Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "A Sense of Belonging"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
23 total reviews
Comment from karenina
I am so pleased that Jonathan not only had the best advocate ever, in you but also that his father visited and stayed involved as he could, before he passed, and especially that you and his mom developed a sisterly relationship...
It's shocking to read he's seventeen at this point in the story already! I could have easily read twice the chapters as you shared his life, his progress, the many challenges that befell you, and how you nobly overcame them!
I will be looking for the next chapter. I can't begin to imagine how separating from one another would affect your family and his vastly improved life.
I'm praying the group home was not a huge letdown, but I fear it may have been!
Karenina
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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I am so pleased that Jonathan not only had the best advocate ever, in you but also that his father visited and stayed involved as he could, before he passed, and especially that you and his mom developed a sisterly relationship...
It's shocking to read he's seventeen at this point in the story already! I could have easily read twice the chapters as you shared his life, his progress, the many challenges that befell you, and how you nobly overcame them!
I will be looking for the next chapter. I can't begin to imagine how separating from one another would affect your family and his vastly improved life.
I'm praying the group home was not a huge letdown, but I fear it may have been!
Karenina
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Yes, there was a lot more that I could have shared, but there is also a lot still to come, so I had to work out how much detail to give, and stick to just a few snippets from my own kids' lives. I also thought people might get bored if I gave every little story. A lot of it was just daily being busy and trying to manage everything.
Thank you so much for your ongoing interest and wonderful support.
Wendy
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You could never be boring! BTW, I just finished your book! I'll have a review posted to Amazon early next week!
Really good!
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You are amazing. Thank you so much!
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I'd post it sooner, but it's Superbowl weekend here...and that means A household of company on Sunday and way too much food prep!
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Enjoy that. It's always good to have family together.
We are celebrating (on Sunday afternoon) two of the three birthdays of my son's girls (one turned eight on Feb 7 and the other turns three on Feb 12. The middle girl has to wait till May.)
Comment from patcelaw
This is beautifully written from a person who has true compassion for Jonathan. I enjoyed listening to it very much. You have explained a lot of things about his birth mother that made me understand why she had a problem to start with. I was a victim of some abuse as a child at home, and it took me a while to understand life, and how to maneuver in it.
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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This is beautifully written from a person who has true compassion for Jonathan. I enjoyed listening to it very much. You have explained a lot of things about his birth mother that made me understand why she had a problem to start with. I was a victim of some abuse as a child at home, and it took me a while to understand life, and how to maneuver in it.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Patricia, and perhaps that is why Jonathan's story resonates with you. I always appreciate your positive and affirming words.
Wendy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I understand how hard it would be to have Jonathan leave your home. He was/is a family member. I know I would struggle with it. I'm glad his mother started feeling more comfortable around you. You are doing a great service writing this down.
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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I understand how hard it would be to have Jonathan leave your home. He was/is a family member. I know I would struggle with it. I'm glad his mother started feeling more comfortable around you. You are doing a great service writing this down.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Thank you Barbara. I feel now that his is a story which must be told. So much needs to be said, and fully revealed.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
Oh, Wendy, this was so well written. I loved the cliff-hanger you left us on, and can hardly wait, although I'm dreading to read the next installment.
Your appraisal of Jonathan's mother was absolutely terrific. It seemed you never thought badly of her, but were always accepting and understanding of where she had come from and how it affected her feelings and decisions. That's a rare talent--to be able to look past the appearance of a self-centered, intolerant mother and instead have the patience to not judge, but to try to discern the reason for her behavior. Your analysis seemed to be spot-on, and it made for a growing and wonderful eventual relationship with her. You are really to be commended for that.
That's one of the themes of my current novel--looking past initial perceptions and trying to determine the truth, and giving people the benefit of the doubt until more is known.
And you probably never even thought negatively of Jonathan's mother, which is amazing enough in the first place.
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Oh, Wendy, this was so well written. I loved the cliff-hanger you left us on, and can hardly wait, although I'm dreading to read the next installment.
Your appraisal of Jonathan's mother was absolutely terrific. It seemed you never thought badly of her, but were always accepting and understanding of where she had come from and how it affected her feelings and decisions. That's a rare talent--to be able to look past the appearance of a self-centered, intolerant mother and instead have the patience to not judge, but to try to discern the reason for her behavior. Your analysis seemed to be spot-on, and it made for a growing and wonderful eventual relationship with her. You are really to be commended for that.
That's one of the themes of my current novel--looking past initial perceptions and trying to determine the truth, and giving people the benefit of the doubt until more is known.
