Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 14 "An institution? Yes or no?"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
28 total reviews
Comment from Brett Matthew West
On the surface the place seemed it met your expectations. However, most things that appear that way are not.
When one has a sense of foreboding about something that feeling is not usually wrong...unfortunately.
reply by the author on 29-Feb-2024
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On the surface the place seemed it met your expectations. However, most things that appear that way are not.
When one has a sense of foreboding about something that feeling is not usually wrong...unfortunately.
Comment Written 29-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 29-Feb-2024
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For the first year or so, all went well. A lot of issues followed, although his Day program remained excellent. Thanks so much for reviewing (especially an expired piece.) Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Because you are a good momma, silly. We think we need to be everything, and do everything. we have to be always prepared. It never lets up. My kids are healthy and grown, but I still worry. Good writing. Karen
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Because you are a good momma, silly. We think we need to be everything, and do everything. we have to be always prepared. It never lets up. My kids are healthy and grown, but I still worry. Good writing. Karen
Comment Written 21-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Thank you for reviewing, I appreciate it. It is a bit different, however, when one's concern is for a severely disabled person who is vulnerable because he is non-verbal, and can do nothing for himself.
Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from jmdg1954
Wendy.
As I'm reading this post, everything sounded like you as his mother would want for him in the next stage of his life.
Also, as I'm reading this, I am waiting for the shoe to drop and find that all is not as well as advertised, either within the confines of the actual housing facility or some government change.
I guess I'll have to wait to find out. Hopefully I am wrong!
John
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Wendy.
As I'm reading this post, everything sounded like you as his mother would want for him in the next stage of his life.
Also, as I'm reading this, I am waiting for the shoe to drop and find that all is not as well as advertised, either within the confines of the actual housing facility or some government change.
I guess I'll have to wait to find out. Hopefully I am wrong!
John
Comment Written 21-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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It would be lovely if you were wrong! Unfortunately life does throw up diffivculties, and it might be a bumpy ride. Many thanks for reviewing. I always appreciate it.
Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
The institution, as well as the group home setting sounds well thought out and beautiful. If things went as well as was described to you, Jonathan would be in his happy place and you could relax. But mothers feel, sense, and know things. I hope Jonathan is as well cared for as it sounds.
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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The institution, as well as the group home setting sounds well thought out and beautiful. If things went as well as was described to you, Jonathan would be in his happy place and you could relax. But mothers feel, sense, and know things. I hope Jonathan is as well cared for as it sounds.
Comment Written 20-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much. Yes, that's what we thought and hoped for, but mothers do have a sixth sense and I knew that life would have a way of continuing the roller-coater ride. Lovely review.
Wendy
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Wendy,
I can understand your concern for Jonathan. Things appear to be going well, but you're waiting for the phone to ring, aren't you? Is it too good to be true?
I have a friend who lives way up in the country. He built his own log cabin back in the mid-70s, and it has held together very well. He built his home with the logs lined up vertically. They had 2 sons. The oldest became a teacher. But the youngest has "issues". I often wonder what they will do with him when they get older. They're now in their early 70s.
With your last line, "Why then did I have this inexplicable sense of foreboding?" ... I think there may be more to this story.
Nicely penned!
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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Hi Wendy,
I can understand your concern for Jonathan. Things appear to be going well, but you're waiting for the phone to ring, aren't you? Is it too good to be true?
I have a friend who lives way up in the country. He built his own log cabin back in the mid-70s, and it has held together very well. He built his home with the logs lined up vertically. They had 2 sons. The oldest became a teacher. But the youngest has "issues". I often wonder what they will do with him when they get older. They're now in their early 70s.
With your last line, "Why then did I have this inexplicable sense of foreboding?" ... I think there may be more to this story.
Nicely penned!
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 20-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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It is a huge problem for parents of people with complex disabilities. What becomes of them when the parents are too old to manage? No one else really understands them, and there are so few appropriate places for them. Yes, there is a lot more to come, and I hope you will continue with me! I appreciate your very thoughtful review.
