Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 7 "The Person Within"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
27 total reviews
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
I worked with the mentally disabled in what was termed an "adult training centre" (sadly very much a euphemistic name). But what I could never get over was their lack of inhibition. They loved to dance and tended to be very open in their expressions of love for each other. The inner soul you found in Jonathan and can describe so vividly here, though, is so revelatory and I'm stunned by his depth of understanding and sensitivity to his environment. Further, I could relate very strongly to his balance issues as these now greatly affect me since developing neurological symptoms affecting the cerebellum. In short, your exceptional story is one that is very meaningful to me and I continue to follow it with huge interest, emotion and admiration. Well done, Wendy! Debbie
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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I worked with the mentally disabled in what was termed an "adult training centre" (sadly very much a euphemistic name). But what I could never get over was their lack of inhibition. They loved to dance and tended to be very open in their expressions of love for each other. The inner soul you found in Jonathan and can describe so vividly here, though, is so revelatory and I'm stunned by his depth of understanding and sensitivity to his environment. Further, I could relate very strongly to his balance issues as these now greatly affect me since developing neurological symptoms affecting the cerebellum. In short, your exceptional story is one that is very meaningful to me and I continue to follow it with huge interest, emotion and admiration. Well done, Wendy! Debbie
Comment Written 28-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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Wow, Debbie, what an extraordinary review. Many thanks. It's thoughtful and astute and shows both interest and insight. Crowned with six stars. I am very appreciative and thank you sincerely for both review and stars. I am so pleased you are continuing to read, as very soon there will be some dramatic changes.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
You wonder how anyone can live with this much pain every day, but when you've never known anything else, I guess it's just the way it is. Without question.
The thing with his music appreciation is not a surprise. Music touches all of us emotionally, and I've read that Alzheimer's researchers are having success reaching their patients with music.
Again with the music, he understood when they struck the wrong chord intentionally - that's extraordinary!
Speaking of extraordinary, your children are that! I'm sure you are very proud of them.
I think this is my favorite chapter so far, as it gives a real insight into Jonathan's mind. Incredible!
Thanks for sharing the family photo also.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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You wonder how anyone can live with this much pain every day, but when you've never known anything else, I guess it's just the way it is. Without question.
The thing with his music appreciation is not a surprise. Music touches all of us emotionally, and I've read that Alzheimer's researchers are having success reaching their patients with music.
Again with the music, he understood when they struck the wrong chord intentionally - that's extraordinary!
Speaking of extraordinary, your children are that! I'm sure you are very proud of them.
I think this is my favorite chapter so far, as it gives a real insight into Jonathan's mind. Incredible!
Thanks for sharing the family photo also.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 28-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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Thank you for saying this is your favourite chapter so far. I wondered if people would think it was getting boring, so your words are a great encouragement as are the six stars. Many thanks. My husband is in a singing group which visits Aged Care facilities. Some people with Alzheimers who have not spoken for months or years join in the community singing because the words are from songs meaningful to them in the past. Music is extraordinary.
Thank you again for your very thoughtful review and for the beautiful six stars. I'm very appreciative.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Amazing, that you could figure out Jonathon's language.
Well written piece.
I can see this book as being included in a package given every foster or adoptive family along with bibs, pull-ups, and medicine dispensers.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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Amazing, that you could figure out Jonathon's language.
Well written piece.
I can see this book as being included in a package given every foster or adoptive family along with bibs, pull-ups, and medicine dispensers.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 28-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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Thanks so much Wayne. I am not so sure. In a couple of chapters things will take a dramatic turn - and various groups and Government agencies will not appreciate what I have to say.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
There certainly wouldn't be many on God's earth, it's a funny thing, but one would need a deep well of compassion to even contemplate fostering disabled precious boys like Jonathon, life seems cruel for boys like Jonathon, well done Wendy, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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There certainly wouldn't be many on God's earth, it's a funny thing, but one would need a deep well of compassion to even contemplate fostering disabled precious boys like Jonathon, life seems cruel for boys like Jonathon, well done Wendy, blessings Roy
Comment Written 28-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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Thank you Roy for reviewing. I appreciate it. Interestingly, it's just the willing heart that's needed, as God supplies the love and compassion along with the strength. Jesus always showed compassion for the disabled, and we are to follow Him in this as well.
Wendy
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Bless you
Comment from karenina
I'm not sure science has caught up with the ability to measure the intelligence and awareness of a severely disabled person.
If they don't "slot into" conventional IQ or other mental acuity tests they are far too often "written off" as one into whom time should be here invested, to enhance their quality not life!
If not for your entire family observing, including, encouraging him, Jonathan would have remained forever trapped by the ignorance and arrogance of "the system"--
You were the symphony of his life! No wonder music moved him so deeply!
God Bless you, Wendy! God Bless the lesson your children learned by example!
Karenina
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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I'm not sure science has caught up with the ability to measure the intelligence and awareness of a severely disabled person.
If they don't "slot into" conventional IQ or other mental acuity tests they are far too often "written off" as one into whom time should be here invested, to enhance their quality not life!
If not for your entire family observing, including, encouraging him, Jonathan would have remained forever trapped by the ignorance and arrogance of "the system"--
You were the symphony of his life! No wonder music moved him so deeply!
God Bless you, Wendy! God Bless the lesson your children learned by example!
Karenina
Comment Written 28-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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I think you are quite right re your astute observations. Lovely image of music in your review. Thank you so much for reviewing.
Wendy
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Your words move me!
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
You have enriched Jonathan's life with your care and consideration for him Wendy. I liked your family photograph too. You are one of life's heroes Wendy and I admire your tenacious spirit and thoughtful and kind ways. I have enjoyed learning about Jonothan and how you have devoted time to him, another fine post, love Dolly x x x
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reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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You have enriched Jonathan's life with your care and consideration for him Wendy. I liked your family photograph too. You are one of life's heroes Wendy and I admire your tenacious spirit and thoughtful and kind ways. I have enjoyed learning about Jonothan and how you have devoted time to him, another fine post, love Dolly x x x
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Comment Written 28-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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Thank you Dolly. I am so pleased you are continuing to read and review.
Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
When did all of this take place? How many years ago? Is the lad still alive?
How long did you share lives? I suspect he is now gone on? I admire your determination
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reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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When did all of this take place? How many years ago? Is the lad still alive?
How long did you share lives? I suspect he is now gone on? I admire your determination
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Comment Written 28-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2024
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Thanks for reviewing, Tom. This chapter is around thirty years ago. As for the other questions, you want me to tell you the last pages of the book? Lol. keep reading, all will be revealed.
Wendy