Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 29 "Finale!"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
30 total reviews
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
You know that you could write a book about all your experiences and, all types of disability care and palliative care, and be a speaker for the nursing program. You could give first hand advice to aide workers and volunteers. You have a mountain of knowledge to share. You are a hero in my book lady.:-)
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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You know that you could write a book about all your experiences and, all types of disability care and palliative care, and be a speaker for the nursing program. You could give first hand advice to aide workers and volunteers. You have a mountain of knowledge to share. You are a hero in my book lady.:-)
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much for your encouraging words of praise. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and support.
Wendy
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you are welcome. Karen
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
My word, what a journey this has been. I felt like I was right there with you through so many trials. I honestly don't know how you had the strength to carry on. I applaud you and your family for the uncommon Christian love that you showed to this one young boy. Had you not been in his life, it's doubtful that he would still be alive. It's tragic that one of the few things he had to look forward to has been taken from him, but at least he still has you, and the tremendous love that you've shown him. I'm honored to know you. You've set the bar high. Well done gal. Take a bow, you've earned it.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Hello Wendy,
My word, what a journey this has been. I felt like I was right there with you through so many trials. I honestly don't know how you had the strength to carry on. I applaud you and your family for the uncommon Christian love that you showed to this one young boy. Had you not been in his life, it's doubtful that he would still be alive. It's tragic that one of the few things he had to look forward to has been taken from him, but at least he still has you, and the tremendous love that you've shown him. I'm honored to know you. You've set the bar high. Well done gal. Take a bow, you've earned it.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much for your beautiful words and for all the encouragement and support you have shown throughout this writing journey. I can?t express how much it has meant! Thanks too for the six stars. Again, greatly valued. I am very thankful for the support.
Wendy
Comment from kahpot
I have enjoyed this, yours/ Jonathon's journey so very much, and as you say, the valleys and the mountains have been deep and steep, your acceptance of what you have done and been through at last has proved warranted and worthy, you have helped and proved that people with disabilities can and do deserve a full life, you should be so very proud, very well written, and thank you for sharing****kahpot
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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I have enjoyed this, yours/ Jonathon's journey so very much, and as you say, the valleys and the mountains have been deep and steep, your acceptance of what you have done and been through at last has proved warranted and worthy, you have helped and proved that people with disabilities can and do deserve a full life, you should be so very proud, very well written, and thank you for sharing****kahpot
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Wow, thank you Kahpot, for such a lovely and meaningful review, so very encouraging. I appreciate that you have been with me, on this writing journey, encouraging me to keep going, every step of the way.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
This will be a great book, Wendy. For some reason Jonathan's story makes me think of Dick and Rick Hoyt. If you haven't heard about them, you should check them out on Google.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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This will be a great book, Wendy. For some reason Jonathan's story makes me think of Dick and Rick Hoyt. If you haven't heard about them, you should check them out on Google.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you for the lovely review and six stars. Wow. Much appreciated. I looked up their story - very impressive! Thank you. Thanks too for following my story. Now to find a publisher.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
Congratulations on finishing this book, Wendy! I know some of the memories were very difficult for you to revisit and writing all of them had reawakened those pains. Kudos to your children for how they learned to love and have compassion for those who have disabilities! I think this book would be valuable for any family considering adopting a foster child.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Congratulations on finishing this book, Wendy! I know some of the memories were very difficult for you to revisit and writing all of them had reawakened those pains. Kudos to your children for how they learned to love and have compassion for those who have disabilities! I think this book would be valuable for any family considering adopting a foster child.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much Helen for your lovely words and congratulations, and for following this writing journey, which, as you say, has not been the easiest. However I am glad to have done it. Thank you for all your encouragement, along with the much appreciated six stars.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Personally, I don't like "Unlikely Survivor" as it sounds a bit cold and impersonal. I do however like "Battling the Odds although not so much "A Different Life." What about "A Life Worth Living"? Your wonderful chapter is, indeed, a bit like a closing act which is full of optimism blended inextricably with the poignancy of all he has gone through to get here. It's so sad about the feeding tube but still testament to the fact that we can never afford to be rigid or closed when it comes to medical treatment. This was a life-saver for Jonathan and, in the end, it was his specific needs and unspoken words that led you to that decision-making. I think the idea of him being the teacher is one that we often hear in families with disabled children. It's another world these individuals show us so often, away from the humdrum of our daily life and into a place that requires a completely different perspective, both challenging but also immensely rewarding. Thank you for sharing this amazing story, Wendy. I'm going to miss Jonathan because I've visualised him so often and grown to love him with you. Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Personally, I don't like "Unlikely Survivor" as it sounds a bit cold and impersonal. I do however like "Battling the Odds although not so much "A Different Life." What about "A Life Worth Living"? Your wonderful chapter is, indeed, a bit like a closing act which is full of optimism blended inextricably with the poignancy of all he has gone through to get here. It's so sad about the feeding tube but still testament to the fact that we can never afford to be rigid or closed when it comes to medical treatment. This was a life-saver for Jonathan and, in the end, it was his specific needs and unspoken words that led you to that decision-making. I think the idea of him being the teacher is one that we often hear in families with disabled children. It's another world these individuals show us so often, away from the humdrum of our daily life and into a place that requires a completely different perspective, both challenging but also immensely rewarding. Thank you for sharing this amazing story, Wendy. I'm going to miss Jonathan because I've visualised him so often and grown to love him with you. Take care Debbie
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Your beautiful words nearly brought me to tears! You always have such great insights and each review is so thoughtful, personal and meaningful. I have appreciated each and every one from you, and been hugely enouraged to keep going. Thank you too for the six stars - always very precious, always valued highly. Did you mean "Battling the odds: a life worth living" or simply "A life worth living". I'm still thinking. I want the title to be a hook, but not give anything away, and challenge people to start reading and become fully engaged as you have, and as have several others, including those who normally wouldn't read such a story.
