Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "The Cost of Caring"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
27 total reviews
Comment from T B Botts
Oh my Wendy,
your commitment is unbelievable, I don't know how you had the strength to do it. God chooses whom He wants to do particular things, because Lord knows, we all couldn't step up to the plate the way you and your family did. Thanks for being such a caring person. You certainly made a difference in that boy's life.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Oh my Wendy,
your commitment is unbelievable, I don't know how you had the strength to do it. God chooses whom He wants to do particular things, because Lord knows, we all couldn't step up to the plate the way you and your family did. Thanks for being such a caring person. You certainly made a difference in that boy's life.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment Written 26-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Looking back, I don't know either. But I do know that when God calls, He enables. Thanks so much for your very supportive, thoughtful and encouraging review.
Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
Had you with your family not been loving and committed and patient and working together for the best care of Jonathan, he would never have survived. Kudos to all of you, though I expect the brunt of his care fell on your shoulders.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Had you with your family not been loving and committed and patient and working together for the best care of Jonathan, he would never have survived. Kudos to all of you, though I expect the brunt of his care fell on your shoulders.
Comment Written 26-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much, Verna, for your positive review, (and yes, it did). I appreciate your understanding and compassion.
Wendy
Comment from Aussie
I can relate to all of your stories as I have traveled this road. Pity NDIS wasn't available at the time. My wheelchair cost $15,000 and that wasn't a Rolls Royce. I looked after a lad who had 23 seizures a day, he wore a crash helmet. Every time a seizure, more brain damage.
Keep writing because you experienced it from a different point of view, I was a nurse before I became wheelchair bound. K xx
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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I can relate to all of your stories as I have traveled this road. Pity NDIS wasn't available at the time. My wheelchair cost $15,000 and that wasn't a Rolls Royce. I looked after a lad who had 23 seizures a day, he wore a crash helmet. Every time a seizure, more brain damage.
Keep writing because you experienced it from a different point of view, I was a nurse before I became wheelchair bound. K xx
Comment Written 26-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you Kay. Yes, you will be able to understand and relate to a lot of this. Thank you for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from karenina
As frustrating as the ridiculous government rules and regulations, and as ludicrous as a GP getting to bill you for providing Jonathan's condition...
I (again) am so thankful that God placed Jonathan with you, and your family.
To think his ever blossoming spirit and life interactions might never have been set free without your love and persistence!
We had far too many "boarder babies" grow into children at our hospital...
The natural parents were overwhelmed with no support and time after time disillusioned foster parents would give up!
Bless you for recognizing Jonathan's worth!
I hope over the years, despite the many challenges, the bond of love affirmed your calling!
Karenina
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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As frustrating as the ridiculous government rules and regulations, and as ludicrous as a GP getting to bill you for providing Jonathan's condition...
I (again) am so thankful that God placed Jonathan with you, and your family.
To think his ever blossoming spirit and life interactions might never have been set free without your love and persistence!
We had far too many "boarder babies" grow into children at our hospital...
The natural parents were overwhelmed with no support and time after time disillusioned foster parents would give up!
Bless you for recognizing Jonathan's worth!
I hope over the years, despite the many challenges, the bond of love affirmed your calling!
Karenina
Comment Written 26-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Yes, so sad, "boarder babies" growing into children with no family for love and support. You will understand very well, and I do understand both parents and foster parents giving up. It's a long and very hard road.
Wendy
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Ah, and look at you! Discouraged, exhausted, and still staying the course!
Comment from Teri7
Wendy, I am going to have to go back and read your other chapters. You are a blessing to take Jonathon into your home. You have a very special family and thank you for letting us in on your life! love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Wendy, I am going to have to go back and read your other chapters. You are a blessing to take Jonathon into your home. You have a very special family and thank you for letting us in on your life! love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 25-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you so much Teri. I appreciate your interest and your supportive words of encouragement.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
That really did sound like a challenge, Wendy, and you and hubby were saints to take that on, much of it at your own expense. But I can tell there was great love and reward in doing so, and that your family's lives were enriched by the experience. How very unfortunate for one individual to face so many challenges in his life, and in anyone else's hands, I don't know how he would have survived and even thrived.
