Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 10 "School Stuff"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
31 total reviews
Comment from jmdg1954
In reading this part of the story, it did seem to me that you had gotten significantly involved in only 50 days. Then I come to find out... two years! You have such strength and fortitude, Wendy, amazing!
I loved the fact that through such pain and disabilities, Jonathan was able to comprehend the "girlfriend" aspect f his life. This was certainly attributed to the love he felt through you and your children.
Enjoyed your post!
John
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
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In reading this part of the story, it did seem to me that you had gotten significantly involved in only 50 days. Then I come to find out... two years! You have such strength and fortitude, Wendy, amazing!
I loved the fact that through such pain and disabilities, Jonathan was able to comprehend the "girlfriend" aspect f his life. This was certainly attributed to the love he felt through you and your children.
Enjoyed your post!
John
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
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Yes, it ended up being two years! Thank you so much for your nice comments, and for taking the time to review. It's always appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Begin Again
I don't know where you hide that "halo" because it must glow brighter than anything I've ever seen. And your heart... precious gold.
Your story today brought back memories. John's dad was military and though many believed it hadn't been forcepts that caused John's brain damage (but his father) ...the military protect their own. I'd promised to stay through his 4 yr tour (which I later regretted) but once home I filed for divorce. He hasn't seen John or supported him in all these years.
Wonderfully written, my friend. Smiles and hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
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I don't know where you hide that "halo" because it must glow brighter than anything I've ever seen. And your heart... precious gold.
Your story today brought back memories. John's dad was military and though many believed it hadn't been forcepts that caused John's brain damage (but his father) ...the military protect their own. I'd promised to stay through his 4 yr tour (which I later regretted) but once home I filed for divorce. He hasn't seen John or supported him in all these years.
Wonderfully written, my friend. Smiles and hugs, Carol
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
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Ah, the men usually duck off pretty quickly, from what I have observed. But you are still better off without him if that's his attitude and lack of care and commitment. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
Wendy, you truly are a saint. You stand in such contrast to many of the people in this story, not only the neglectful parents of those poor children but even the professionals who didn't seem to care about them the way they should, including your principal and the doctors.
I hope your principal understood the role she played in the demise of that boy, and that she eventually owned up to it and learned from it. Such poor judgment on her part. And the callous feelings of the doctor towards Jonathan belies the image that doctors are caring individuals who have their patients' interests in mind at all times.
You, on the other hand, had the most understanding and compassion for these unfortunate kids of anyone. I can surely see what a physical toll this exacted on your body, though. I hope the effects weren't lasting.
What a well written and frighteningly sad tale this was today, and whether Jonathan survived to adulthood or not, you provided him with the best life he could ever have hoped for in whatever time he had on Earth. - Jim
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Wendy, you truly are a saint. You stand in such contrast to many of the people in this story, not only the neglectful parents of those poor children but even the professionals who didn't seem to care about them the way they should, including your principal and the doctors.
I hope your principal understood the role she played in the demise of that boy, and that she eventually owned up to it and learned from it. Such poor judgment on her part. And the callous feelings of the doctor towards Jonathan belies the image that doctors are caring individuals who have their patients' interests in mind at all times.
You, on the other hand, had the most understanding and compassion for these unfortunate kids of anyone. I can surely see what a physical toll this exacted on your body, though. I hope the effects weren't lasting.
What a well written and frighteningly sad tale this was today, and whether Jonathan survived to adulthood or not, you provided him with the best life he could ever have hoped for in whatever time he had on Earth. - Jim
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Thank you so much for this understanding and compassionate review, Jim, and also for the six stars, which mean a huge amount to me. Unfortunately, what you have read so far is only the beginning .... I do hope you will keep reading. Thank you again.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
The contrast between children abandoned or mistreated by the adults who were supposed to be taking care of them and their coinciding early deaths compared to Jonathan, who had a good home and was loved and cared for, is striking. In a way, I think death was better for these children because their lives certainly sucked.
I smiled when I read that Jonathan enjoyed food and ate slowly; that's how we're supposed to eat - slowly so that we digest better and enjoy more:-) He got it right!
This was an interesting chapter on his school life, and I do like how you contrasted his with that of some of your students. And the romance - who thought we'd get to this? I love it!
Thanks, Wendy.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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The contrast between children abandoned or mistreated by the adults who were supposed to be taking care of them and their coinciding early deaths compared to Jonathan, who had a good home and was loved and cared for, is striking. In a way, I think death was better for these children because their lives certainly sucked.
I smiled when I read that Jonathan enjoyed food and ate slowly; that's how we're supposed to eat - slowly so that we digest better and enjoy more:-) He got it right!
This was an interesting chapter on his school life, and I do like how you contrasted his with that of some of your students. And the romance - who thought we'd get to this? I love it!
