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 Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
This book is going to be a valuable help to others in similar situations, Wendy, I do hope you get this published through the disabled society, it needs more exposure than Amazon can give it. It might help others with a disabled child to keep and care for their child instead of putting them into care. I still think more can and should be done for these poeple of all ages. Onto one more, then I have to get showered and dressed! :)) Sandra
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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This book is going to be a valuable help to others in similar situations, Wendy, I do hope you get this published through the disabled society, it needs more exposure than Amazon can give it. It might help others with a disabled child to keep and care for their child instead of putting them into care. I still think more can and should be done for these poeple of all ages. Onto one more, then I have to get showered and dressed! :)) Sandra
Comment Written 11-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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Yes, maybe. In future chapters there are a lot of dramas with all sorts of horrid situations. I don't really know whether it will help people or horrify them. So I am not sure who the target audience really is, as I will be exposing a lot of corruption. Thank you again for your insightful thoughts.
Wendy
Comment from Gloria ....
I really enjoyed this chapter, Wendy. You deftly widened your camera lens from the intense beginnings to include some of what Anna, Bella and Joe were also learning.
I can imagine the maniacal laughing at night must've been most alarming. And to think of Sheryl experiencing that eerie symptom without any support system in place is truly heartbreaking.
But it sounds with positive changes and a neurologist who prescribed a new drug, Jonathan's painful seizures decreased easing day to day life for the entire family.
Very well done.
Gloria
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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I really enjoyed this chapter, Wendy. You deftly widened your camera lens from the intense beginnings to include some of what Anna, Bella and Joe were also learning.
I can imagine the maniacal laughing at night must've been most alarming. And to think of Sheryl experiencing that eerie symptom without any support system in place is truly heartbreaking.
But it sounds with positive changes and a neurologist who prescribed a new drug, Jonathan's painful seizures decreased easing day to day life for the entire family.
Very well done.
Gloria
Comment Written 03-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Gloria. What a wonderful review, and I am also very thankful for the six stars. A great encouragement.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Hmmm. I don't know how I missed this chapter! I'm going back through to be sure there weren't any others I missed.
This is just extraordinary! Imagine how much sooner Jonathan's life could have improved if DCOS were functioning at the same high level for him that you and your entire family were! I love the way you see where the needs lie --both his, individually, and yours as a family-- and then set about satisfying them. Jonathan was obviously born with some disadvantages, but they were MORE than compensated for when he crossed paths with all of you.
This story has such an undertow of joy and triumph to it.
Another great chapter here, Wendy. xoxox
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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Hmmm. I don't know how I missed this chapter! I'm going back through to be sure there weren't any others I missed.
This is just extraordinary! Imagine how much sooner Jonathan's life could have improved if DCOS were functioning at the same high level for him that you and your entire family were! I love the way you see where the needs lie --both his, individually, and yours as a family-- and then set about satisfying them. Jonathan was obviously born with some disadvantages, but they were MORE than compensated for when he crossed paths with all of you.
This story has such an undertow of joy and triumph to it.
Another great chapter here, Wendy. xoxox
Comment Written 02-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
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Thank you so very much Rachelle. You reviewed this for 2 cents?! You are wonderful. Now I'm thinking, what will Rachelle say when she reaches Chapter 12?!
I appreciate you.
Wendy
Comment from Spitfire
Sorry to be so behind in reviewing. What comes through to me in this post is the lessons your children are learning in compassion and putting the needs of disabled before theirs.
reply by the author on 30-Jan-2024
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Sorry to be so behind in reviewing. What comes through to me in this post is the lessons your children are learning in compassion and putting the needs of disabled before theirs.
Comment Written 29-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 30-Jan-2024
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Thank you Shari. Your thoughtful review is insightful. I still see their care for vulnerable people even in their adult lives. Lovely review.