Wendy
Comment from Sarah Tummey
I can understand your sense of unease and will wait to read how it all played out. I've never lived in a group home, but was at a boarding-school for the blind for several years that looked very good to outsiders, but while they taught academically, there was very little support emotionally and people weren't well cared-for.
I'm so glad Jonathan had someone like you to speak up for him, and I love your commitment.
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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I can understand your sense of unease and will wait to read how it all played out. I've never lived in a group home, but was at a boarding-school for the blind for several years that looked very good to outsiders, but while they taught academically, there was very little support emotionally and people weren't well cared-for.
I'm so glad Jonathan had someone like you to speak up for him, and I love your commitment.
Comment Written 20-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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Thank you again Sarah. You understand perfectly, and as you will soon see, one never knows what goes on behind closed doors. Thank you for your ongoing support. It is greatly appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from kahpot
Your emotions are so very well portrayed to the reader, to do the right thing by/for Jonathon must be a huge decision, and the concern you have for both Jonathon and your own well-being is so very admirable, and deciding where your foreboding lies, has to be a huge decision, an excellent read****kahpot
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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Your emotions are so very well portrayed to the reader, to do the right thing by/for Jonathon must be a huge decision, and the concern you have for both Jonathon and your own well-being is so very admirable, and deciding where your foreboding lies, has to be a huge decision, an excellent read****kahpot
Comment Written 20-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Kahpot. A lovely review, greatly valued. I hope you?ll continue to read and enjoy future developments.
Wendy
Comment from Pearl Edwards
This 'institution home' seemed to have thought of everything with what sounds like great support both physicallly and mentally so I don't understand why the government would shut it down, and it sounds like Jonathon was happy on his afternoon visit. Sometimes we do get a sense of what's to come, as you did.
Another well written chapter, Wendy.
valda
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2024
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This 'institution home' seemed to have thought of everything with what sounds like great support both physicallly and mentally so I don't understand why the government would shut it down, and it sounds like Jonathon was happy on his afternoon visit. Sometimes we do get a sense of what's to come, as you did.
Another well written chapter, Wendy.
valda
Comment Written 19-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2024
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They closed down all places which could be perceived as institutional care, even for those with mental illness. The outcome for them was dreadful, with many left homeless, as there were not enough suitable places for them. Just because the places were institutions doesn?t mean they should have been closed down, and certainly not without adequate planning and preparation. Many thanks for your very thoughtful review.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
It sounds so ideal and more than any one mother could do for Jonathon. I liked how much thought they put into the nutrition, social needs, and sensory needs that this "institution" had. I wonder how the transition to "group homes" would be handled. I'm sure your motherly instincts had something to do with the sense of "foreboding."
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2024
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It sounds so ideal and more than any one mother could do for Jonathon. I liked how much thought they put into the nutrition, social needs, and sensory needs that this "institution" had. I wonder how the transition to "group homes" would be handled. I'm sure your motherly instincts had something to do with the sense of "foreboding."
Comment Written 19-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Helen. Lovely response to the chapter. Yes, everything was well thought through and they worked as an effective team. It was a good beginning.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
It certainly does seem like a perfect fit for Jonathan and all of his support people. Sounds like all the bases were covered with all of his needs met. What could go wrong?
Yet, you felt it was all too good to be true, and life usually had a way of throwing a curveball or two (baseball terms for a sticky wicket!). I hope your suspicions were unfounded, but your instincts were usually pretty good, so I fear the worst. Let's hope whatever it is wasn't insolvable. - Jim
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2024
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It certainly does seem like a perfect fit for Jonathan and all of his support people. Sounds like all the bases were covered with all of his needs met. What could go wrong?
Yet, you felt it was all too good to be true, and life usually had a way of throwing a curveball or two (baseball terms for a sticky wicket!). I hope your suspicions were unfounded, but your instincts were usually pretty good, so I fear the worst. Let's hope whatever it is wasn't insolvable. - Jim
Comment Written 19-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Jim. You will see, in a few chapters ?. I value your ongoing support.
Wendy