Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "Exclusion and inclusion"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
30 total reviews
Comment from Begin Again
Good morning, Wendy... I can't say it enough, but you and your children are made from "stock" and "principles" that are seriously needed around the world. I can imagine how proud you felt. My Wendy was two years younger than John and they were playing in our yard. A few school boys came by and started calling John "retard". Being a girl didn't matter, she set them straight and they didn't call him that again. Nobody did!
You write about the Jonathan's "reality" but lace enough humor and kindness that it makes it an easy read. The reader learns from it, yet takes pleasure in the simple things. The hose - the ice cream man - the outings - One can see that it took a lot of work and determination from the family, but it was blessed with love and so much more.
Others saw this and that explains the offer to teach. Like your children, you were a standout as well. Wonderful!
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Good morning, Wendy... I can't say it enough, but you and your children are made from "stock" and "principles" that are seriously needed around the world. I can imagine how proud you felt. My Wendy was two years younger than John and they were playing in our yard. A few school boys came by and started calling John "retard". Being a girl didn't matter, she set them straight and they didn't call him that again. Nobody did!
You write about the Jonathan's "reality" but lace enough humor and kindness that it makes it an easy read. The reader learns from it, yet takes pleasure in the simple things. The hose - the ice cream man - the outings - One can see that it took a lot of work and determination from the family, but it was blessed with love and so much more.
Others saw this and that explains the offer to teach. Like your children, you were a standout as well. Wonderful!
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you Carol. Your Wendy was a champion! Good for her! It's interesting, because all my life I have felt a bit of a nobody, so it feels strange to hear that I was a "standout". But if I made a commitment, I did stick to it, regardless of the cost. Some would say that was foolish and stubborn, but that's how I am. Thank you so much for this lovely review, and also for the six stars. So meaningful.
Wendy
Comment from Mrs. KT
Good morning, Wendy,
I truly enjoyed reading your post. I was especially drawn to the segments wherein your biological children stood their ground in situations of injustice. My heart went out to your daughter; I, too, experienced a situation like that. And as a teacher, I witnessed bullying of those who stood up for what is right.
Your caring and love for Jonathan comes through "loud and clear." I am looking forward to reading about your experiences as a "substitute teacher." Something tells me you stayed far longer... :)
Thank you for sharing!
diane
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Good morning, Wendy,
I truly enjoyed reading your post. I was especially drawn to the segments wherein your biological children stood their ground in situations of injustice. My heart went out to your daughter; I, too, experienced a situation like that. And as a teacher, I witnessed bullying of those who stood up for what is right.
Your caring and love for Jonathan comes through "loud and clear." I am looking forward to reading about your experiences as a "substitute teacher." Something tells me you stayed far longer... :)
Thank you for sharing!
diane
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Lol. Thank you very much Diane ... you are getting to know me!
Such a beautiful positve and supportive review, and with six stars as well.. So lovely and so meaningful to me. Many thanks.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Another wonderful read, Wendy! Your story has such momentum now. Your family is growing up with Jonathan's influence becoming increasingly a positive factor. Once again, I see here the 'gift' he is sharing and the 'teacher' role he performs. And now your own life seems set to advance to another new level of learning, ironically included in your teaching position. On this subject, I've given the title of your book some consideration. I thought it would be better being shorter and punchier. Recalling your own words of love, learning, reward etc., I wondered about: Jonathan's Gift? Maybe putting an adjective in like 'Priceless.' or Our Path to Wisdom? Ok I'll keep thinking:) Good luck and thanks again, Debbie
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Another wonderful read, Wendy! Your story has such momentum now. Your family is growing up with Jonathan's influence becoming increasingly a positive factor. Once again, I see here the 'gift' he is sharing and the 'teacher' role he performs. And now your own life seems set to advance to another new level of learning, ironically included in your teaching position. On this subject, I've given the title of your book some consideration. I thought it would be better being shorter and punchier. Recalling your own words of love, learning, reward etc., I wondered about: Jonathan's Gift? Maybe putting an adjective in like 'Priceless.' or Our Path to Wisdom? Ok I'll keep thinking:) Good luck and thanks again, Debbie
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you Debbie. I have put your suggestions on the list. There are so many good ones. Maybe even just "The Gift". Every suggestion makes me think, so thank you. Also for the six stars, valued, appreciated, and supportive. I do enjoy your thoughtful reviews, always analytical and astute. Many thanks for each one.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Good grief! Your children continue to impress me - way to go, Joe!
