Reviews from

Facing New Challenges

A revealing view

46 total reviews 
Comment from Mike Stevens
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

So sorry for you both, Jesse, but at least you're there for each other and can understand what each of you are going through and can help each other. And you're so lucky to have found love

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
    Thank you, Mike, for the supportive review and six stars. Both mean a lot to me. Yes, I am lucky to find love. I wish the same for you, my friend.
    Jesse
reply by Mike Stevens on 12-Feb-2024
    Thank you, Jesse
Comment from Terry Broxson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Jesse, this deserves six. Oh, not because you came out as gay. But because of the detailed and personal way you wrote about your relationship with David. Your readers feel connected to you as you navigate the complex challenges of dementia. I think this is the best I have read of your life's journey. Excellent writing! Terry.

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
    Thanks, Terry. I am honored by your supportive words and six stars. They mean a lot coming from you. I would like to think I have improved my writing and relationship skills...I work so hard at both.
    Thanks for the confidence boost!
    Jesse

Comment from Mrs. KT
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Good morning, Jesse!
I applaud your courage,
honest and true,
But that is what I've always
known from you...

How wonderful that you and David have one another. Yes, both of you MAY experience more challenges in the coming days, but none of us can truly predict the future.
And so, "our" mantra continues to be said, sung, and believed:

"Nose to toes,"
That's how life goes
Just remember to smile,
And all the while,
As you both travel today,
Know that I'm here
Come what may!

Thank you for sharing, Jesse!
Fondly,
diane

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
    Hello Diane!
    Thank you for this boost of confidence!
    "Nose to Toes!"
    I appreciate your kind and thoughtful review, along with the six stars!
    You have had my back all along!
    David and I so appreciate your kindness and acceptance of who we are.
    Your friend!
    Jesse

Comment from Lisasview
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Jessie,
Just found your story on Featured and I am so happy I did...since i had not seen a message from you in awhile I planned on looking at your portfolio...
Wonderful to read your open and loving words dear Jesse... Yes, one never knows what goes on behind closed doors or behind the faces we see on Fan Story.
Dementia is such a sad disease... and really feels so unfair.
I hope David will continue to live with you....
Hugs, Lisa

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2024
    Hello Lisa.
    I hope David continues to live with me and provide me with his love, company, and support during these difficult times.
    Thanks for the hugs and positive feedback.
    Jesse

reply by Lisasview on 16-Feb-2024
    You both need to stay healthy... mainly by eating correctly...this makes all the difference in the world.
    Lisa
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A well written piece, and I wish you and David every happiness. Your story doen not really come as a surprise as there have been hints in the past of the strength of your feelings . However, I was wondering how you are going after your surgery at the end of last year. Are you still doing rehabilitation exercises? Hoping there is significant physical improvement for you.
Wendy

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 13-Feb-2024
    Thank you, Wendy, for the positive feedback. I know I hinted at the strength of my love for David, but it is something else to come out on Fan Story. I took a chance, and it paid off.
    My surgical site on my neck became infected earlier this year and I spent 10 days in the hospital having IV antibiotics pumped into me over and over again.
    When I was released to go home they required that I return every day to have a half hour's worth of antibiotics pumped into me. I finally had enough and said so.
    I found out from my nurse that it was voluntary after all!
    So I said enough I am done with this!
    I feel better now and am looking forward to physical therapy starting on March 4th of this year. I practice walking in my apartment with a caregiver nearby to 'spot' me. I am getting stronger every day and with David's support soon I will be walking.
    Thanks for asking.
    I hope all is well with you.
    You are a good friend.
    Jesse
reply by Wendy G on 13-Feb-2024
    Hoping the antibiotics have been working well and that you are okay. I am pleased you are able to walk with a walker. A good beginning! Well done.
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2024
    Thanks for the confidence boost.
    Jesse
Comment from Navada
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. The journey of dementia is a very challenging one and it's great that the two of you have each other as you make your way through your respective battles. God bless. :)

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2024
    Yes, we have each other, and that counts for a lot. Thanks for your blessing.
    Jesse
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I applaud your courage in sharing what has to be a decision not easily arrived at. Please allow me to say, in the entire history of our interaction, your sexual identify has not made one ounce of difference. Had you not disclosed it, I would never have even considered it. You are a fellow writer who writes wonderfully, and that is that has ever mattered to me. I am one hundred percent that this is an opinion shared by all who read your wonderful contributions to this site. I pray that you and David can survive together for as long as possible, hopefully forever.

