Reviews from

Friends of the friendless

A journey to gratitude

18 total reviews 
Comment from Wayne Fowler
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Nicely written.
I twice deleted stuff that might not have been very helpful (suggestions).
I believe that it's important to find a place where you can contribute 'something' (time, energy, goodwill): food bank, Salvation Army, hospital, political offices, library, etc.

 Comment Written 18-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2024
    I agree. Volunteering somewhere locally is always a good idea. Thank you for being careful about what you offer as suggestions. I appreciate your candor.
    Happy Holidays!
    Jesse
Comment from Wendy G
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Very true, Jesse. It is so important to be outward looking and care for those who seem to be without friends especially at this season where there is frequently "joy and happiness and excitement". This is often just outwardly and people are stressed on the inside, but it is still hurtful to those who are suffering from pain, grief or loneliness. I have just returned from a Therapy Dog visit to the hospital, and have been with people suffering from all of these, and it is a strong reminder to me to be thankful for reasonable health, a home, and family. A gratitude list is a great plan.
Wendy

 Comment Written 18-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2024
    Thanks for the reminder of those who suffer more than we do as you experience while doing your therapy dog visits to places where loneliness and grief are present in huge amounts. I need to add to my gratitude list a safe and warm shelter reasonable health and a kind brother who would do anything for me.
    He and I are going out for lunch on Monday, December 23rd to celebrate the holidays.
    Thanks for stopping by and offering you wonderful encouragement.
    Jesse

Comment from l.raven
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Hi Jesse, I am so sorry for your loss
sweet guy...
I lost my husband May 2, 2007...he was a railroad
engineer...54...and I miss him so...often wonder what
we would have done in our lives...where we would
have gone???...sigh...I never did remarry...but am now
set in my ways...sometimes would love the companionship...
but I enjoy my private time...

I hope you are doing ok...getting closer to your surgery...
and I love the idea of a gratitude list...
top one that would be on my list my sweet friend...
is the gift from God...His son Jesus...

I love your story told you...very well written...
and you are still in my prayers...love Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 18-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2024
    Wow, Linda, you lost your husband so close to the same time as I lost Audrey! What an odd coincidence. Thanks for sharing your story of your husband who was a railroad engineer and how his passing made you feel for so long. I too never found another life partner and instead am grateful for the close friends and brother I have.
    Thank you for your prayers. Your kind words mean so much to me.
    Take good care of yourself, my friend.
    Jesse

Comment from lyenochka
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What a beautiful idea - a gratitude list! In my daily prayer journal, I write done specific things that I thank the Lord for each day. It does help so much to keep an attitude of gratitude to count the small daily blessings as well as the big ones like friendships and loved ones. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and praying for lots of new joys and adventures for you in the New Year with your new knee!

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024

Comment from LJbutterfly
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I'm glad you shared your heartfelt feelings. The Christmas season is difficult for many people because society dictates that you must have sufficient finances to purchase gifts and you must be surrounded by happy, laughing, partying people to be happy. Anyone stuck in a hospital bed will tell you, not everyone is in a Ho, Ho, Ho mood on Christmas.

Cherish the fact you have friendly caregivers. Enjoy the memories of fun times with David. Try to put Van's email in the back of your mind. But continue to write. We all feel some type of pain and forgotten dreams. We help each other when we write. Write on Christmas day.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
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This is a cumulative 6* for those other posts as well: enough, sharing, expectations - when I never seem to have a six left in my locker. As I've said before, I think these heartfelt posts, to which many will relate, could do well when collated into a book. Christmas is actually a very difficult time for so many but it's almost a case that people are afraid to admit that it is not an event they enjoy. Loneliness, loss, illness, conflict can all seem accentuated during a season when others 'appear' to be celebrating. In fact they're probably stressed out of their minds!! Expectations and reality are often not good bedfellows. Keep writing, Jesse. And enjoy the peace because that can often be an advantage. And don't forget (my family is in the real estate business) more separations and need for urgent relocation occur in the festive season than in any other part of the year! Warm wishes, Debbie

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2024
    Thank you, Debbie, for the cumulative six stars for the recent posts I have written. Your idea for a collated book has been on my mind and I am seriously thinking of doing it as soon as I have the funds.
    Your encouragement is overwhelming and I look forward each time to your reviews.
    Thanks for understanding how it feels to be alone during the holidays.
    The so-called festive season is fraught with worry and regret as well as grief. I am not surprised that urgent relocations happen this time of year.
    Thanks for your warm wishes, my friend.
    Jesse
Comment from jim vecchio
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I miss my wife more than I can tell. Thank God, she left me with a daughter. She has needs but phones me nightly to say "I Love You" and spends much time with me. My wife and I were from Connecticut, and now, in north Florida, I have no real friends. I have friends from over 50 years ago in Connecticut who come all the way here once in a great while and I'm thankful for that. Long ago, I came to know Christ and He blesses me daily. I will probably move around February to another portion of the city, but I will remain on FanStory. Please feel free to write anytime,

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Exceptional
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Hello, Jesse,

I look forward to your stories because they are so relatable and heartfelt.

After my exhusband divorced me, I lived alone for ten years. I know what it's like. It has pluses and minuses like everything else in life. The first year I missed my husband so much evert time I heard his name or listened to our songs I cried and I felt a deep pain in my heart, that's why it's called 'heartache'. There were times I didn't want to live anymore.

I'm an introvert and it's hard to make friends. My only two friends I met in fanstory.

Enough of me.

I hope you know you are loved in fanstory and we care what happens to you.

Big Gypsy hugs!


 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024

Comment from Teri7
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Jesse, This is a very well written piece you have shared with us. This time of the year is hard on so many people for different reasons. I am thankful for all the friends, pets and family God has placed in my life. My prayer partner and I pray for you each night. Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024

Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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I also live alone Jesse, my husband died in 2010. I have a family and I spend Christmas with them and during the Pandemic I spent Christmas on my own and I was glad when it was over. I feel for you Jesse as being lonely can destroy our self esteem and make us feel very sad. I am glad you have some friendships that you value in life, keep smiling and enjoy the friendships on this site where there are always listening ears, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024