Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 29 "Finale!"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
30 total reviews
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
Congratulations on your book! And congratulations on the recognition it has received. It's well deserving! Your writing shows that the challenges Jonathan has faced, from his health struggles to the limitations imposed by his disabilities, are met with determination by both him and your family. Your unwavering commitment to Jonathan's well being are so clear. Your advocacy for his needs within the disability service system is truly commendable. Through your words, Jonathan emerges as a beacon of courage, teaching those around him lessons about love, perseverance, and the beauty found in life's simple pleasures. Despite the hardships and setbacks, your family seems to remain steadfast in their dedication to Jonathan's happiness and quality of life. It shows the true true meaning of unconditional love. Congratulations again!
reply by the author on 19-May-2024
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Congratulations on your book! And congratulations on the recognition it has received. It's well deserving! Your writing shows that the challenges Jonathan has faced, from his health struggles to the limitations imposed by his disabilities, are met with determination by both him and your family. Your unwavering commitment to Jonathan's well being are so clear. Your advocacy for his needs within the disability service system is truly commendable. Through your words, Jonathan emerges as a beacon of courage, teaching those around him lessons about love, perseverance, and the beauty found in life's simple pleasures. Despite the hardships and setbacks, your family seems to remain steadfast in their dedication to Jonathan's happiness and quality of life. It shows the true true meaning of unconditional love. Congratulations again!
Comment Written 19-May-2024
reply by the author on 19-May-2024
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Thank you so much Michael - for all your lovely comments and for the six stars - much valued.
(I had to repost it as I have applied for a seal of quality for the whole book. I hope I have done it correctly and not just done it for one chapter.)
Thank you again.
Wendy
Comment from Ginda Simpson
Oh, Wendy, first of all your writing is so beautiful, reflecting not just a talent for writing, but your gift for loving as Christ loves. Really, this needs to be a book, so that you can share Jonathan's story with a world that desperately needs to learn from what you have learned through your selfless love and advocacy for this young man. God bless you. For your title, Jonathan's Story seems like a strong enough title, but probably needs a subtitle and I will be thinking on that. There are not enough stars for this piece, but I am glad it has received the recognition it deserves.
reply by the author on 01-May-2024
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Oh, Wendy, first of all your writing is so beautiful, reflecting not just a talent for writing, but your gift for loving as Christ loves. Really, this needs to be a book, so that you can share Jonathan's story with a world that desperately needs to learn from what you have learned through your selfless love and advocacy for this young man. God bless you. For your title, Jonathan's Story seems like a strong enough title, but probably needs a subtitle and I will be thinking on that. There are not enough stars for this piece, but I am glad it has received the recognition it deserves.
Comment Written 01-May-2024
reply by the author on 01-May-2024
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Thank you very much for this outstanding review, especially as it has expired. I am now considering "Challenge Accepted (Jonathan?s Story) and the challenges are both his and ours as our lives intersected. Last night I sent the whole thing to a publisher, but they only accept 1 to 2 percent of submissions they receive. I am praying for acceptance if that is God?s will.
Many thanks again. Your review was extremely encouraging.
Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
I don't know how I missed this chapter when you initially posted it. When I read the title, my heart dropped. As I read, I expected your description of the end. Fortunately, the title refers to your book's finale.
This entire project has been one of love, adventure, heartbreak, perseverance, and triumph. You especially, and your family have gone above and beyond anything caring people would ever have been asked to do.
In my opinion, "Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story," tells the entire story, including the name of the main person. You can tell he struggled and survived. However, "Battling the Odds: A Different Life," generates questions. What was the battle? How was life different?
I wish you every success with the publishing of this book. It demonstrates the strength of the human body and the determination and resolve of a very brave young man, who had love and support to encourage him.
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2024
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I don't know how I missed this chapter when you initially posted it. When I read the title, my heart dropped. As I read, I expected your description of the end. Fortunately, the title refers to your book's finale.
This entire project has been one of love, adventure, heartbreak, perseverance, and triumph. You especially, and your family have gone above and beyond anything caring people would ever have been asked to do.
In my opinion, "Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story," tells the entire story, including the name of the main person. You can tell he struggled and survived. However, "Battling the Odds: A Different Life," generates questions. What was the battle? How was life different?
I wish you every success with the publishing of this book. It demonstrates the strength of the human body and the determination and resolve of a very brave young man, who had love and support to encourage him.
Comment Written 24-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 24-Apr-2024
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Thank you so very much for reading and taking the time to give this wonderful review. I am particularly grateful for two things - you reviewed, even though it had expired and you only received two miserable cents, and also for the support and encouragement of six stars. I?m truly thankful! Both are very meaningful and valued.
Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
That has to be a big plus, Wendy, thefact that the new CEO has asked for your advice on upskilling staff. You've written this beautifully using the different forms of music to display emotions. I rather like the - Battling the odds. A different life - title. Good luck with the rest of this project,
valda
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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That has to be a big plus, Wendy, thefact that the new CEO has asked for your advice on upskilling staff. You've written this beautifully using the different forms of music to display emotions. I rather like the - Battling the odds. A different life - title. Good luck with the rest of this project,
valda
Comment Written 16-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Thank you very much Valda, for your lovely words and also for the six stars. Very encouraging to receive this honour! I appreciate that you have continued to read this story with interest and support. Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from Spitfire
' Yet while he can still give and receive love, that is probably enough for a meaningful life .... Isn't that enough, for all of us?'
What a lovely thought. What I especially liked in this post is the list of cooking smells Jonathan would miss. Also the extended metaphor of his life compared to an orchestra. Excellent list of what you learned during the years helping Jonathan.
The title of a book is so important as is the blurb. You might write this next to help figure out a title. What comes to my mind is something like 'Strength in Weakness'. Have you thought about contacting a publisher who deals with Christian literature?
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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' Yet while he can still give and receive love, that is probably enough for a meaningful life .... Isn't that enough, for all of us?'
What a lovely thought. What I especially liked in this post is the list of cooking smells Jonathan would miss. Also the extended metaphor of his life compared to an orchestra. Excellent list of what you learned during the years helping Jonathan.
The title of a book is so important as is the blurb. You might write this next to help figure out a title. What comes to my mind is something like 'Strength in Weakness'. Have you thought about contacting a publisher who deals with Christian literature?
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Thank you for the lovely review! I appreciate your following this story, and you are right about the title. I hadn?t thought about a Christian publisher, but will definitely give it some thought. Thanks for the idea. I?ll check it out soon.
Wendy
Comment from Mrs. KT
Hello, Wendy,
First of all, my apologies for not being able to religiously review your exceptionally well-crafted offerings these past two weeks, but you know the reason why.
Secondly, I surely hope that you forge ahead and publish "Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story," for it is a triumph of courage and abiding love.
If I was to offer any suggestion, it would be to revisit the verb tenses used in this section changing them from past and past-perfect to present perfect:
Yes. I found myself not only teaching and mothering, but simultaneously being an advocate for a disabled person.
I found that step by step I had (have) moved into the small intersection of five powerful circles, the worlds of fostering, disability, government departments, the medical world, and disability services.
I became therefore not only a teacher and mother, but a learner. I learned much from all these systems, and I learned compassion for those whose lives are daily caught up in them. I learned to care too for others who are overwhelmed by their own powerlessness and lack of control over difficult circumstances, not of their own choosing.
I (have) learned from Jonathan, who was himself a teacher. We all did.(have).
Without words he (has) demonstrated courage, and what daily perseverance is, and through him we (have) learned how to love without expecting anything in return. In so doing, we (have) caught a glimpse of unconditional love.
He (has) taught us how to take time to find pleasure in simple things, the beauty of nature, the freshness of a breeze, the warmth of sunshine, the scent of flowers, the power of music to soothe or uplift.
He (has) taught us to be mindful and respectful of the human body, to cherish, and be thankful and grateful for, the miracle of normal human growth and development - because we became increasingly aware of how complex our bodies and minds are, how intricate - and how fragile. He (has)taught us so much. Without a word he (has)improved the medical understanding of hospital staff.
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I offer the above suggestions because Jonathan is still alive, still vibrant, still contributing...
Hoping I have not offended.
So very much enjoyed.
So very honored to know you, Wendy, and call you "friend."
Fondly,
diane
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Hello, Wendy,
First of all, my apologies for not being able to religiously review your exceptionally well-crafted offerings these past two weeks, but you know the reason why.
Secondly, I surely hope that you forge ahead and publish "Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story," for it is a triumph of courage and abiding love.
If I was to offer any suggestion, it would be to revisit the verb tenses used in this section changing them from past and past-perfect to present perfect:
Yes. I found myself not only teaching and mothering, but simultaneously being an advocate for a disabled person.
I found that step by step I had (have) moved into the small intersection of five powerful circles, the worlds of fostering, disability, government departments, the medical world, and disability services.
I became therefore not only a teacher and mother, but a learner. I learned much from all these systems, and I learned compassion for those whose lives are daily caught up in them. I learned to care too for others who are overwhelmed by their own powerlessness and lack of control over difficult circumstances, not of their own choosing.
I (have) learned from Jonathan, who was himself a teacher. We all did.(have).
Without words he (has) demonstrated courage, and what daily perseverance is, and through him we (have) learned how to love without expecting anything in return. In so doing, we (have) caught a glimpse of unconditional love.
