A Christmas Gift
A rebirth of love and life39 total reviews
Comment from Ulla
And Ann, I think you should write much more prose. This is a delightful story and so very well written. I loved every word. How on earth could you have ever doubted yourself. This is a very strong contender. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2023
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And Ann, I think you should write much more prose. This is a delightful story and so very well written. I loved every word. How on earth could you have ever doubted yourself. This is a very strong contender. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 17-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2023
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Thank you very, very much for such a kind and generous review. I appreciate the encouragement. ann
Comment from The Journaler
This is a wonderful story of redemption, both of the child and the adult. Too often when grief takes over our lives, we hide.
I like the gradual unfolding of the child. I used to do both child welfare (abuse and neglect) and also did adoption studies.
Great story. You are a good writer, as your ranks indicate.
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2023
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This is a wonderful story of redemption, both of the child and the adult. Too often when grief takes over our lives, we hide.
I like the gradual unfolding of the child. I used to do both child welfare (abuse and neglect) and also did adoption studies.
Great story. You are a good writer, as your ranks indicate.
Comment Written 17-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2023
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Thank you very much for your encouraging and generous review. I appreciate your time in reading and in sharing your thoughts. Merry Christmas. ann
Comment from nomi338
Twenty eight years ago, my oldest daughter brought to our house a little girl who was maybe two months old. She was underweight and appeared to be somewhat neglected. My daughter had taken her from her mother who knew absolutely nothing about caring for a child. For a time we shared custody of the child, we later got the mother to sign the child over to us, we went to court and gained legal custody of the little girl. Today she is a wife and mother of three. She was naturally curious about her biological family and so we arraigned for her to spend some time with them when she was about sixteen years old. When she returned to us, she clung to us and announced that she wanted nothing to do with those people. She was happy to be with her real family, my wife and I. We also raised my daughter's only son who quickly tells anyone he talks to that he had a privileged childhood, thanks to his grand parents. We are also parents to a son and another daughter.
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2023
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Twenty eight years ago, my oldest daughter brought to our house a little girl who was maybe two months old. She was underweight and appeared to be somewhat neglected. My daughter had taken her from her mother who knew absolutely nothing about caring for a child. For a time we shared custody of the child, we later got the mother to sign the child over to us, we went to court and gained legal custody of the little girl. Today she is a wife and mother of three. She was naturally curious about her biological family and so we arraigned for her to spend some time with them when she was about sixteen years old. When she returned to us, she clung to us and announced that she wanted nothing to do with those people. She was happy to be with her real family, my wife and I. We also raised my daughter's only son who quickly tells anyone he talks to that he had a privileged childhood, thanks to his grand parents. We are also parents to a son and another daughter.
Comment Written 16-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2023
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thanks so much for the exceptional rating for sharing your own experiences. You are to be admired and I bet you are by the children that passed through your life I have not had any direct dealings with foster care, but my daughter and son-in-law served as foster parents; indeed, one of my grandsons is the result of their parenting. What a blessing. Thanks again and Merry Christmas. ann
Comment from John Ciarmello
I'm emotional and so very blown away, Ann!
I was going to bookcase this and wait for a six, but I know that's not what this is about.
I believe in words--as all writers do. So, I will say that I felt like I was part of this beautiful happening, and I think my heart grew a few inches before I reached the end.
You are a gem, my dear lady, and I am a "forever" fan!
Merry Christmas, Ann. Best, JohnC
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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I'm emotional and so very blown away, Ann!
I was going to bookcase this and wait for a six, but I know that's not what this is about.
I believe in words--as all writers do. So, I will say that I felt like I was part of this beautiful happening, and I think my heart grew a few inches before I reached the end.
You are a gem, my dear lady, and I am a "forever" fan!