Thank you again. It's good to have a few wise and insightful people to bounce ideas off. Many thanks again.
Wendy
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Hi, I meant the two together:
Battling the odds: a life worth living. I don't think that would give too much away and it would definitely be a hook for me. It's always a sign of a great, insightful read when I feel sad that it's finished but pleasantly satisfied by the outcome. Well done!
Comment from royowen
Poor Jonathon, his life was never going to be normal, but at least he had the love and nurture from the bosom of a family, until that care became overwhelming and he was put into institutional care, which was never going to be easy, for him and ultimately them, but he had a good advocate in you and others, so at least you could keep the institution 'honest'. Well done Wendy, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Poor Jonathon, his life was never going to be normal, but at least he had the love and nurture from the bosom of a family, until that care became overwhelming and he was put into institutional care, which was never going to be easy, for him and ultimately them, but he had a good advocate in you and others, so at least you could keep the institution 'honest'. Well done Wendy, blessings Roy
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Yes, a nine-year commitment became thirty-three years and remains ongoing. Thanks so much for reviewing, and for following the story throughout.
Wendy
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Most welcome
Comment from karenina
Bravo! Telling the story of Jonathan's life, the impact it had on your own life, and the many ups and downs of dealing with so many bureaucracies has been riveting.
How could you have imagined the ways your life and Jonathan's would intersect bringing blessings, love, tenacity, and life-affirming dignity to the forefront?
I love the title: "Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story"
You've touched me with every chapter, Wendy. Jonathan's life has made a difference in my own. In that way, together you've changed the world!
I'll just register my pre-order wish now, for when this book is published.
Six stars seem not nearly enough...
Karenina
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Bravo! Telling the story of Jonathan's life, the impact it had on your own life, and the many ups and downs of dealing with so many bureaucracies has been riveting.
How could you have imagined the ways your life and Jonathan's would intersect bringing blessings, love, tenacity, and life-affirming dignity to the forefront?
I love the title: "Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story"
You've touched me with every chapter, Wendy. Jonathan's life has made a difference in my own. In that way, together you've changed the world!
I'll just register my pre-order wish now, for when this book is published.
Six stars seem not nearly enough...
Karenina
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, dear Karenina.I am so pleased that you feel we have made a difference. I have appreciated your loving support and keen insights, plus strong encouragement the whole way through, helping me to keep writing each step of the way. Many thanks too for the beautiful six stars. Never taken for granted. Always precious. (But not quite as much as YOU!) Thank you again.
Wendy
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I can sleep better at night knowing you are in the world, making kindness ripples in the pond of life!
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That?s good! ( I wish I could sleep better at night. I?m a terrible sleeper ?) Lol.
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Me too. Thirty years of working the 11PM to 7AM shift!
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Yes, that would do it!
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing Jonathan's story with us. I will continue to pray that he continues to receive the necessary care. He is a real human and deserves to be treated as such.
I believe they are just as loved by God as any other person (AMEN!!!)
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you for sharing Jonathan's story with us. I will continue to pray that he continues to receive the necessary care. He is a real human and deserves to be treated as such.
I believe they are just as loved by God as any other person (AMEN!!!)
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much Barbara - such lovely words, plus the blessing and encouragement of six stars! I have appreciated your support throughout.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
I'm sorry to see this one end yet I'm sure it was tough to write about. This was personal and sharing something you are that close to makes you very vulnerable. I thank you for taking us on this wonderful and sometimes painful and frustrating journey. Please keep us updated with him as much as you can or feel comfortable doing. Good luck with publishing. Gretchen
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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I'm sorry to see this one end yet I'm sure it was tough to write about. This was personal and sharing something you are that close to makes you very vulnerable. I thank you for taking us on this wonderful and sometimes painful and frustrating journey. Please keep us updated with him as much as you can or feel comfortable doing. Good luck with publishing. Gretchen
Comment Written 14-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
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Thank you Gretchen. You are right - it was not an easy project, but I feel glad to have done it. Now I just hope to find a publisher who may be interested. I will post any updates - but I hope there won't be too many more dramas!
Wendy