Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 12 "Leaving Home"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
24 total reviews
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Hi, Wendy - a brilliant read again. If you're going to write this as a book, have you thought of asking Anna, Joe and Bella to insert chapters every now and then from their points-of-view? It was just that when you said about Bella's anxiety, I thought perhaps in between the previous chapter and this one, you could slot in a piece from Bella about her thoughts at the time.
Also, it would have been interesting to read about Sheryl's response to you taking Jonathan before the workers could pick him up from school.
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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Hi, Wendy - a brilliant read again. If you're going to write this as a book, have you thought of asking Anna, Joe and Bella to insert chapters every now and then from their points-of-view? It was just that when you said about Bella's anxiety, I thought perhaps in between the previous chapter and this one, you could slot in a piece from Bella about her thoughts at the time.
Also, it would have been interesting to read about Sheryl's response to you taking Jonathan before the workers could pick him up from school.
Comment Written 20-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Sarah. Actually, yes, I have thought of asking them to write something but each one is very busy with complex lives, so I'm not sure they will. I think it would be good to include their first-hand thoughts, so I'll see what can be done. As for Sheryl's response, she said little, but I could tell she was very pleased. Thank you for this thoughtful and insightful review.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
How totally infuriating!! This is the kind of situation that separates who's in it with their HEART and who is just carrying out an assignment. Thank goodness for your strength and compassion, Wendy. And you're hardly naive or stupid for believing another adult in a position of authority when they tell you about the future plans for the soon-to-be-adult whose care you share. Most of us imagine we can trust such a person. That we can't is on THEM, not YOU, certainly, the MOST caring of all humans on the planet.
When kind people like you get angry, though, it is especially fascinating to watch. It's always the quiet ones who are best in these kinds of situations. Can't wait to read the next chapter!!! xo
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2024
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How totally infuriating!! This is the kind of situation that separates who's in it with their HEART and who is just carrying out an assignment. Thank goodness for your strength and compassion, Wendy. And you're hardly naive or stupid for believing another adult in a position of authority when they tell you about the future plans for the soon-to-be-adult whose care you share. Most of us imagine we can trust such a person. That we can't is on THEM, not YOU, certainly, the MOST caring of all humans on the planet.
When kind people like you get angry, though, it is especially fascinating to watch. It's always the quiet ones who are best in these kinds of situations. Can't wait to read the next chapter!!! xo
Comment Written 16-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2024
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Thank you so much Rachelle (or should I say "Shelley"?) Yes, it is on them that they proved so untrustworthy. I am so glad you are continuing to support me through the writing of his story, long, complex and difficult as it is. Your review is a great encouragement. Many thanks too for the six stars. - each is valued and meaningful, and they keep me going.
Wendy
Comment from jmdg1954
Wow. It feels like regulated government child abandonment!
The thoughtlessness of the DOCS. I would have been angry as well.
I guess you put your faith in the system... like any thoughtful civilized person.
I'm looking for the next post to see what happens after the "kidnapping.
John
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2024
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Wow. It feels like regulated government child abandonment!
The thoughtlessness of the DOCS. I would have been angry as well.
I guess you put your faith in the system... like any thoughtful civilized person.
I'm looking for the next post to see what happens after the "kidnapping.
John
Comment Written 12-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2024
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I had no idea they could or would act like that. Thank you so much for your understanding review, and for your support, both of which I am thankful for.
Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
They obviously hadn't factored in this foster mum and her need to look after all her children. I can hear the frustration and the anger through your words Wendy as you decide to kidnap Jonathan.
Well written,
Cheers
Valda
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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They obviously hadn't factored in this foster mum and her need to look after all her children. I can hear the frustration and the anger through your words Wendy as you decide to kidnap Jonathan.
Well written,
Cheers
Valda
Comment Written 12-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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Thank you Valda. I am so pleased you are following this series. Unfortunately worse was still to come, a bit further down the track. I appreciate your review.
Wendy
Comment from Annmuma
There are not enough Wendy's in the world! This post is written with such sincerity and caring that I could not avoid becoming as angry as you must have been. I look forward to the next chapter. ann
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2024
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There are not enough Wendy's in the world! This post is written with such sincerity and caring that I could not avoid becoming as angry as you must have been. I look forward to the next chapter. ann
Comment Written 12-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Ann. I am very touched by your supportive words.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
I'm cheering you on! You were, after all, his real mother in terms of the one who really loved and cared for him. A mother always protects her child. And I can relate to feeling guilty about not giving due attention to one's own child as my youngest was always more demanding and as a result, I couldn't give due attention to the oldest in her time of need. Great chapter and I am guessing that Jonathon's uncle will be called on soon!