And you probably never even thought negatively of Jonathan's mother, which is amazing enough in the first place.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Thank you Jim. That?s a very insightful review. Yet I don? think she was ever intolerant or selfish. I think she always loved him but just didn?t know what to do, and was offered no support. I think she?d have struggled even with a normal child, as she?d had no role modelling of how to parent. But his complex disabilities plus his manic nighttime behaviour as a young child made everything just impossible. I so much appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement. And I value the six stars enormously. Thank you again.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Your life has been so full and challenged, Wendy, I seem to be in continual admiration here. You may have had some support, (arguable at times I think), but this has been a massive, all-consuming dedication for you. By assuming other responsibilities which obviously would be daunting at the time, they seem, nevertheless, to have dove-tailed into your life's commitment. But, wow, I'm worried what comes next in this critical stage with Jonathan. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. Debbie
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Your life has been so full and challenged, Wendy, I seem to be in continual admiration here. You may have had some support, (arguable at times I think), but this has been a massive, all-consuming dedication for you. By assuming other responsibilities which obviously would be daunting at the time, they seem, nevertheless, to have dove-tailed into your life's commitment. But, wow, I'm worried what comes next in this critical stage with Jonathan. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. Debbie
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Yes, Debbie, you are right. It was all-consuming, and the more years that passed, the more so it became. I am sorry but soon you will be shocked. All my life I wanted to be a writer, but never had enough time to spare, but now I think is the right time and I am making time for it. Fabulous review, as always.
Thanks you so much.
Wendy
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I keep thinking it must be a huge relief and quite cathartic to have the time to write all this. And I bet you're amazing yourself with how you managed over this whole period:) xo
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Actually, you are so right. Looking back, I don't know how I did it. But we are only half way into his story ....
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
I commend you for including Jonathan's mother as part of your family. I'm sure it changed the direction of her life. I like the way you planned carefully for his move.
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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I commend you for including Jonathan's mother as part of your family. I'm sure it changed the direction of her life. I like the way you planned carefully for his move.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Verna for this supportive and understanding review. Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Sounds like you had a lot to deal with including Jonathan, Sheryl, and teaching school.
An interesting read that demonstrates what someone capable can do, as well as someone who knows their limitations can not accomplish.
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Sounds like you had a lot to deal with including Jonathan, Sheryl, and teaching school.
An interesting read that demonstrates what someone capable can do, as well as someone who knows their limitations can not accomplish.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Thank you Brett, and yes, life was always busy. I appreciate your words.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
Wow. I enjoyed reading about the friendship you developed with Sheryl. I can't imagine growing up dreading family interactions. I was blessed with a wonderful, albeit, loud family. This is a fabulous story, I'm sorry for repeating this every time you post but it's so true. Gretchen
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Wow. I enjoyed reading about the friendship you developed with Sheryl. I can't imagine growing up dreading family interactions. I was blessed with a wonderful, albeit, loud family. This is a fabulous story, I'm sorry for repeating this every time you post but it's so true. Gretchen
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Thank you Gretchen. Yes, I thought my own family upbringing was quite dysfunctional, ntil I heard about hers. Super review.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Hmm. I think I missed a couple chapters again! How does this keep happening? I'll go back and get caught up. In the meantime, I really enjoyed this. Seems, though, that it will be the proverbial "quiet before the storm."
I'm so glad his mum was able to become part of your family, too. You're so patient and consistent, I can understand how she would not have been able to resist at least trying. I'm glad she felt comfortable enough finally to embrace that goodness. It can be difficult for people who've known only bad experiences to trust that it's okay to trust "this time." They WANT to get their hopes up and grab that golden ring, but they don't trust that they should.
Anyway, another glorious chapter in this book of which I cannot seem to get enough.
xoxox
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Hmm. I think I missed a couple chapters again! How does this keep happening? I'll go back and get caught up. In the meantime, I really enjoyed this. Seems, though, that it will be the proverbial "quiet before the storm."
I'm so glad his mum was able to become part of your family, too. You're so patient and consistent, I can understand how she would not have been able to resist at least trying. I'm glad she felt comfortable enough finally to embrace that goodness. It can be difficult for people who've known only bad experiences to trust that it's okay to trust "this time." They WANT to get their hopes up and grab that golden ring, but they don't trust that they should.
Anyway, another glorious chapter in this book of which I cannot seem to get enough.
xoxox
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Beautiful and encouraging words. I am so pleased you are enjoying my writing about Jonathan.
Wendy
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Totally loving it!! xoxox
Comment from Begin Again
It's awesome that you had the opportunity to keep Jonathan connected to his birth family and your heart was so open to blending his mother into your family. And taking time to help Jonathan adjust to his new "coming of age" environment was brilliant. Many would not have thought of it. But your last sentence seems ominous.... Definitely a hook for the reader.
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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It's awesome that you had the opportunity to keep Jonathan connected to his birth family and your heart was so open to blending his mother into your family. And taking time to help Jonathan adjust to his new "coming of age" environment was brilliant. Many would not have thought of it. But your last sentence seems ominous.... Definitely a hook for the reader.
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 08-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
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Thanks Carol. I am sure you will understand when you read the next chapter as you know from your own experience how hard I found this experience. appreciate your reviews very much.
Wendy
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Always there with you!