Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "Peaceful Interlude"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
28 total reviews
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
You have remarkable children, Wendy, and you must be so proud of all four. I thought it awful that the aunt didn't want to interact with her nephew. Some people don't know how 'lucky' they are. I put lucky that way because they don't really understand what they are missing out on. I've enjoyed learning this, and will be much more understanding when meeting the very disabled children. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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You have remarkable children, Wendy, and you must be so proud of all four. I thought it awful that the aunt didn't want to interact with her nephew. Some people don't know how 'lucky' they are. I put lucky that way because they don't really understand what they are missing out on. I've enjoyed learning this, and will be much more understanding when meeting the very disabled children. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 11-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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Yes, you are right. There is a different kind of satisfaction in knowing you are making a difference to even one person, even if he can't understand. It was her loss, but all Sheryl's family were like that, rejecting, not knowing even the satisfaction of knowing Sheryl.
Thank you so much for reviewing. Wendy
Comment from Annmuma
Beautifully written with honesty, compassion and love shining through. I can't imagine the courage it required to make Jonathan a true member of your family. I believe you are correct in that all of you - most definitely, Jonathan --- benefitted from meeting and adding Jonathan to your family. I admire you and your family. ann
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
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Beautifully written with honesty, compassion and love shining through. I can't imagine the courage it required to make Jonathan a true member of your family. I believe you are correct in that all of you - most definitely, Jonathan --- benefitted from meeting and adding Jonathan to your family. I admire you and your family. ann
Comment Written 07-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
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Thanks so much Ann. It's a lovely and most encouraging review. The six stars are a wonderful bonus, greatly valued. Much appreciation to you.
Wendy
Comment from Sarah Tummey
I enjoyed reading this again, Wendy. How funny that you met Jonathan's great-aunt in the supermarket. That must have been strange for him - probably recognising the person staring at him, but unable to communicate that to you. I'm glad she came and solved the mystery.
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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I enjoyed reading this again, Wendy. How funny that you met Jonathan's great-aunt in the supermarket. That must have been strange for him - probably recognising the person staring at him, but unable to communicate that to you. I'm glad she came and solved the mystery.
Comment Written 03-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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Thank you Sarah. No, he wouldn't have recognised her - he is almost blind and she only saw him when he was the age of a toddler. But yes, at least she explained why she was looking at him. Thank you for reading and reviewing this one. Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
You certainly chose a more demanding way of life that few people would be able to handle but also a rewarding life that no doubt translated to making your children mor caring people.
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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You certainly chose a more demanding way of life that few people would be able to handle but also a rewarding life that no doubt translated to making your children mor caring people.
Comment Written 03-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Beth. Yes, we did, but it seemed to be the right thing at the time, and God helped us each step of the way. I appreciate your review.
Wendy
Comment from Lisasview
Just finished readng chapter 8.
Many would call you an Angel, Wendy... I certainly would use that word for you.
yet... I was thinking abit about the Title for your book... Not that I have one yet..but quite often words that one using in their writing are prefect for a title.
Just one edit suggestion...
I gave them a report about how we were going.
Sort of a strange sentence..."we were going" perhaps how things were going...
Lisa
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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Just finished readng chapter 8.
Many would call you an Angel, Wendy... I certainly would use that word for you.
yet... I was thinking abit about the Title for your book... Not that I have one yet..but quite often words that one using in their writing are prefect for a title.
Just one edit suggestion...
I gave them a report about how we were going.
Sort of a strange sentence..."we were going" perhaps how things were going...