I feel for Anna, but again admire her. She could have done the easy thing and not talked to the principal, but she did what was right. I am positive others felt as she did, but did not want to also be bullied for standing with her.
And Jonathan has a sense of humor, which I love.
You make a good point with the vendor selling ice cream; the more you are around the special needs community, the more comfortable you are with them. Isn't that so of everything - for example, different races living together.
Ah, but you do have the qualifications to work with special needs children; as you state, years of qualifying experience.
This next chapter should be interesting.
Very interesting read today. Thank you; I can tell that your heart is in this.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Good grief! Your children continue to impress me - way to go, Joe!
I feel for Anna, but again admire her. She could have done the easy thing and not talked to the principal, but she did what was right. I am positive others felt as she did, but did not want to also be bullied for standing with her.
And Jonathan has a sense of humor, which I love.
You make a good point with the vendor selling ice cream; the more you are around the special needs community, the more comfortable you are with them. Isn't that so of everything - for example, different races living together.
Ah, but you do have the qualifications to work with special needs children; as you state, years of qualifying experience.
This next chapter should be interesting.
Very interesting read today. Thank you; I can tell that your heart is in this.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you - each of your comments is meaningful to me, and also makes me feel incredibly supported, as do the six stars. I am so very grateful and thankful.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Quite interesting and well written.
Your children sound exceeding 'special'.
As long as the tacher got in trouble anyway (for 'touching' the girl), he no doubt wished he could take it back and really wallop her a good one!
Anxious for the next chapters!
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Quite interesting and well written.
Your children sound exceeding 'special'.
As long as the tacher got in trouble anyway (for 'touching' the girl), he no doubt wished he could take it back and really wallop her a good one!
Anxious for the next chapters!
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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They were pretty good kids on the whole - but we did have our moments, particularly with strong-willed Anna! Yes, that girl in th story re the teacher was not a nice girl, but she was "Miss Cool" and had her little following. She deserved to be walloped! The teacher was very gentle, normally very mild-mannered, so they thought they could walk all over him. Thanks so much for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from Navada
You must have felt so very proud of your children's actions in the incidents described in this chapter. I loved reading about the change of schools for Jonathan and the more positive experiences he was receiving there. I get the sense that the one term as a substitute is going to extend to something a little more permanent? :)
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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You must have felt so very proud of your children's actions in the incidents described in this chapter. I loved reading about the change of schools for Jonathan and the more positive experiences he was receiving there. I get the sense that the one term as a substitute is going to extend to something a little more permanent? :)
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Lol. You know my writing style too well ....
Thanks for your wonderful review!! Always much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Wow, I am proud to know someone like you who takes excellent care of Johnathon who is severely disabled. He still brings joy and love to you and your household. These chapters are worthwhile in that they show people how to care for others and not judge one another for disabilities they have had all their lives.
Thanks, my friend for being so compassionate and a savior for him.
Jesse
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Wow, I am proud to know someone like you who takes excellent care of Johnathon who is severely disabled. He still brings joy and love to you and your household. These chapters are worthwhile in that they show people how to care for others and not judge one another for disabilities they have had all their lives.
Thanks, my friend for being so compassionate and a savior for him.
Jesse
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you Jesse. Yes, we still have contact - he visited this afternoon. I am glad you are continuing to read and enjoy these stories, and I appreciate your encouragement and support.
Wendy
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Yes, I enjoy and get inspiration from your stories.
Jesse
Comment from Lisasview
Good morning Wendy,
So here I am again following your story...
I do have a few thoughts...so bear with me...
I know you said that you went to the school far away to see if you thought the school would work for Jonathan... Then, you went on to talk about the activities at the school, etc.... And, at the end stated that Jonathan passed the "interview" I believe you need to say something about going there and the "teacher" sort of interviewing Jonathan near the beginning of that paragraph, as I do not feel it was clear....I mean I can of course as the reader assume what happened but....
