Reviews from

Waving a White Flag

Another way to tell the story of a White Christmas.

17 total reviews 
Comment from Pam (respa)
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I enjoyed reading your story and the notes that went with it. You tell a very good story about your experience with this man on the train. He was probably very glad you asked him if he wanted to talk. It probably made difference of going to see his parents or staying on the train.

You do a good job with his story and he was probably able to calm some of his anxiety. I like how most people on train are witnessing the same thing, and cheer as he decided to get off the train. His parents had given him a wonderful gift, and he, in turn, had given them one. A very good conclusion to the story, as well. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
    Thanks, Pam. You saw the "back story" in this piece. I appreciate that. -Bill Stephenson
reply by Pam (respa) on 15-Dec-2024
    You are very welcome, Bill, and I appreciate your reply.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
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How amazing! And a true story! This must have been a very moving sight for all concerned. Your message of reconciliation and forgiveness is vividly conveyed here, William. I love the image of the whole house being draped in white and the soldier running home across the meadow (I think I would have preferred it phrased like this). Also at the start, I would precede "Coastal" with 'the.' But an excellent and memorable entry for the contest. Well done! Debbie

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024
    Thanks. Your "little things" were huge. Wonderful suggestions. I think I wanted the word "home" to be at the end of that picture. And, I'm going to add "the" to Coastal. Nice catch.-Bill
Comment from patcelaw
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This is such a lovely Christmas story, and it was a very distinct pleasure to be able to read it. Many young soldiers I am sure on returning home that found that they were blessed to find parents and family eagerly awaiting their presence with the family. God bless you for sharing the story with us. And I wish you the very best in the contest. May you have a lovely day and may God bless you with a very merry Christmas.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    Thanks, Pat. I have sent this story to the son of a colleague, urging him to send it to his son, who he hasn't spoken to in 4 years. He has done so. Now we wait. = Bill
Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary
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William,

This is a wonderful story. There is always time for forgiveness. I'm glad this young soldier was able to patch things up with his father before it was to late.

Well done

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    I'm not sure how it all turned out for him. I like to hope that reconciliation was found for all three. Thanks for the read and review. -Bill
reply by Cecilia A Heiskary on 14-Dec-2024
    William,

    They appeared to be willing to resolve their issues.
Comment from royowen
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What an incredible story, firstly, to know God had sent you to meet and speak with the soldier and secondly the response, the story of reconciliation is an old one, and Jesus brought the reconciliation story to a head on the cross, and although technically Christmas really isn't a biblical celebration, but as every day should be a celebration of reconciliation, beautifully written Bill, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    Thanks, Roy. I just thought that this story could be a gift to someone who may read it here on FS. -Bill
reply by royowen on 14-Dec-2024
    Thanks for sharing Bill,
reply by royowen on 14-Dec-2024
    Thanks for sharing Bill,
Comment from LJbutterfly
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This is a delightful, and memorable story of love, forgiveness and acceptance. I can only imagine the reunion when the soldier met his parents. It was a good thing you were available to notice his troubled spirit and offer to listen to his feelings. This is a great true story, as well as Christmas story. Best wishes in the contest.

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 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    Thanks for the read and review. Whenever I board a train, this story always comes to mind. -Bill Stephenson
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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Amen!!! This is a beautiful Christmas story. Thank you for sharing it as a contest entry. It just reminded me of another story for my family book. Thank you. Good luck with the contest.

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 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2024
    Thank you, Barbara, for the read and review. It's a story that should be shared with family around. -Bill Stephenson