Reviews from

Growing up in a Shadow

and into the light

26 total reviews 
Comment from karenina
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thank you, Jesse!

It is your perspective which is very wise!

The wave of self realization that is washing over you is a credit to your bravery.

Many would choose to live in denial of this painful past.

Shining your light on it is, I hope, helping you to realize how you've broken through the shackles of those who oppressed you.

It is difficult to give voice to what they put you through.

Ah, but in doing so you've usurped their power!

Each day you embrace change, however dificult, you reaffirm that you are immensely capable of advocating for yourself!

Six stars, my friend--not only for your writing--for your journey towards your self-determined future!

With deepest respect, Karenina

 Comment Written 15-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 16-Feb-2022
    Wow, Karenina! I have put off replying to this review just because it is the best review that I have ever had! You have said such inspiring words to me that I am at a loss for words! To say I am brave coming from one who inspires is like offering candy to a kid! I read your words and only hope I can live up to them! Your exceptional rating for my writing and for my journey towards my self-determined future is awesome, my friend!
    With mutual respect,
    Jesse
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You can do this. You know what it entails, you made it that far, so keep forging ahead. There may be some obstacles, but keep thinking positive. I believe you will find caregivers now that you are making progress and asserting yourself. You did a great job with your informative little story.
Never give up.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 21-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Jan, for your inspiring and encouraging review. With your and others' belief in me I can do this, yes, I can. I appreciate your confidence in me and your kind comments about this piece.
    Have a wonderful day,
    Jesse
Comment from Irish Rain
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I agree with Karenina.
Go forward with happiness and gratitude each day.
The past...belongs there.
It's who you choose to be now that will
determine your future.
I don't even try to understand, remember,
or figure out my past. It was crappy. Enough
said, ha ha.
I deserved better.
Obviously you did too.
So, the question is only...where to from here,
what now?
I know it's hard.
Sending you positive thoughts!!!
Blessings...

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 16-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Judy, for the inspiring and encouraging review! As you say, the past belongs in the past. The only question left is where do we go from there?
    It is a hard row to hoe but with help from my friends such as you, I will make it!
    Thanks!
    Jesse
reply by Irish Rain on 16-Feb-2022
    You're welcome...look forward!!!
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2022
    I will look forward!
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Choosing a caregiver is a big step that I'm sure would intimidate most of us. Most people resist change. I don't think you should feel your concern is because you have taught yourself helplessness. Your choice doesn't have to be a one time forever thing. You may need to interview many and ask a lot of questions to find the right match for you. I did you select the caregiver you have? Does he know other caregivers that might be suitable?
Good luck. I know you can do.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

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

This was very well done, Jesse. From reading about your past I can easily understand why Karenina told you to step away from the shadow and into the light. Sometimes this is a terrible process but being away from the shadow inspires one to do courageous things like getting new caregivers. Great job and greatly enjoyed.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 25-Feb-2022
    Thank you for your very kind review. Your words are inspiring and I must admit that this is a brave achievement I am attempting. Hopefully, I will find a good caregiver in plenty of time to let David retire as soon as he wants to. I am happy you enjoyed this piece and appreciate to encouraging comments.
    Have a great weekend,
    Jesse
reply by aryr on 26-Feb-2022
    You are most welcome, Jesse and you will.
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for sharing about how your childhood has affected your outlook for today. But you have already come out of that shadow. Do any of your siblings write poetry? You are able to share so much through your writing. Plus, you have friends both here and there who are cheering for you and will pray you through each new challenge. May God provide you the perfect new caregiver who will also become a good friend.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2022
    Thank you, Helen. Your wish for me to get the perfect caregiver who will also become a good friend is so sweet and caring. And you are right I have friends here on FS who are cheering me on to go through every new challenge. Writing this was cathartic for me...it helps me to share what I have gone through and how I am facing new challenges.
    Take care, my friend!
    Jesse
Comment from Mary Vigasin
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You know Jesse sometimes it takes nearly a lifetime and self-realization to see reasons why we were forced to live and why the shadows overcame us.
It appears you are not only going to be in the light now but shine brightly!
Best wishes and regards,
Mary

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 21-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Mary, for the boost in confidence I sorely needed when I wrote this. With this and other reviews, I will be able to shine brightly! Thank you for your kindness and caring.
    Have a wonderful week,
    Jesse
reply by Mary Vigasin on 21-Feb-2022
    You are very welcome Jesse.
    Take care and always best wishes,
    Mary
Comment from damommy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

With prayer and good friends to help guide you, I know you will make the right decisions. We cannot, must not, let our past define us. Many have obstacles, problems, that we thought we'd never overcome, but we did! And you can, too. I will pray for you.

Yvonne

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022

Comment from LisaMay
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

It is so sad, and such a crusher to your development, that you were the victim of detrimental parenting. This passage makes me feel so deeply sad, and even angry, about the damage done to you psychologically: "I was told I wasn't able to do anything constructive and that I couldn't trust my emotions. Rather than teach me the skills necessary to survive, I was left alone and neglected. When they did talk to me, it was to tell me how to feel and how to act, assuming that I wouldn't instinctually know how like a normal child would."

Stay standing in the light of your "Self-growth and self-reliance". Even though it is difficult at times, it is where you deserve to be.

You are a wise person to pay attention to the acquired wisdom of others. Karenina's encouragement has made a difference in your life and it is nice that you acknowledge it.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 20-Feb-2022
    Thank you for this inspirational review. You nailed it on the head as you repeated back to me how you interpreted my essay. I appreciate your advice to stay standing in the light of my self-growth and self-reliance. I agree that it is where I deserve to be. Acknowledging Karenina's part in my growth is the best thing I can do for her and for me. She is one of a kind!
    Thanks for the exceptional rating and review, my friend.
    Enjoy your upcoming week!
    Jesse
Comment from Mike Stevens
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Another fine true story, Jesse; and how true it is that we all carry scars and baggage from our past that will overwelm us if we let it--the trick (and a mighty hard one to learn) is learning how to let the bad in your past go, one I'm still working on

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 21-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Mike, for your encouraging review. As far as the past is concerned I don't believe we ever let it go, it still to some degree or another slightly controls our thoughts so it is a process we go through all of our lives.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts and letting me share mine.
    Jesse