Okay, I feel you need to be clearer why Anna was finally accepted by her friends...I know that you sort of do but I do not feel it is strong enough... and, so the teacher was fired... Maybe more about how Anna and the students felt about that...
All of this are just my thoughts...
Lisa
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Good morning Wendy,
So here I am again following your story...
I do have a few thoughts...so bear with me...
I know you said that you went to the school far away to see if you thought the school would work for Jonathan... Then, you went on to talk about the activities at the school, etc.... And, at the end stated that Jonathan passed the "interview" I believe you need to say something about going there and the "teacher" sort of interviewing Jonathan near the beginning of that paragraph, as I do not feel it was clear....I mean I can of course as the reader assume what happened but....
Okay, I feel you need to be clearer why Anna was finally accepted by her friends...I know that you sort of do but I do not feel it is strong enough... and, so the teacher was fired... Maybe more about how Anna and the students felt about that...
All of this are just my thoughts...
Lisa
Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Hi Lisa, Thank you for a comprehensive review, and for your helpful input, some of which I will explain. Firstly it will be Jonathan's story primarily, so my own children will of necessity take minor roles, which is why I did not dwell on Anna's situation. People will deduce the satisfaction of those students who caused the teacher to be sacked because he slapped a girl, and my daughter's feelings. I will however add a sentence to explain that they came to respect how she was not cowed or broken by the bullying. A good point.
As for Jonathan's interview - no, the teacher did not interview Jonathan. I think you missed the first few chapters which provide the essential information about the extent of his disabilities. He was non-verbal, had epilepsy, severe cerbral palsy (with only slight use of his left arm and hand), could not sit unsupported, or stand, or of course walk, and he was technically blind. (Plus plenty of other things). So the interview was not for him, but for me to see whether the school would meet his needs. Thank you so much for your interest. If you care to read back (don't worry about reviewing as they've expired) start with Sheryl's Story, then Jonathan's Story, it will give you a fuller picture. No obligation of course, and meantime, keep reviewing, and pointing out such things as you see fit. That will make me think, and about every detail, which is what I want. Thank you again for all your input.
Wendy
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Actually, I did understand ,,, but because you said something about "interview " at the end of the paragraph ...it sort of threw me off... I figured that it was you finding out if this new place would work for him...
Glad my suggestion about Anna was understood.
Even if your children play a minor role in your story I believe that it is important to do some explaining because it might leave a reader questioning and wondering what happened...and why...
Sounds like you are an excellent mother and gave your children the right values...
Lisa
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Yes, I changed the word "interview" at the end too. Thank you. If you get a minute to reread the edits I made, i would like to hear if you think it's better.
W
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Oh that is good... I am so into reviewing and helping if I can...
Yes, I will
Comment from kahpot
"because he used the word "brother", not "foster brother", not "friend",
"Everyone was a winner" the way you incorporate your own needs ". Time alone while driving." really adds to the reality of this story, I hope all goes well in your new role****kahpot
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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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"because he used the word "brother", not "foster brother", not "friend",
"Everyone was a winner" the way you incorporate your own needs ". Time alone while driving." really adds to the reality of this story, I hope all goes well in your new role****kahpot
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Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Kahpot, for thinking about each of these and for sharing what you noted as significant. Yes, each of these could be expanded further ....
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I am glad your children are so aware of injustice that they speak out against anyone who crosses the line. It is brave to stick up for what you think is right as there are always consequences for our actions.
Thank you for sharing Jonothan's good sense of humour with us Wendy. A fine post filled with wise words, a joy to read, love Dolly x x x
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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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I am glad your children are so aware of injustice that they speak out against anyone who crosses the line. It is brave to stick up for what you think is right as there are always consequences for our actions.
Thank you for sharing Jonothan's good sense of humour with us Wendy. A fine post filled with wise words, a joy to read, love Dolly x x x
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Comment Written 04-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2024
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Thank you Dolly, yes there are. And they have, I believe, continued to stand up against injustice, in their adulthood. Lovely review.
Wendy
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Good parenting Wendy x