Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 10 "School Stuff"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
31 total reviews
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Hi, Wendy. I enjoyed reading about the developments in Jonathan's story. Of course I'm sad about the painful parts, particularly poor Charles with his infected gastro tube. It is sad when people have complex disabilities and short lives. A couple of people I went to school with as a child are gone now.
I'm glad about Kate and Jonathan - that they had the opportunity to get to know each other through you. I'm like her - premature and one of twins, given too much oxygen at birth. My twin is called Louise and lived for 5 months.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
  |
Hi, Wendy. I enjoyed reading about the developments in Jonathan's story. Of course I'm sad about the painful parts, particularly poor Charles with his infected gastro tube. It is sad when people have complex disabilities and short lives. A couple of people I went to school with as a child are gone now.
I'm glad about Kate and Jonathan - that they had the opportunity to get to know each other through you. I'm like her - premature and one of twins, given too much oxygen at birth. My twin is called Louise and lived for 5 months.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Thank you Sarah for reviewing and your very kind comments.
I really hope therefore that you didn?t mean to give only one star for a rating!
If you go back to your review you can probably change it if you wish. Thank you.
Wendy
-
Oh dear! You're right. I didn't mean to rate it one star! After I had finished reviewing, it went back to select your rating, and I thought I had already done it. Sorry. I'll change that!
-
No problem. It happens very easily. Thank you for fixing it.
Wendy
Comment from karenina
I am euphoric that Jonathan and Kate found a way to be normal teens! What a highlight... and bless you for so patiently being the go-between on those sweet phone calls!
I know of foster parents who are "in it for the money" and the child or children suffer miserably!
Still?
Even when neglect was obvious, social services never advocated for the children!
They found a home...their mission was accomplished.
I'm seething that a doctor would recommend a feeding tube for "convenience"...but I've witnessed such suggestions, and caregivers who were only to eager to say yes!
Again I say Jonathan hit the jackpot with you as his Foster Mom!
Karenina
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
I am euphoric that Jonathan and Kate found a way to be normal teens! What a highlight... and bless you for so patiently being the go-between on those sweet phone calls!
I know of foster parents who are "in it for the money" and the child or children suffer miserably!
Still?
Even when neglect was obvious, social services never advocated for the children!
They found a home...their mission was accomplished.
I'm seething that a doctor would recommend a feeding tube for "convenience"...but I've witnessed such suggestions, and caregivers who were only to eager to say yes!
Again I say Jonathan hit the jackpot with you as his Foster Mom!
Karenina
Comment Written 07-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Thank you so much Karenina. That doctor wasn?t the only one I had to stand up to, as you will see later on. I know you have the background and experience to understand perfectly. Thank you for staying with me on this journey.
Wendy
-
I'm sure of it. Thank God you were there to protect him from the system...and likely some ignorant citizens as well. I'm following along with great compassion and interest!
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Sadly foster kids don't always make it: "Bobby was in a caring foster home, but he did not survive to his teenage years." This is a brutal truth you faces repeatedly. You healed and saved the souls of many. I'm glad you took care of yourself in the end. One can remain in darkness just so long. Working with abused women and their children for 30+ years finally had similar spiritual effects on me.
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
Sadly foster kids don't always make it: "Bobby was in a caring foster home, but he did not survive to his teenage years." This is a brutal truth you faces repeatedly. You healed and saved the souls of many. I'm glad you took care of yourself in the end. One can remain in darkness just so long. Working with abused women and their children for 30+ years finally had similar spiritual effects on me.
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Thank you Liz for your thoughtful and caring review. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning. I hope you will continue to read and support this story. I appreciate your experience based understanding.
Wendy
-
I definitely will. I'm adding it to my notes for where to begin the next time.
Comment from LJbutterfly
I never realized so many disabled children died at young ages. Your three examples are representative of the many lives lost that the masses never think of. Had it not been for your loving care and compassion, Jonathan could have been one of those children. The story of Jonathan and Kate is so cute. Jonathan's face probably lit up when he heard Kate's voice.
Thank you for sharing this inspirational and enlightening story.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
I never realized so many disabled children died at young ages. Your three examples are representative of the many lives lost that the masses never think of. Had it not been for your loving care and compassion, Jonathan could have been one of those children. The story of Jonathan and Kate is so cute. Jonathan's face probably lit up when he heard Kate's voice.
Thank you for sharing this inspirational and enlightening story.
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Thank you so much for your very lovely review. Yes, his face did light up, which was beautiful to see. Danny was a much-loved boy, with his own family, and I was so saddened to hear of his death a couple of years after I left.
Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
Each time, tell us another chapter of Jonathan story, your compassion and love for that young man is shining like a bright star. I enjoyed this story very much and I also understand how you could be so loving to him. When my husband and I were living in California we had foster girls who were teenagers. And I love those young girls as much as I love my own. So I understand your love and concern for Jonathan. Patricia.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
Each time, tell us another chapter of Jonathan story, your compassion and love for that young man is shining like a bright star. I enjoyed this story very much and I also understand how you could be so loving to him. When my husband and I were living in California we had foster girls who were teenagers. And I love those young girls as much as I love my own. So I understand your love and concern for Jonathan. Patricia.
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
You are a very loving and compassionate person Patriciaaa. Yes, when called to such a thing as fostering, God gives us the love and strength we need, one day at a time. Those girls were blessed to have you as their foster mother.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
You are amazing! Not only are you a devoted mother who loves all your children but you are a strong advocate for those without a voice. Thank you! I love the part about Jonathon's first girlfriend, Kate! And she wasn't bashful and didn't mind you being the interpreter! Wow!
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
You are amazing! Not only are you a devoted mother who loves all your children but you are a strong advocate for those without a voice. Thank you! I love the part about Jonathon's first girlfriend, Kate! And she wasn't bashful and didn't mind you being the interpreter! Wow!
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Yes, the experience with Kate was quite humorous. No speaker-phones back then! What a lovely review - I thank you so much, and appreciate you.
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Your first few paragraphs about other disability cases are shocking Wendy. Those poor children who were abused by their parents, how terrible that their lives were cut short by neglect and abuse. And Jonothan's only pleasure of eating could have been taken away from him by a doctor who thought it was more convenient to tube feed him, how neglectful that is. I am glad you stood up for this poor boy in your care Wendy, how grateful he must be to you, even though he cannot express it, you be can sure that he would be thankful to you Wendy. You are truly an Angel. A sensitive post, love Dolly x x x
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
Your first few paragraphs about other disability cases are shocking Wendy. Those poor children who were abused by their parents, how terrible that their lives were cut short by neglect and abuse. And Jonothan's only pleasure of eating could have been taken away from him by a doctor who thought it was more convenient to tube feed him, how neglectful that is. I am glad you stood up for this poor boy in your care Wendy, how grateful he must be to you, even though he cannot express it, you be can sure that he would be thankful to you Wendy. You are truly an Angel. A sensitive post, love Dolly x x x
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Oh Dolly, thank you for this understanding and thoughtful, caring review. Unfortunately, that was far from the end of the matter ....
Wendy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
For a while I substituted at a special needs school back before the US had laws about the special needs children being in regular education classes. Yes, it does take its toll. Thank you for sharing this post and all of the posts with us. They are doing a great service.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
For a while I substituted at a special needs school back before the US had laws about the special needs children being in regular education classes. Yes, it does take its toll. Thank you for sharing this post and all of the posts with us. They are doing a great service.
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Thank you very much Barbara for reviewing and for sharing your experience. Over here, it depends on the level of disability. If they can be mainstreamed they will be, but regardless, all must have access to an appropriate individual education plan.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
Wow. At times it sounds like they didn't care where people were placed. Just a body taking care of another body. Poor kids. I'm not sure about the mortality rate among fostered disables but I don't think it's anywhere near what you saw. This is emotionally draining to read, so I can only imagine how draining it must be to write. Great chapter. Gretchen
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
Wow. At times it sounds like they didn't care where people were placed. Just a body taking care of another body. Poor kids. I'm not sure about the mortality rate among fostered disables but I don't think it's anywhere near what you saw. This is emotionally draining to read, so I can only imagine how draining it must be to write. Great chapter. Gretchen
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Thank you Gretchen. Danny at least was with his own family and was grealy loved. But yes, sometimes it was simply a case of ticking a box that someone was in care - and therefore okay. Not always.
Wendy
Comment from Sally Law
This is heartbreaking because I know it to be true. My blind aunt was institutionalized at 15 after suddenly losing her eyesight. My grandmother eventually removed her and brought her home and cared for her until they both passed away within two weeks of each other. I hope to write about someday. My husband helps me a lot with so many things. Most don't realize the sacrifices made when a family member is either born with disabilities or has suddenly been disabled. I so admire you, my friend. God bless you in every way imaginable.
Sal xoxo
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
|
This is heartbreaking because I know it to be true. My blind aunt was institutionalized at 15 after suddenly losing her eyesight. My grandmother eventually removed her and brought her home and cared for her until they both passed away within two weeks of each other. I hope to write about someday. My husband helps me a lot with so many things. Most don't realize the sacrifices made when a family member is either born with disabilities or has suddenly been disabled. I so admire you, my friend. God bless you in every way imaginable.
Sal xoxo
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
-
Thank you very much Sally for your lovely review. So sad about your grandmother and aunt - I do believe that grief can and does damage the heart, at such a devastating loss, and one can literally die of a broken heart. I appreciate your very supportive and encouraging words.
Wendy