Merry Christmas, Ann. Best, JohnC
Comment Written 16-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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Thanks so much, John. I love virtual sixes as much as the real ones! I appreciate your more than generous review and kind words I don't write much fiction, but this one seemed to flow. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. ann
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
This was lovely and full of smaltz. Quite fitting for a Christmas story. I saw this coming a mile away, but enjoyed the ride even so. HOHOHO I wish you and yours Happy Holidays. Karen
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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This was lovely and full of smaltz. Quite fitting for a Christmas story. I saw this coming a mile away, but enjoyed the ride even so. HOHOHO I wish you and yours Happy Holidays. Karen
Comment Written 16-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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Thank you. I agree the happy ending was pretty evident from line one. Christmas is made for happy endings!. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. ann
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Have a good week. Karen :-)
Comment from Janis M.
I truly pray that this wins. Every word here pulled on my heart and I was constantly on the verge of tears. I didn't even realize it was fiction until the author notes. You are a naturally gifted writer even if this isn't your forte, it was well done.
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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I truly pray that this wins. Every word here pulled on my heart and I was constantly on the verge of tears. I didn't even realize it was fiction until the author notes. You are a naturally gifted writer even if this isn't your forte, it was well done.
Comment Written 16-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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An exceptional review always warms my heart and encourages me to continue to write. I truly appreciate your time in reading and in sharing such a positive and thoughtful review. Merry Christmas ann
Comment from Wendy G
It may be fiction but it is a beautiful story, and I am glad it has a happy ending. I was a foster parent so I can relate to the emotions involved. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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It may be fiction but it is a beautiful story, and I am glad it has a happy ending. I was a foster parent so I can relate to the emotions involved. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
Comment Written 16-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2023
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Christmas is made for happy endings! My daughter and her husband served as foster parents for many years, so I had a little taste from the sidelines. Indeed, I have a 32 year old grandson who began as one of our fosters! He is a gem and I'm grateful he can our way. Have a great weekend. ann
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That might have been fiction, but it read true to me, Ann. It was written with sensitivity, it was so real. I am glad you gave this a happy-ever-after ending, it was what I was hoping for. This is a fabulous Chrismas story, and I wish you the very best of luck in the contest. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023
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That might have been fiction, but it read true to me, Ann. It was written with sensitivity, it was so real. I am glad you gave this a happy-ever-after ending, it was what I was hoping for. This is a fabulous Chrismas story, and I wish you the very best of luck in the contest. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 15-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023
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Thank you so very much. It is indeed fiction but I have had some foster parent experience. I was never a foster parent, but my daughter and son-in -law. Their youngest son is an adoptee as result of their experience. Christmas is certainly a time for happy endings! Thank you. ann
Comment from Lea Tonin1
This is such a sweet and loving piece of work you have created here. I think you did a fine job with it. I imagine that anything you put your pen too is going to come out fine! I think it's a fine entry for the contest too I don't see any issues with grammar or Aesthetics punctuation it's all great and I think that you've got a nice little piece of magic here best of luck to you in the contest. I hope you have the most amazing day!
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023
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This is such a sweet and loving piece of work you have created here. I think you did a fine job with it. I imagine that anything you put your pen too is going to come out fine! I think it's a fine entry for the contest too I don't see any issues with grammar or Aesthetics punctuation it's all great and I think that you've got a nice little piece of magic here best of luck to you in the contest. I hope you have the most amazing day!
Comment Written 15-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023
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Thanks so much for your most generous review. I appreciate your time in reading my story and in sharing your thoughts. Merry Christmas. ann
Comment from zanni
Lovely heart warming story that illustrates one of the messages of Christmas. The development of the child was done well and the inner dialogue of the adult gave a different perspective. It was nice how the husband played a supportive role.
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023
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Lovely heart warming story that illustrates one of the messages of Christmas. The development of the child was done well and the inner dialogue of the adult gave a different perspective. It was nice how the husband played a supportive role.
Comment Written 15-Dec-2023
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2023
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thank you so much for reading and for sharing a generous and encouraging review. Merry Christmas. ann