Wendy
Comment from Sarah Tummey
I enjoyed reading this. You gave so much of yourselves for Jonathan, even leaving your home. I wonder how Sheryl responded when she saw him in his new wheelchair and having less seizures.
reply by the author on 30-Jan-2024
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I enjoyed reading this. You gave so much of yourselves for Jonathan, even leaving your home. I wonder how Sheryl responded when she saw him in his new wheelchair and having less seizures.
Comment Written 29-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 30-Jan-2024
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She was thrilled. I will devote a chapter to her and our relationship a little later. Thanks so much for a super review.
Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Thats the thing, simpler to get it yourself than to go through beauracracy, we found that when Tony needed aids. The changes you and your family made to make life better for Jonathon is amazing Wendy, he was lucky you found him, and I know, you say the luck was on both sides. Well done,
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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Thats the thing, simpler to get it yourself than to go through beauracracy, we found that when Tony needed aids. The changes you and your family made to make life better for Jonathon is amazing Wendy, he was lucky you found him, and I know, you say the luck was on both sides. Well done,
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 27-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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Thank you so much for your encouraging review and support. Always appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from John Ciarmello
Oh my goodness, Wendy!
I know that praise for being a parent of a disabled child is not what you are looking for, but I have to say you and your husband are special people.
God gives these children to folks who can handle the pressure, and from what I've read here, you both are who Johnathon needed.
Best, JohnC
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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Oh my goodness, Wendy!
I know that praise for being a parent of a disabled child is not what you are looking for, but I have to say you and your husband are special people.
God gives these children to folks who can handle the pressure, and from what I've read here, you both are who Johnathon needed.
Best, JohnC
Comment Written 27-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much, John, for this very encouraging review. I appreciate it a lot and I hope you will continue to enjoy the unfolding story.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
I see that you are preparing the reader for some problems ahead. I was glad to see that you and your family have established a loving relationship with Jonathan.
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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I see that you are preparing the reader for some problems ahead. I was glad to see that you and your family have established a loving relationship with Jonathan.
Comment Written 27-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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Thank you Paul. Yes, the bonds were established. Just as well, for nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.
Thanks so much for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from Begin Again
You deserve the gold stars! I know people ask, "How'd you do it? Because I couldn't." But thankfully, the Lord saw something very special in you and knew you had what it took to find the help for Jonathan and hold together your own family as well. Forgive me, but I know I've questioned that thought throughout my life with my John. But you blessed Jonathan's life and found the strength and I am extremely proud of all your efforts.
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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You deserve the gold stars! I know people ask, "How'd you do it? Because I couldn't." But thankfully, the Lord saw something very special in you and knew you had what it took to find the help for Jonathan and hold together your own family as well. Forgive me, but I know I've questioned that thought throughout my life with my John. But you blessed Jonathan's life and found the strength and I am extremely proud of all your efforts.
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 27-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Many times I asked myself the same questions as you are asking of yourself, but He is with you, and looking back you will see that verse has been experienced in your life even when you were at your lowest points. You have had a lot of other family difficulties to endure at the same time, and quite frankly, your faith and strength amaze me. So keep on keeping on. Sending hugs and comfort and His peace.
Wendy
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Thank you, Wendy.... I am blessed to have friends like you... though not many. In return, when I struggle (which is most of the time) with my family, I remain positive because I know I have a place of retreat.
Comment from lyenochka
I can't begin to fathom the physical toll of having 20 grand mal seizures a day! What a blessing that he was chosen for that clinical trial. The Lord certainly chose you and your family to be that blessing to Jonathan. Without your ability to provide and seek out all the equipment and research the funding, he would have never gotten anything in his birth mom's care. Thanks for sharing!
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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I can't begin to fathom the physical toll of having 20 grand mal seizures a day! What a blessing that he was chosen for that clinical trial. The Lord certainly chose you and your family to be that blessing to Jonathan. Without your ability to provide and seek out all the equipment and research the funding, he would have never gotten anything in his birth mom's care. Thanks for sharing!
Comment Written 27-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2024
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Thank you Helen. A lovely review, very understanding and supportive, and yes, that neurologist was excellent and caring, one of the few. He was thrilled that it made such a difference.
Wendy