Reviews from

Love and Loss

Viewing comments for Chapter 14 "Limitless"
NaPoWriMo April Poetry Contest

40 total reviews 
Comment from Ginda Simpson
Excellent
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Dear Jessica,
This poem you have written for and about your daughter resonates with me as my husband also meets his challenges head-on with a demanding physical routine to slow the progression of PSP, a rare neurodegenerative disease with no cure. I know you cheer your exceptionally brave daughter on as I do my husband. Your poem is so beautiful and reflects her inner strength and yours. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Ginda thank you so much for your words of encouragement and kindness. I appreciate you sharing your husbands struggle with me, as I know it is your struggle, too. Sending prayers right back!
    Jessica
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Hi Jessica, I'm so sorry to hear this. But you seem to be quite optimistic, something your daughter, Camryn will certainly need. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Children are surprisingly resilient and Camryn is no exception.Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Thank you, Ulla. That means so much to me!!
    Xo
    Jessica
Comment from Jumbo J
Excellent
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Hi Jessica,
of course after reading your notes your words are magnified to a greater height in knowing their meaning to the fullest degree.

But in saying that, the joy I read within each line has the positive attitude that move mountains... and yes, catch butterflies.
The construction, composition, format and visual were on point...a beautiful presentation.

The beautiful flow and rhyme allow the story of the poem to shine.

I thank you for adding in your notes the challenges your daughter Camryn and you/your family must tackle. I can just imagine the inspiration Camryn gives you with her determination and resilience.

My best friend's daughter also has this rare diagnosis and Grace is a beautiful loving human being. This year she started at a public school with her younger brother Ocean for the first time... she turns nine this year. Like you, her mother and father have jumped through some big hoops with countless hours of speech and occupational therapy.

Knowing little Gracie the way I do with the same determination shown by Camryn, both Camryn and Gracie will succeed in all they wish to tackle. Good'on'ya Mom my best wishes to you float on the air to their desired destiny.

All the very best wishes for the contest also.

With our thoughts we create...
strategies for fulfilment.

Kindest regards,
James.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    James, I have to tell you- I have been hesitant to share about Camryn's situation before. I can't explain why I felt that way, especially since I am immensely proud of her and her story is my story. However, your encouraging words have dispelled any doubts I had about sharing. Your kindness provides a sense of support that we often forget we need. I appreciate you sharing the situation with little Gracie as well. It seems that she has a remarkable support system from her family and, evidently, close family friends. Thank you for your words, they go further than you know. Prayers for Grace!
    Xo
    Jessica
reply by Jumbo J on 22-Apr-2023
    Jessica, I understand your hesitancy... just knowing the nature of certain judgment could be a driving factor... but if Camryn's anything like Gracie, I know just how sweet, loving and caring she is. My friends... well, my family, Jason, Eva went years without diagnosis to why their little girl wasn't communicating or progressing like other children her age... it had the autistic blanket thrown other her. My heart swells every time I am in Gracie's presence... some may call her condition a disability... me, I call it an ability to acheive what mere mortals will never be able to acheive. Prayers back ten fold for both Camryn and you, Jessica. I'm so glad you shared this poem and story here, I as one, feel honoured and blessed to know the journey that takes certain humans to greater heights. Mentally, physically and very much, spiritually.
    James. vx's
reply by the author on 23-Apr-2023
    James, your words have once again moved me to tears! If your writing in reviews and replies can evoke such emotions, I am eager to explore your portfolio! Your sincerity is truly appreciated, and I cannot thank you enough for sharing Gracie's story with me.

