Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "A Sense of Belonging"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
23 total reviews
Comment from Annmuma
Well, you are correct: I can't wait to see what comes next! When I read your 'Jonathan' stories, I feel as if I know this family and understand what is going on. Good writing. ann
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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Well, you are correct: I can't wait to see what comes next! When I read your 'Jonathan' stories, I feel as if I know this family and understand what is going on. Good writing. ann
Comment Written 11-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Ann. I am glad you are continuing to be involved in his life story.
Wendy
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
This is an excellent book, Wendy, I've learned such a lot from you, your family, and especially, Jonathan. I can imagine the transition is not going to go well. I'm looking forward to the next chapter to see how he copes, or doesn't cope. And of course, how you and the family cope. Well done, Wendy, I've caught up now and have enjoyed all of it, well, perhaps there was a welling of tears at times. I am now looking forward the next chapter in Jonathan's life. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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This is an excellent book, Wendy, I've learned such a lot from you, your family, and especially, Jonathan. I can imagine the transition is not going to go well. I'm looking forward to the next chapter to see how he copes, or doesn't cope. And of course, how you and the family cope. Well done, Wendy, I've caught up now and have enjoyed all of it, well, perhaps there was a welling of tears at times. I am now looking forward the next chapter in Jonathan's life. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 11-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Sandra. I appreciate your support during this writing experience, much of which is not easy to write, and worse is yet to come. I am greatly encouraged by the six stars for this story. Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
what a roller coaster of emotions that you have had to endure in your life. I'm so pleased that you opened your home to Jonathon's mother, though you spent so much more time with him. Who knows the reason why people are the way that they are until we get to know them. I can only imagine the trauma of having Jonathon moving out, both for your family and for him. I would imagine that it would be hard to give him the same degree of care that he got with you, and certainly a commercial enterprise isn't going to love him like you did. I'm sure it was a tearing for all involved. You are a remarkable woman and a testimony to your faith gal. I'm pleased to call you a friend.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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Hello Wendy,
what a roller coaster of emotions that you have had to endure in your life. I'm so pleased that you opened your home to Jonathon's mother, though you spent so much more time with him. Who knows the reason why people are the way that they are until we get to know them. I can only imagine the trauma of having Jonathon moving out, both for your family and for him. I would imagine that it would be hard to give him the same degree of care that he got with you, and certainly a commercial enterprise isn't going to love him like you did. I'm sure it was a tearing for all involved. You are a remarkable woman and a testimony to your faith gal. I'm pleased to call you a friend.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 09-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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That's so right, and that's the very reason we shouldn't judge others. Sometimes they can never open up about the traumas they have experienced. Thank you for a lovely, supportive and encouraging review too, Tom. I'm also so pleased to have you as a friend.
Wendy
Comment from Navada
I can empathise with the unexpected development of a heavier teaching load than you had expected, and it's disappointing that that school couldn't respond in a more understanding way to your needs at the time. I'm glad you found a more suitable environment. I'm both dreading and anticipating reading the following chapters. One of my best friends has a granddaughter with substantial disabilities and her parents are in the process of trying to work out what the way forward looks like for them. They know they can't continue to care for her into her adulthood - among many other issues, her autism means she can be very violent. They are looking into group homes but are feeling very skeptical.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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I can empathise with the unexpected development of a heavier teaching load than you had expected, and it's disappointing that that school couldn't respond in a more understanding way to your needs at the time. I'm glad you found a more suitable environment. I'm both dreading and anticipating reading the following chapters. One of my best friends has a granddaughter with substantial disabilities and her parents are in the process of trying to work out what the way forward looks like for them. They know they can't continue to care for her into her adulthood - among many other issues, her autism means she can be very violent. They are looking into group homes but are feeling very skeptical.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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I feel for your friend's family. Finding a suitable Group Home is very difficult, as you will see in the coming chapters. The violence adds another level of difficulty too. Yet they do need to act well in advance, as realistically the parents won't be able to cope as they get older.
In that sense, Jonathan, because he was unable to do anything, was easier to place because he was not violent or difficult to manage in that way. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and caring review. I hope your friend's family's experience will be better than mine.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
What a wonderful thing you did for Jonathon's natural mother Wendy, and to include her in the Christmas festivities. And to share in discussions of Jonathon's entry into group care. You consider, but realistically couldn't really get the natural family supportive network you had. Well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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What a wonderful thing you did for Jonathon's natural mother Wendy, and to include her in the Christmas festivities. And to share in discussions of Jonathon's entry into group care. You consider, but realistically couldn't really get the natural family supportive network you had. Well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 09-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Roy, for reviewing. I always appreciate it.
