? I enjoyed your Story. Karen
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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You wrote very well. People can be complete dolts when it comes to facing different kinds of people. I would have walked up to Johnathan, said hello and told him that since he couldn't speak, I would be happy to do all the talking, as I might have anyway.
And asked him if he wanted to here some jokes, or stories? I enjoyed your Story. Karen
Comment Written 16-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Lol. I think he would have connected well with you and your sense of humour! Thanks so much for reviewing. Hope you'll continue for the bumpy ride of his life-story.
Wendy
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Most folks do like me to start with. It is only when they know me really really well, that the charm wears off! hahaha Karen
Comment from Paul McFarland
Again, I am in awe of what you did for this human being. I am sure that Jonathan has a great deal of love for you and your family, and I am sure that God has made a few notes in His journal.
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Again, I am in awe of what you did for this human being. I am sure that Jonathan has a great deal of love for you and your family, and I am sure that God has made a few notes in His journal.
Comment Written 16-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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There were lots of times when I asked God "Why?" and "How?" And He probably noted my failings and resentment too.
I know He loves us, although I will never hear him say so. But he shows it in other ways. Thanks so much for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Comment from Ric Myworld
Yes, I'm sure these were trying times, as the heart wanted to do all it could, yet the mind and body were overloaded. For you, Johnathan, and most everyone, all we truly want in life is to be loved and appreciated. But sometimes, both are hard. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Yes, I'm sure these were trying times, as the heart wanted to do all it could, yet the mind and body were overloaded. For you, Johnathan, and most everyone, all we truly want in life is to be loved and appreciated. But sometimes, both are hard. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 16-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much for your thoughtful review, Ric. Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Oh my Wendy,
you really stepped into it gal, with both feet. I honestly can't imagine how you managed, especially with a husband and three little children at home that needed you as well. When I lived in Hoonah, the town was small, with only about 800 people at the time, so everyone knew everyone else, and the kids I took care of in special -education were known by all. One boy, Chris, had limited abilities, and was often confined to a wheelchair, but he could hold a two wheel cart with his left hand, so we loaded up cartons of tissues to deliver to the classrooms, as well as delivering the mail to the teachers each day. I ran the school store, and got permission to buy a fishing rod for our department, so on good days, we went down to the dock and fished. He got so excited when he caught something, even though I had to use the reel to get it up. After he left school, whenever he saw me, he would call my name and demand my keys. He loved keys, and I had a bunch that would jingle. Thanks for sharing this gal. You're a real saint.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Oh my Wendy,
you really stepped into it gal, with both feet. I honestly can't imagine how you managed, especially with a husband and three little children at home that needed you as well. When I lived in Hoonah, the town was small, with only about 800 people at the time, so everyone knew everyone else, and the kids I took care of in special -education were known by all. One boy, Chris, had limited abilities, and was often confined to a wheelchair, but he could hold a two wheel cart with his left hand, so we loaded up cartons of tissues to deliver to the classrooms, as well as delivering the mail to the teachers each day. I ran the school store, and got permission to buy a fishing rod for our department, so on good days, we went down to the dock and fished. He got so excited when he caught something, even though I had to use the reel to get it up. After he left school, whenever he saw me, he would call my name and demand my keys. He loved keys, and I had a bunch that would jingle. Thanks for sharing this gal. You're a real saint.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 15-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Thank you so much, Tom, for this excellent review, and also for the six valuable stars. Yes, I always did trust people too much, as you will soon see in the next story. I appreciate your review!
Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
I think it takes someone special to be able to share themselves around as much as you did, Wendy, with the help of your family. I'm sure the emotional and physical weariness was always present, as it usually is for a carer. Well done all of you.
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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I think it takes someone special to be able to share themselves around as much as you did, Wendy, with the help of your family. I'm sure the emotional and physical weariness was always present, as it usually is for a carer. Well done all of you.
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 15-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
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Thank you Valda for your very understanding review. I greatly appreciate your kind words.
Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
I think I may have missed how you first came to know about Jonathan and what made you decide to take him into your home. Ik admire your compassion and find it amazing how your three children accepted him, assisted him, and called him their brother. You are truly one of God's earth angels.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
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I think I may have missed how you first came to know about Jonathan and what made you decide to take him into your home. Ik admire your compassion and find it amazing how your three children accepted him, assisted him, and called him their brother. You are truly one of God's earth angels.
Comment Written 15-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024
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Thank you for this lovely review. The other stories were Sheryl's story and Jonathan's story. I am glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for reading it, even without the background.
Wendy