This is a wonderful story describing this complex, challenging, but ultimately rewarding time in your life. - Jim
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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That really did sound like a challenge, Wendy, and you and hubby were saints to take that on, much of it at your own expense. But I can tell there was great love and reward in doing so, and that your family's lives were enriched by the experience. How very unfortunate for one individual to face so many challenges in his life, and in anyone else's hands, I don't know how he would have survived and even thrived.
This is a wonderful story describing this complex, challenging, but ultimately rewarding time in your life. - Jim
Comment Written 25-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much Jim. What a lovely encouraging review. Yes, a hard, but rewarding time.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this post with us. I'm glad Jonathan is adapting better, or I should say you've adapted to him. My husband has a seizure disorder caused by some gases our troops were exposed to during the Gulf War. We now have them under control, but it took a while to get the right medicine and right dosage. They can be very scary.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you for sharing this post with us. I'm glad Jonathan is adapting better, or I should say you've adapted to him. My husband has a seizure disorder caused by some gases our troops were exposed to during the Gulf War. We now have them under control, but it took a while to get the right medicine and right dosage. They can be very scary.
Comment Written 25-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much for reviewing, Barbara, and for your understanding comments. Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Even though I live in the UK with very mediocre available resources, I'm still astounded by the lack of finance and support provided. That you would have to prove his disability repeatedly is a disgraceful indignity and, as for receiving so little financial assistance, what an unforgivable deterrent to other potential foster parents! But your total commitment is clear and a joy to read in this developing and very gratifying love story. Thanks for sharing, Wendy. Debbie
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Even though I live in the UK with very mediocre available resources, I'm still astounded by the lack of finance and support provided. That you would have to prove his disability repeatedly is a disgraceful indignity and, as for receiving so little financial assistance, what an unforgivable deterrent to other potential foster parents! But your total commitment is clear and a joy to read in this developing and very gratifying love story. Thanks for sharing, Wendy. Debbie
Comment Written 25-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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There are always too few foster parents, but these resources and support ought to be made more easily available to birth parents, then perhaps there would be less need for foster parents. Your astute review is very insightful and understanding. Thank you.
Wendy
Comment from Sally Law
Thank you for sharing your true story and getting the care that you needed for Jonathan. We struggled with the same with our mother. Jack's mom had all Heimers and to put her in a home was over 100,000 a year. We brought her here and took care of her for four years. That was expensive too but it was nowhere near $100,000. We gave of our love and time and money And took care of her to the end. This kind of love and devotion is rewarded in heaven, I think. Sending you all my very best today, as always, Sally. XOs
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you for sharing your true story and getting the care that you needed for Jonathan. We struggled with the same with our mother. Jack's mom had all Heimers and to put her in a home was over 100,000 a year. We brought her here and took care of her for four years. That was expensive too but it was nowhere near $100,000. We gave of our love and time and money And took care of her to the end. This kind of love and devotion is rewarded in heaven, I think. Sending you all my very best today, as always, Sally. XOs
Comment Written 25-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much Sally, and you are right the elderly are similarly vulnerable, and need the same loving care and support. Thank you so much for the review. Appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
You are doing a wonderful job with this book. I am in awe of anyone willing to take on such responsiblity no matter how much the government is willing to help. This should provide much needed information for other care takers for children in this condition.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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You are doing a wonderful job with this book. I am in awe of anyone willing to take on such responsiblity no matter how much the government is willing to help. This should provide much needed information for other care takers for children in this condition.
Comment Written 25-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2024
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Thank you Beth for your understanding review. I want to hopefully change a few attitudes about the value of caring for the disabled, and at the same time expose the "systems" which failed us, and the later corruption. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
Wendy