Wendy
Comment from zanya
The story of the 'Good Samaritan' comes to mind immediately here - with a modern take, one might say. Commitment and genuine love shine through this narrative that is told with candour- looking forward to reading the next chapter. It's truly amazing what real love and concern can achieve.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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The story of the 'Good Samaritan' comes to mind immediately here - with a modern take, one might say. Commitment and genuine love shine through this narrative that is told with candour- looking forward to reading the next chapter. It's truly amazing what real love and concern can achieve.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Zanya. Your review is thoughtful and insightful - and encouraging. I am so glad you will continue to read his story.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
I certainly understand Sheryl's initial desire to have as little contact with you as possible, for all the reasons that you outline. I admire Sheryl's willingness to accept help from others for the sake of her son; I think many mothers in her place would have abandoned him altogether.
I'm glad you wrote this chapter about Jonathan's birth parents - they are an important part of who he is. And I'm glad, but no surprised, that Sheryl began to feel "at home" with your family. Not everyone has the family environment we grow up with, and I'm always saddened to hear of those who don't.
Your last sentence is one that will keep the reader coming back - what in the world is going to happen now?!!
A good chapter about those around Jonathan.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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I certainly understand Sheryl's initial desire to have as little contact with you as possible, for all the reasons that you outline. I admire Sheryl's willingness to accept help from others for the sake of her son; I think many mothers in her place would have abandoned him altogether.
I'm glad you wrote this chapter about Jonathan's birth parents - they are an important part of who he is. And I'm glad, but no surprised, that Sheryl began to feel "at home" with your family. Not everyone has the family environment we grow up with, and I'm always saddened to hear of those who don't.
Your last sentence is one that will keep the reader coming back - what in the world is going to happen now?!!
A good chapter about those around Jonathan.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 09-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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Thank you Pam. I thought my own upbringing was fairly dysfunctional, but it was nothing compared to hers. Ah, the next bit - you'll see. A fine review, thoughtful and caring. Thank you.
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
A warm and sensitive story Wendy and your open and caring personality welcomed Jonothan's Mother into your family life and she learned to accept you and enjoy her visits, and feel grateful for the care you were giving to her son. The decision to move Jonathan to a place where he could interact with others of the same age and be cared for by professionals sounds like a good one, except that you ended your post with some doubt here. You have given Jonothan some amazing years and cared for him when no one else cared Wendy, love Dolly x x x
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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A warm and sensitive story Wendy and your open and caring personality welcomed Jonothan's Mother into your family life and she learned to accept you and enjoy her visits, and feel grateful for the care you were giving to her son. The decision to move Jonathan to a place where he could interact with others of the same age and be cared for by professionals sounds like a good one, except that you ended your post with some doubt here. You have given Jonothan some amazing years and cared for him when no one else cared Wendy, love Dolly x x x
Comment Written 09-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
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Thank you for your ongoing interest, which I greatly appreciate, along with your always thoughtful reviews.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
What a story!! If the church does not make you a saint, then God will. As a teacher myself, I tried to help the kids that really needed it, but what I did pales in comparison to what you did.
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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What a story!! If the church does not make you a saint, then God will. As a teacher myself, I tried to help the kids that really needed it, but what I did pales in comparison to what you did.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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I am just an ordinary person who jumped into an area I had no idea about - and then had to learn to swim! Thank you so much Paul for continuing to read. I am very appreciative of your support, especially when there's so much going on in your own life.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
Oh what a cliffhanger! I am hoping for something good for Jonathon! And for Sheryl. It's wonderful that you not only adopted Jonathon but also his mother and they both became family to you. I wonder how Jonathon's famous uncle will play a part in this future surprising event...
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Oh what a cliffhanger! I am hoping for something good for Jonathon! And for Sheryl. It's wonderful that you not only adopted Jonathon but also his mother and they both became family to you. I wonder how Jonathon's famous uncle will play a part in this future surprising event...
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Ah, I am sorry, but you will have to wait for some of these answers. Lol. All will be revealed in good time. Thank you so much for your super review. (I do like to keep people guessing!) I appreciate your ongoing support very much.
Wendy