Lisa
Comment Written 03-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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Thank you for reviewing, and I appreciate that you read this chapter. Perhaps it is just an Australian expression, but that's what we would say. I believe some nationalities would say "how we were doing" instead. But thank you for drawing it to my attention! It's always good to see how others perceive such expressions. Thanks again. Wendy
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Glad to know you are open to suggestions Wendy,
Lisa
Comment from Navada
I am as impressed by the responses of your children as I am with yours, and I've been wondering what kind of challenges this may have subjected them to as you've hinted towards the end here. Your mention of hydrotherapy sparked the memory of an indoor heated pool at the intellectully disabled day centre where my parents volunteered throughout my childhood - some of their clients also suffered physical disabilities and the pool was significant for them also. I particularly liked your opening analogy of the symphony - what a lovely way to express the ebbs and flows of a challenging situation with limited support.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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I am as impressed by the responses of your children as I am with yours, and I've been wondering what kind of challenges this may have subjected them to as you've hinted towards the end here. Your mention of hydrotherapy sparked the memory of an indoor heated pool at the intellectully disabled day centre where my parents volunteered throughout my childhood - some of their clients also suffered physical disabilities and the pool was significant for them also. I particularly liked your opening analogy of the symphony - what a lovely way to express the ebbs and flows of a challenging situation with limited support.
Comment Written 02-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Navada. The next story has a couple of snippets about the children. I am so glad you are continuing to follow along.
Wendy
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
I like how you began this with an analogy and simile. Excellent writing full of good sensory words and vibrant imagery. Thank you for sharing this. Many writers will relate to this and I do from, my years teaching. I enjoyed reviewing it.
Best wishes,
Alex
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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I like how you began this with an analogy and simile. Excellent writing full of good sensory words and vibrant imagery. Thank you for sharing this. Many writers will relate to this and I do from, my years teaching. I enjoyed reviewing it.
Best wishes,
Alex
Comment Written 02-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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Thank you for such a kind and positive review. I am so glad you read and reviewed, and I hope you will continue to follow his story.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
It is obvious that you have exceptional children. Joe, Bella, and Anna have contributed mightily to the care of Jonathan. I am still thoroughly impressed with what your family has done for this disabled person.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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It is obvious that you have exceptional children. Joe, Bella, and Anna have contributed mightily to the care of Jonathan. I am still thoroughly impressed with what your family has done for this disabled person.
Comment Written 02-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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Thanks so much, Paul. Much valued. There'll be a little snippet about Anna and Joe in the next story.
Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
I gather that this is the calm before the storm? I've so enjoyed learning about Jonathon and your family. You've set a good example for your children in learning tolerance and love. I really enjoyed the part about him going to the roller skating rink and speeding around the track, I could envision the joy he felt. Well done gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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Hello Wendy,
I gather that this is the calm before the storm? I've so enjoyed learning about Jonathon and your family. You've set a good example for your children in learning tolerance and love. I really enjoyed the part about him going to the roller skating rink and speeding around the track, I could envision the joy he felt. Well done gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 02-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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There are a couple more chapters before the first of several storms. They say truth is stranger than fiction, and I can attest to that! Thank you so much for a splendid review, and also for the six amazing stars. You have no idea how much I appreciate the support and encouragement, especially since I am now coming up to some parts which are very hard to write - sleepless nights just reliving some of these experiences.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
I loved your metaphor of the movements of a symphony to these memories of life with Jonathon. And I love how you call him a teacher because your whole family learned a lot from being with him and caring for him. The one person who was absent in your stories is your husband. Obviously, he supported being a foster parent but I guess he was too busy with work. All of you were changed by blessing Jonathon and growing in compassion, something that Sheryl's aunt could not do.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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I loved your metaphor of the movements of a symphony to these memories of life with Jonathon. And I love how you call him a teacher because your whole family learned a lot from being with him and caring for him. The one person who was absent in your stories is your husband. Obviously, he supported being a foster parent but I guess he was too busy with work. All of you were changed by blessing Jonathon and growing in compassion, something that Sheryl's aunt could not do.
Comment Written 01-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2024
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Thank you for reviewing, Helen. My husband was not as involved with Jonathan's care because of his working hours, and probably had less emotional attachment therefore, but he was supportive when he could be. Glad you are still following J's story.
Wendy