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2024
    Thanks, my friend, for backing me with your positive feedback. I hope and pray that David and I live a long prosperous life together.
    Thanks for your prayers and blessings.
    Jesse
Comment from l.raven
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Jessie, so sorry I haven't been around as
much as I used to be...I have had so many things
I've been trying to keep up with...but hope to
get back on soon...

first I would like to say...it is so good to meet David...
and the real you as well...our time on this earth is short
Jessie...we shouldn't have to pretend we're someone...
that were not...you and David are children of God...and
He loves you...you are both His creations...He doesn't make
mistakes...

I'm so sorry you are both dealing with Dementia...and it won't be easy...but with the love you have for each other...unconditional
love...a bonding now as one...as partners and lovers...you can lean
on each other to compete your journey into eternity...enjoying the
good days...and drawing wisdom from the bad...and when all is said
and done...you'll have done it together...out loud...as it should be...

I will put you and David in my prayers my sweet friend...that God helps you both with going through Dementia...that He'll help your support
system get you and David through the rough times...

Thank You for inviting your FanStory family to this wonderful occasion...the birth of you and David...now he's a true FanStorian...

I love your story told...happy...and sad...very well written...
God Bless...love Linda xxoo


 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
    Hello Linda!
    Long time no see!
    I am glad you are back among us and giving great reviews to those of us who remember you. I look forward to seeing you around.
    Thanks for the positive reinforcement of David and my love for each other!
    I appreciate the six stars and it's wonderful to read the support of people who know about Dementia and share their experience, strength, and hope with me.
    Happy and sad is exactly how I felt while writing this post.
    Thanks for the prayers!
    Jesse

reply by l.raven on 11-Feb-2024
    Hi Jessie, hope to be around more
    in the future sweet guy...
    and your so very welcome...love Linda xxoo
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
    Sounds good, Linda.
    Take care, my friend,
    Jesse
reply by l.raven on 12-Feb-2024
    you and David take care as well...
    love xxoo
Comment from tfawcus
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm glad that you have found happiness and support in this difficult time. I'm sure that David feels the same way. Thank you for sharing this very personal story. I'm so glad to see all the positive responses to it. FanStory is a uniquely supportive community.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
    Thanks, Tony, for this supportive review.
    I am happy I am getting positive responses from those at FS. I agree Fan Story is a uniquely supportive community.
    You said it so well.
    Thanks, my friend!
    Jesse
Comment from Michele Harber
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That took a lot of guts, Jesse. For however long it lasts, I'm glad you and David are together.

One thing I learned from watching my mother, father, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and mother-in-law go through dementia is that there will some points, in the middle of the darkness, when the person you know and love comes through. It could be for a few seconds, minutes or longer. The point is to enjoy and cherish those moments. They make you feel much better, and they make wonderful memories.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
    Hello Michele.
    Yes, it did take a lot of guts. Thanks for the confidence boost. I am aware of the point in the middle of the darkness you refer to and David shows lucid moments from time to time in between the times when he acts irresponsibly I am aware of how to react at this point but if you have any ideas of how to prepare for the future I am all ears and eyes.
    Those points in time do make wonderful memories I agree.
    Take good care of yourself and your loved ones, my friend!
    Jesse

reply by Michele Harber on 14-Feb-2024
    I'm really proud of you for what you did, and flattered that you trusted all of us with something so personal.

    There really is no way to "prepare" yourself for what's to come. The only thing is to keep holding onto the memories, and to recognize that, during the outbursts, it's the disease talking, and not David. That second one is much easier said than done, but do it to whatever extent you're able. Otherwise temporary anger will turn to resentment. One thing that might give you temporary comfort is to watch him sleep. That's when you'll see the person you love, without hearing the words that upset you.

    Good luck. It's a rough road, but you're a strong, loving person.
reply by the author on 14-Feb-2024
    Thanks, Michele. Your advice helps.
    He is a kind and gentle person while he sleeps. Our love will see us through this disease. It's good to know you believe in my strength.
    Thanks, my friend.
reply by Michele Harber on 14-Feb-2024
    Look at all you've gone through already, Jesse. You have to be strong not only to get through all you have but to share your story with others. I'm really glad you've found someone to share your life with, and I'm happy for David that he has a partner who accepts him as is, and knows the real person behind the disease. It sounds like the two of you are very good for each other.