Thanks, Wendy.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Lol, yes, Kate was a sweet girl, a real chatterbox. Some children did suffer terribly, and death might well have been a release. Danny was in a loved home and died of natural causes. Thank you for continuing to read and support me - I appreciate all your reviews.
Wendy
Comment from Lisasview
Okay, okay... so Wendy I cried through most of this... Yes, ofcourse there are issues with Foster Care providers...many just want the money...But I really was not as aware of the Foster Care providers for children with handicaps... Although it was hard to read I want to thank you for sharing this information with all of us.
Lisa ... today I turned 76...yikes...really??? Debi wrote me the most amazing poem
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Okay, okay... so Wendy I cried through most of this... Yes, ofcourse there are issues with Foster Care providers...many just want the money...But I really was not as aware of the Foster Care providers for children with handicaps... Although it was hard to read I want to thank you for sharing this information with all of us.
Lisa ... today I turned 76...yikes...really??? Debi wrote me the most amazing poem
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Happy ( belated) birthday, and congratulations on getting there, many don't. Yes, I read her poem and it seems you have lived well with a variety of amazing experiences. I am glad you are continuing to enjoy these stories which will soon be taking a dramatic turn.
Wendy
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Thank you for your Birthday wish... Very kind of you and fun to wake up to this morning,
Lisa
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Dear Wendy, it seems every one of your posts reduces me to tears at some point and this one, of course, is no exception. Your investment in your work and fostering was incredible and I'm sure that very few could have continued with both as long as you did. Plus battling with so-called specialists! I'm riveted to your story, Wendy, and hoping that you get some respite soon by way of that part-time job (We both need it:)) Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Dear Wendy, it seems every one of your posts reduces me to tears at some point and this one, of course, is no exception. Your investment in your work and fostering was incredible and I'm sure that very few could have continued with both as long as you did. Plus battling with so-called specialists! I'm riveted to your story, Wendy, and hoping that you get some respite soon by way of that part-time job (We both need it:)) Take care Debbie
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Thank you Debbie for this amazing review. Lol. They say there is no rest for the wicked ... keep reading! I am pleased in a way that you find these posts so moving; I guess I just took a lot of it for granted. that was life and reality. I appreciate your very encouraging words.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
It's like those in charge of promoting officials in the system look for the least empathetic.
Nicely written chapter.
I cannot imagine being a go-between in regular conversations with Kate. Maybe a speaker phone?
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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It's like those in charge of promoting officials in the system look for the least empathetic.
Nicely written chapter.
I cannot imagine being a go-between in regular conversations with Kate. Maybe a speaker phone?
Best wishes.
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Lol. We didn't even have speaker phones back then, I think they came out shortly after. No, I was attached to a wall phone! Lol. Thanks so much for a super, review, and also for the six very encouraging stars.
Wendy
Comment from RJ Heritage
Very heart warming, but also heart-wrenching account of life for those children with special needs. You are indeed a gifted soul of God. I could sense the stressfulness in your words and lucid expressions. Many times the love of Christ in us, compels us to do the right thing, but as you well know, it takes courage and much endurance. Hope to read more of this life's journey.
In deepest regards,
R J Heritage.
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Very heart warming, but also heart-wrenching account of life for those children with special needs. You are indeed a gifted soul of God. I could sense the stressfulness in your words and lucid expressions. Many times the love of Christ in us, compels us to do the right thing, but as you well know, it takes courage and much endurance. Hope to read more of this life's journey.
In deepest regards,
R J Heritage.
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much!! This is a beautiful and most encouraging review, and I am so glad you are coming on board with the story of Jonathan. Some drama will be unfolding soon.
Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
I don't know how you fitted so much into your days Wendy. How sad to see those children who'd been abused by those that should have protected them. The world needs more people like you. Well done Wendy.
Cheers
Valda
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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I don't know how you fitted so much into your days Wendy. How sad to see those children who'd been abused by those that should have protected them. The world needs more people like you. Well done Wendy.
Cheers
Valda
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Thank you for reviewing, Valda. There were some quite heartbreaking situations. I greatly appreciate your review.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
You're a wonder Wendy, but I always think that the love of God displayed on earth could reveal the love of God, these things seem terribly abnormal, but the love expressed could never be anything else but unconditional, people talk about unconditional but how many actually get the opportunity to display it, beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy
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reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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You're a wonder Wendy, but I always think that the love of God displayed on earth could reveal the love of God, these things seem terribly abnormal, but the love expressed could never be anything else but unconditional, people talk about unconditional but how many actually get the opportunity to display it, beautifully written Wendy, blessings Roy
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 06-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2024
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Thank you for reviewing Roy. Unconditional love - that's what Jesus showed, and we try in our feeble ways to reflect this love from Him
Wendy
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Well done