Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "Exclusion and inclusion"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
30 total reviews
Comment from BethShelby
You raised amazing children. Not many young people are brave and confident enough to stand up again the others in order to do the right thing but in spite of what the others do, I think they have to admire those who do. I am also amazed that Jonathan seemed to learning and enjoying being around others.
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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You raised amazing children. Not many young people are brave and confident enough to stand up again the others in order to do the right thing but in spite of what the others do, I think they have to admire those who do. I am also amazed that Jonathan seemed to learning and enjoying being around others.
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you Beth. Yes, she earned their respect the hard way - but she has continued to stand up for vulnerable people throughout her life. I think it was a milestone for her. She learned that she COULD do it, and would take the consequences. A lovely and insightful review. Thank you!
Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
Reading about your children made me very proud of them, including Jonathan. I'm glad you found a school for them, and I'm sure your teaching was excellent with your compassionate heart and all your time with Jonathan.
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Reading about your children made me very proud of them, including Jonathan. I'm glad you found a school for them, and I'm sure your teaching was excellent with your compassionate heart and all your time with Jonathan.
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Verna. I appreciate your positive and caring review very much.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
School is always a problem, and bullying, despite earnest attempts to stamp it out, still exists in all its malevolent glory, our granddaughter has experienced it with the exclusion method that girls impose. But Jonatjon is obviously a different kettle of fish, but this school sounds able to cope, well done Wendy, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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School is always a problem, and bullying, despite earnest attempts to stamp it out, still exists in all its malevolent glory, our granddaughter has experienced it with the exclusion method that girls impose. But Jonatjon is obviously a different kettle of fish, but this school sounds able to cope, well done Wendy, blessings Roy
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Bullying can be a problem, (not school itself, hopefully) and a lot depends on why it is happening for teachers (and parents) to know how to respond. I chose not to intervene in her situation, but sometimes there are alternative ways of handling it, depending on the cause. Thanks for sharing.
Wendy
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Yes it is, they try to solve it with unworkable methods, it's probably environmental
Comment from barbara.wilkey
"Stand up for what is right, even if you're standing alone!" (AMEN!!!)
This is a very important chapter in setting the scene any author can see that. It's important. I enjoyed reading and I can't help but be slightly worried for you, but excited at the same time.
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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"Stand up for what is right, even if you're standing alone!" (AMEN!!!)
This is a very important chapter in setting the scene any author can see that. It's important. I enjoyed reading and I can't help but be slightly worried for you, but excited at the same time.
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you Barbara. Such a lovely review!
Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
Obviously, you and your husband raised your kids to reflect your values, and it has paid dividends. Your ability and willingness to take on the challenges of a special needs child with so many challenging issues is amazing. I'm pleased that you found a school for Jonathon that can meet some of his needs and desires. Thanks for sharing this gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Hello Wendy,
Obviously, you and your husband raised your kids to reflect your values, and it has paid dividends. Your ability and willingness to take on the challenges of a special needs child with so many challenging issues is amazing. I'm pleased that you found a school for Jonathon that can meet some of his needs and desires. Thanks for sharing this gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Tom. It gives me great pleasure that you are still reading and enjoying these stories!
Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Too few people abide by the principle noted, " "Stand up for what is right, even if you're standing alone!" which is why nations fail. Kind of stupid to allow the woke personalities of the world to direct national policy but that the culture of the day.
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Too few people abide by the principle noted, " "Stand up for what is right, even if you're standing alone!" which is why nations fail. Kind of stupid to allow the woke personalities of the world to direct national policy but that the culture of the day.
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Yes, you are right. Few are willing or able to stand up (appropriately) for right. Thank you for reviewing. Always appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
It is clear that Joe and Anna were very special children. It appears that Anna had to experience a very difficult tine in her life. I am really impressed with how she handled it.
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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It is clear that Joe and Anna were very special children. It appears that Anna had to experience a very difficult tine in her life. I am really impressed with how she handled it.
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you Paul. It was not easy for her at all, but she felt she had done the right thing. It made her a strong person, which was evidenced later in her life too.
Wendy
Comment from damommy
How wonderful you found such a wonderful school in a community that accepted these children. The bus saved you a lot of work getting Jonathan in and out of the car, and you finally had some time alone.
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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How wonderful you found such a wonderful school in a community that accepted these children. The bus saved you a lot of work getting Jonathan in and out of the car, and you finally had some time alone.
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you. Yes, you are right! Thank you so much for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Ohhh, I bet I know where this is going! I bet a certain extraordinary teacher is never going to be able to do just fifty days at what is obviously her calling.
Regarding your own children and their willingness to stand up on behalf of Jonathan and the tortured elderly teacher, all I can say, Wendy, is that when you plant corn, you get corn. What absolutely inspiring vignettes those were!
And Jonathan! I love how you do not accept "good enough" for him. You ensure, personally, that he stretches himself to the limit and is constantly challenged and fulfilled. If that requires more from you, well, so what? You're on a mission of excellence here. It's not a sacrifice if a loved one benefits, it's the cost of doing business. Honestly, you are an extraordinary person. I admire you SO. VERY. MUCH!! Ditto for your three children. They're all following in your footsteps.
I absolutely love this book. I know that I tell you this every week, with each new chapter, but it is my birthright as a Jewish female to tell people things they've already heard. I don't want to be remiss and lose my Jewish Mommie card-carrying privileges!
xoxoxo
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Ohhh, I bet I know where this is going! I bet a certain extraordinary teacher is never going to be able to do just fifty days at what is obviously her calling.
Regarding your own children and their willingness to stand up on behalf of Jonathan and the tortured elderly teacher, all I can say, Wendy, is that when you plant corn, you get corn. What absolutely inspiring vignettes those were!
And Jonathan! I love how you do not accept "good enough" for him. You ensure, personally, that he stretches himself to the limit and is constantly challenged and fulfilled. If that requires more from you, well, so what? You're on a mission of excellence here. It's not a sacrifice if a loved one benefits, it's the cost of doing business. Honestly, you are an extraordinary person. I admire you SO. VERY. MUCH!! Ditto for your three children. They're all following in your footsteps.
I absolutely love this book. I know that I tell you this every week, with each new chapter, but it is my birthright as a Jewish female to tell people things they've already heard. I don't want to be remiss and lose my Jewish Mommie card-carrying privileges!
xoxoxo
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Seems you are getting to know me a little! Lol. Thank you for another brilliant review, reflecting thought and your own astuteness. I love your cherished Jewish female birthright! I'm sure you won't lose your Jewish Mommie card-carrying privileges - and I am happy to be on the receiving end of your super encouragement. And thank you for the lovely gift of six stars again ... you're spoiling me! (But don't stop, I love it!)
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
I feel there is something that will turn this "mere" fifty days into something much more. There was a student at my oldest daughter's elementary school who became the school grandfather. When kids were going through tough times he would come in and play checkers or help build birdhouses with a student. I remember when he passed away. Everyone was heartbroken. The ice cream man reminded me of this man. Great continuing chapter. Gretchen
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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I feel there is something that will turn this "mere" fifty days into something much more. There was a student at my oldest daughter's elementary school who became the school grandfather. When kids were going through tough times he would come in and play checkers or help build birdhouses with a student. I remember when he passed away. Everyone was heartbroken. The ice cream man reminded me of this man. Great continuing chapter. Gretchen
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Oh Gretchen, how very wonderful to have a school grandfather. That is so greatly needed by so many - and must have given him much joy and satisfaction, and a very real sense of purpose as well. Thank you very much for sharing that very moving story, and for the positive review.
Wendy