He (has) taught us how to take time to find pleasure in simple things, the beauty of nature, the freshness of a breeze, the warmth of sunshine, the scent of flowers, the power of music to soothe or uplift.
He (has) taught us to be mindful and respectful of the human body, to cherish, and be thankful and grateful for, the miracle of normal human growth and development - because we became increasingly aware of how complex our bodies and minds are, how intricate - and how fragile. He (has)taught us so much. Without a word he (has)improved the medical understanding of hospital staff.
***
I offer the above suggestions because Jonathan is still alive, still vibrant, still contributing...
Hoping I have not offended.
So very much enjoyed.
So very honored to know you, Wendy, and call you "friend."
Fondly,
diane
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Thank you so very much for this brilliant review, Diane, and tomorrow afternoon I will look very closely at your suggestions. I?ve had three little ones all day (another story will doubtless result) so am quite exhausted right now, and I know I would make errors. Instinct tells me at first glance that you are right. And no, I am definitely not offended; I value suggestions like yours, regarding the actual writing techniques. You have obviously put thought into them, and it does seem like his life is over, the way I have written it, not just that the book has finished. Many thanks, and much appreciation!
Wendy
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And thank you too for the six stars. I so greatly appreciate your support and encouragement.
Wendy
Comment from Mintybee
I've been following these stories, and I'm impressed with your courage, strength, determination, kindness and vigilance. Thanks for sharing your story, as we can all learn from it.
Mintybee
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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I've been following these stories, and I'm impressed with your courage, strength, determination, kindness and vigilance. Thanks for sharing your story, as we can all learn from it.
Mintybee
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Mintybee. I have appreciated your constant support and encouraging thoughts here, and all along the way. Not an easy write, but I am glad now to have done it.
Thanks again!
Wendy
Comment from Brett Matthew West
A good thing he did not contract a severe case of Covid and recovered quickly.
You do what you can do. That is all one can do for somebody else.
A meaningful life. What more can one long for?
May be a good thing the CEO was canned.
Cut costs, lose quality of care. Normal result of such activities.
Not often input asked for in situations like this one.
"Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story," as well as the overall tone of this piece, the title, and the last paragraph, all indicate he died.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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A good thing he did not contract a severe case of Covid and recovered quickly.
You do what you can do. That is all one can do for somebody else.
A meaningful life. What more can one long for?
May be a good thing the CEO was canned.
Cut costs, lose quality of care. Normal result of such activities.
Not often input asked for in situations like this one.
"Unlikely Survivor: Jonathan's Story," as well as the overall tone of this piece, the title, and the last paragraph, all indicate he died.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Thank you Brett for a thoughtful review and for your thoughts on the title. Both are much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
What a wonderful way you have summarized your life as teacher, mother, care-giver, and advocate. Through your writing, the impact of Jonathan's life will be felt by all he has touched for years to come. An additional title to think about: Jonathan - a Life That Matters (Mattered, if published posthumously), but my favorite of the ones you listed is the first one. May God's blessings be yours and your families for your love and sacrifices through the years.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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What a wonderful way you have summarized your life as teacher, mother, care-giver, and advocate. Through your writing, the impact of Jonathan's life will be felt by all he has touched for years to come. An additional title to think about: Jonathan - a Life That Matters (Mattered, if published posthumously), but my favorite of the ones you listed is the first one. May God's blessings be yours and your families for your love and sacrifices through the years.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Thank you so very much, Verna, for this lovely review, and for confusing to read throughout. I greatly appreciate the six stars also. And I like your title suggestion, and have added it to my list. Thank you for that as well. So many possibilities!
Wendy
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I meant ?continuing to review?. Sorry!
Comment from jmdg1954
Wendy, this is an incredible final chapter to this book, but not to the life of this courageous young man and the family that loved and cared for him as their own son, brother and friend.
I hope and pray for the publication as this is important for the world to know and understand that in their own way, these handicapped individuals have life, feelings and emotions.
You have brought that aspect back to me as I now look at these souls and families differently then I ever did before. Thank you for making me a better person!
God bless you all.
John
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Wendy, this is an incredible final chapter to this book, but not to the life of this courageous young man and the family that loved and cared for him as their own son, brother and friend.
I hope and pray for the publication as this is important for the world to know and understand that in their own way, these handicapped individuals have life, feelings and emotions.
You have brought that aspect back to me as I now look at these souls and families differently then I ever did before. Thank you for making me a better person!
God bless you all.
John
Comment Written 15-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
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Wow, John, this is an amazing review, and I thank you so much for your support and encouragement throughout. Also for the incredible six stars. So much appreciated. If the attitudes of even a few people have changed, then a goal has been achieved. I am very thankful for your words.
Wendy