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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I'm cheering you on! You were, after all, his real mother in terms of the one who really loved and cared for him. A mother always protects her child. And I can relate to feeling guilty about not giving due attention to one's own child as my youngest was always more demanding and as a result, I couldn't give due attention to the oldest in her time of need. Great chapter and I am guessing that Jonathon's uncle will be called on soon!
Comment Written 12-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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We mothers just do what we can at the time, the best we can. We are stretched pretty thin. Later looking back, we feel guilty at times, but we just did our best, without realising the others' needs sometimes.
Thanks so much for your understanding and supportive review, and also for the wonderful six stars.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
I tumour all government departments work towards the useless or obscure, and I don't think they've ever changed, like government workers are promoted to the state of incompetence, yes,I agree with you, now they've embraced modern technology which isolates even further. Beautifully written, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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I tumour all government departments work towards the useless or obscure, and I don't think they've ever changed, like government workers are promoted to the state of incompetence, yes,I agree with you, now they've embraced modern technology which isolates even further. Beautifully written, blessings Roy
Comment Written 12-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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Thanks Roy. I appreciate your review. Not only useless or obscure, or even incompetent, sometimes just wrong and cruel.
Wendy
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true too
Comment from Jim Wile
Wow, Wendy! What an awful situation Jonathan was landed in and you as well in that you had to actually break the law in the eyes of "the system" to do the right thing for Jonathan. What a horrible position to be in for both of you.
It's almost unbelievable how little understanding, compassion, and caring the different agencies were which, I guess, is often typical of bureaucrats whose main goal is to earn a paycheck, regardless of how. It's a field that requires people at the helm who care, and that doesn't seem to be the case here--just people doing a job.
That you were willing to take on that responsibility again in your weakened condition says a lot about you and your family and how much you cared about Jonathan's welfare, and it emphasizes how little those in charge really did. I'll be anxious to see how that situation got resolved, if it ever did. I just know, though, that Jonathan couldn't have had a better advocate than you fighting for him.
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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Wow, Wendy! What an awful situation Jonathan was landed in and you as well in that you had to actually break the law in the eyes of "the system" to do the right thing for Jonathan. What a horrible position to be in for both of you.
It's almost unbelievable how little understanding, compassion, and caring the different agencies were which, I guess, is often typical of bureaucrats whose main goal is to earn a paycheck, regardless of how. It's a field that requires people at the helm who care, and that doesn't seem to be the case here--just people doing a job.
That you were willing to take on that responsibility again in your weakened condition says a lot about you and your family and how much you cared about Jonathan's welfare, and it emphasizes how little those in charge really did. I'll be anxious to see how that situation got resolved, if it ever did. I just know, though, that Jonathan couldn't have had a better advocate than you fighting for him.
Comment Written 12-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Jim. I appreciate again your understanding, compassion, and insights. Yes, it was very stressful indeed. I'll post the next chapter very soon.
Wendy
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
Wait, so what was the ending? I know the ending of this, but what happened after you took him home? I guess the real question is where is he now? Such a sad life but it sounds like you helped give him a voice and feel loved. I can't imagine not being able to communicate and take care of myself and be tossed around like that. You did great with this.
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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Wait, so what was the ending? I know the ending of this, but what happened after you took him home? I guess the real question is where is he now? Such a sad life but it sounds like you helped give him a voice and feel loved. I can't imagine not being able to communicate and take care of myself and be tossed around like that. You did great with this.
Comment Written 11-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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Next chapter tomorrow ... ! Thank you for reading and reviewing, and I appreciate your thoughtful review - and I am glad you want to know more. There are lots more chapters (each self- contained) to come as there is a big, and quite unique, story to unfold yet. I hope you'll continue reading.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
How can I not give you six stars for this post. This is an amazing story, Wendy. You have certainly left the reader anxious for the next installment.
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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How can I not give you six stars for this post. This is an amazing story, Wendy. You have certainly left the reader anxious for the next installment.
Comment Written 11-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
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Thank you Paul. I value the six stars highly, and count them as a validation of the need to tell his complex and difficult story. Much appreciated.
Wendy