The exchange
The ultimate gift ...26 total reviews
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That was really lovely. We all want to be there to say goodbye and know that our loved one knew we all loved him/her. This is such a lovely Christmas story, and I wish you the best of luck in the contest! :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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That was really lovely. We all want to be there to say goodbye and know that our loved one knew we all loved him/her. This is such a lovely Christmas story, and I wish you the best of luck in the contest! :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 08-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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hank you very much Sandra. I appreciate your lovely and supportive review and good wishes.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
That's the best kind of Christmas story - one where someone actually believes in Jesus, the whole reason why He came down to Earth in the first place to redeem each one of us. Best wishes in the contest!
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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That's the best kind of Christmas story - one where someone actually believes in Jesus, the whole reason why He came down to Earth in the first place to redeem each one of us. Best wishes in the contest!
Comment Written 08-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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Thank you Helen. I am so happy to read your review. Sometimes I think that Christians have lost the true meaning too, and just follow the rest of the Santa following majority. Too hard to be different.
While part was fiction, it is true that I lost my father on Christmas Eve, and that was the prayer I prayed. I do believe that he understood and trusted Jesus (in his old age).
Wendy
Comment from Mary Shifman
This was a sweet story and I was touched by it. He died peacefully just as we all hope for when the time comes. It reminds me of my father's death some years ago. He died on Christmas Day when he laid down for a nap. He never wanted to die in the hospital and he didn't want to die in the spring so he got exactly what he wanted. I have a feeling that this gentleman did, as well.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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This was a sweet story and I was touched by it. He died peacefully just as we all hope for when the time comes. It reminds me of my father's death some years ago. He died on Christmas Day when he laid down for a nap. He never wanted to die in the hospital and he didn't want to die in the spring so he got exactly what he wanted. I have a feeling that this gentleman did, as well.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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Thank you Mary for your sensitive and thoughtful review. Some of the story is fiction, but my father died on Christmas Eve in the arms of his nurse, in hospital. Interestingly that was the best place for him, as he didn't want to die alone, but didn't want his family to watch him die either. I appreciate your review.
Wendy
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You are so welcome.
Comment from Kooky Clown
A good fictional story although it had me believing that it was factual and after having read it had to check that fact as I found it very moving and heart warming with a pleasant ending. Well done and thanks for sharing. I enjoyed it very much.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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A good fictional story although it had me believing that it was factual and after having read it had to check that fact as I found it very moving and heart warming with a pleasant ending. Well done and thanks for sharing. I enjoyed it very much.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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Thank you very much. I appreciate your thoughtful reading. I did lose my father on Christmas Eve a few years ago - that bit is fact. So glad you enjoyed the story and were moved by it.
Wendy
Comment from Annmuma
Well written and perfect for the Holiday Season. Meets all contest requirements and it tugged at my heart strings a bit. The story of losing a loved one from this earthly realm -- real or imagined- is a real reminder how precious every day and especially Holidays are in relationships. Good luck in the contest. ann
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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Well written and perfect for the Holiday Season. Meets all contest requirements and it tugged at my heart strings a bit. The story of losing a loved one from this earthly realm -- real or imagined- is a real reminder how precious every day and especially Holidays are in relationships. Good luck in the contest. ann
Comment Written 07-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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Thank you very much Ann. I appreciate your lovely review. (I did lose my father on Christmas Eve, but some of the rest of the story is fiction.) Thanks you too for the good wishes.
Wendy
Comment from Hitcher
I believe I have been rather fortunate in life thus far. I have witnessed/ been in the room when my wife's grandmother and father passed away. My wife holding both their hands as they left this world. The love and raw emotions in the room are something special and something you will never forget : )) Excellent story as always Wendy !
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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I believe I have been rather fortunate in life thus far. I have witnessed/ been in the room when my wife's grandmother and father passed away. My wife holding both their hands as they left this world. The love and raw emotions in the room are something special and something you will never forget : )) Excellent story as always Wendy !
Comment Written 07-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and supportive words. Greatly appreciated. It is a privilege to be with loved ones as they depart this earth. A very emotional experience for sure.