    My heart goes out to your friends-turned-family, with understanding and empathy. It is a difficult condition to diagnose- however, beyond frustrating that due to minor similarities, it is often dismissively thrown onto spectrums of other categories. I can feel your love and admiration for your friend's daughter in every word. And as a parent who sees her daughter thriving with confidence from the extended support outside of our home, please know that your friendship is undoubtedly everything to them. I haven't come across many individuals, especially parents, who have firsthand experience with dyspraxia. Finding support has been a challenge, but your words have truly provided me with a sense of comfort. I am deeply grateful for the time you have invested in connecting with me.
Comment from Ricky1024
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Life treats us all differently.
Back around the Winter of 1983.
My step daughter Nichole, on a trip to Disney world.
Came down with a mysterious bruising and quite confusing!
What happened to her is a unusual bleeding disorder.
"HS Pererpara"
An idiopathic disease.
Sometimes they will bleed out their ears and nose.
No cure, no treatment.
In severe cause they will remove the spleen.
Nikki only had the severe bruising a bleeding under the skin.
..
We returned right away to New Jersey in the most severe snow storm that the state of Virginia had ever seen.
We took her the children's hospital in Philadelphia where she would spend a week and lose about 10 lb of weight.
He was only 42 lb to start at age 8 or 7.
...
Today she's a healthy 46-year-old woman never to be married.
Working in a home for mentally ill adults.
Thanks for sharing this and your story.
I'm sure things will eventually work out wonderfully and good luck with your contest entry.
Doctor Ricky 1024

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    I am so moved, once again by your words and your story! As soon as I saw the words, healthy, 46 year old I felt relief and couldn't stop smiling. Thank you for sharing your story and for your kind words about Camryn.
    Jessica
Comment from John Ciarmello
Excellent
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Jessica,

"Limitless" is a beautiful tribute to Camryn. She appears to be a brave girl, and I've always believed that if an afflicted person recognizes their particular fight of life, they will win the everyday battle.

Her drive may not be curative, but certainly, she is among the vanquished.

Your poetry is always so beautiful. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    John, your words are always uplifting and full of wisdom. Thank you, it means more than you could know!
    Jessica
Comment from Eleri
Excellent
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I love this poem. It is simple and yet very effective in its description of childhood with dyspraxia. The rhyming works well and the poem has a clear rhythm. Good luck with it
Eleri

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Thank you so much, I appreciate your feedback and kind words!!
    Jessica
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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Love the artwork - is it yours? Love the sweet and positive poem as well, and i am sure she will maximze her potential with her attitude of determination and resilience, and with your help. How old is Camryn? I am about to look up the disease so I understand better. Well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Wendy, thank you so much!! The beautiful artwork is not mine, but I am in awe of it- and it fits Camryn just so well! Camryn is six years old, and she was diagnosed at age 5, which is the earliest age one can be diagnosed- due to motor development variations in children early on. We are fortunate to have her diagnosis and plan in place at such a young age, as many children are unfortunately diagnosed much later in life, after struggling mentally, physically, and emotionally through the disorder with no remedy. Part of the frustration with dyspraxia is that the misfire from the brain to body is so different among children. It could be difficult to know when they are young what their specific "misfires" are. For example, some children might run, jump and climb perfectly normal, however will never be able to tie their shoes. Camryn has trouble with both fine and gross motor, but her fine motor has improved significantly ? beyond her doctors expectations in fact. And her gross motor will be a challenge she faces throughout life.

    Thank you again for your words of encouragement and appreciated interest, Wendy.
    Xo
    Jessica
Comment from ~Dovey
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Jessica,

A six for you and your daughter, for the positivity displayed, inspiring actions, and beautiful words. Wonderful presentation.

Good luck in the contest and wishing your family well!

Kim

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Kim thank you so much. I'm honored by the stars, and even more so by your words.
    Xo
    Jessica
Comment from Joanne Gill-Maddick
Excellent
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This is a nicely written poem. It has a great flow and rhyme Beautiful photo to compliment your words. Very nicely done. Good luck in the contest. Your daughter sounds very strong and brave.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Thank you so much. Means the world. Xo
    Jessica
reply by Joanne Gill-Maddick on 22-Apr-2023
    Your so welcome
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
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-Lovely artwork and nice presentation, Jessica.
-Your notes are appreciated, and I am sorry about
your daughter, but it sounds like she is a determined girl,
and that should be a bonus in her years to come.
-I like the two couplets, one about her fears and
watching "them clear from summer skies."
-A very good second verse about chasing dreams and butterflies.
-Thanks for sharing this and good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2023


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2023
    Thank you, Pam, for your valued feedback and kind words!
    Xo
    Jessica
reply by Pam (respa) on 22-Apr-2023
    You are very welcome, Jessica.