Wendy
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Wish I had a six left. This one should be in a religious magazine or publication. Very heartwarming and heartfelt. Nothing but positive vibes with this one, Wendy.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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Wish I had a six left. This one should be in a religious magazine or publication. Very heartwarming and heartfelt. Nothing but positive vibes with this one, Wendy.
Comment Written 06-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2021
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Thanks so much for your very supportive comments. I do appreciate it a lot.
Wendy
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Wonderful story. Heartwarming and poignant--the prayers ring true to circumstances--lovely final words of comfort. Brilliant ending about the heavenly exchange!
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Wonderful story. Heartwarming and poignant--the prayers ring true to circumstances--lovely final words of comfort. Brilliant ending about the heavenly exchange!
Comment Written 06-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you Liz. Encouraging review. Fiction, but based on fact. My father died on Christmas Eve, so Christmas is always a bit of a roller-coaster of emotions
Wendy.
Comment from Tina Crute
Your story is so well-rounded and complete. I like the sequence of events, how you describe everything as it relates to your wishes that are all about your dad. Christmas wishes are usually selfish, but not here. This story belongs in a Christian publication:)
Tina
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Your story is so well-rounded and complete. I like the sequence of events, how you describe everything as it relates to your wishes that are all about your dad. Christmas wishes are usually selfish, but not here. This story belongs in a Christian publication:)
Tina
Comment Written 06-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Oh Tina, what a lovely review. Many thanks! I do appreciate your encouragement.
Wendy
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You deserved every word. I loved the structure as much as the story, It was just well done!
Tina
Comment from robyn corum
Wendy,
You have labeled this as fiction, but it certainly reads as a true and heartbreaking story - though it has a wonderful message. The presentation is very nice and one can't imagine a better ending. *smile*
Some notes:
1.) He died in the arms of his nurse as she was helping him.
His last words were, (')Are you my angel?(')"
--> have to set off the individual quote withIN the dialogue
2.) "He died peacefully and gently(,)" she continued.
--> punctuation goes INSIDE the quote marks
3.) It was a strange and solemn Christmas for his family. Happy that Grandpa was safely home, remembering that there was joy in heaven over each new arrival. Yet grieving his loss deeply.
Joyful that the Saviour of the world was being celebrated.
--> several of these are incomplete - consider:
--> It was a strange and solemn Christmas for his family. They were joyful the Saviour of the world was being celebrated and happy Grandpa was safely home, but they grieved his loss deeply. The family members took care to comfort one another with the knowledge heaven rejoiced over Grandpa's arrival.
--> (or some similar)
4.) "Yes(,)" Maria mused again on her flight home
I hope you'll find something helpful in these notes. If only we could ensure that every member of every family could make this same wonderful decision to make it safely home. Hugs-
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Wendy,
You have labeled this as fiction, but it certainly reads as a true and heartbreaking story - though it has a wonderful message. The presentation is very nice and one can't imagine a better ending. *smile*
Some notes:
1.) He died in the arms of his nurse as she was helping him.
His last words were, (')Are you my angel?(')"
--> have to set off the individual quote withIN the dialogue
2.) "He died peacefully and gently(,)" she continued.
--> punctuation goes INSIDE the quote marks
3.) It was a strange and solemn Christmas for his family. Happy that Grandpa was safely home, remembering that there was joy in heaven over each new arrival. Yet grieving his loss deeply.
Joyful that the Saviour of the world was being celebrated.
--> several of these are incomplete - consider:
--> It was a strange and solemn Christmas for his family. They were joyful the Saviour of the world was being celebrated and happy Grandpa was safely home, but they grieved his loss deeply. The family members took care to comfort one another with the knowledge heaven rejoiced over Grandpa's arrival.
--> (or some similar)
4.) "Yes(,)" Maria mused again on her flight home
I hope you'll find something helpful in these notes. If only we could ensure that every member of every family could make this same wonderful decision to make it safely home. Hugs-
Comment Written 06-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thanks so much Robyn for your thoughtful and detailed answer. I don't know how I missed those quote things, and will fix them ASAP (have two little ones here at present so it might take me half an hour, lol!). Appreciate your thoroughness.
Wendy
Thanks again, I have made the changes. Much of the story is true, although some is fiction. I did lose my father on Christmas Eve a few years ago.