The Shadow of Death
You never walk alone if you believe -30 total reviews
Comment from juliaSjames
Congratulations on the success of your well written non fiction. It is clear that you are a woman of determination and faith. I can relate to your description of the births of your boys. My first son presented face forward. He had to be delivered by forceps. The doctor was unsuccessful and had to call in the consultant. I had been given an epidural so I wasn't in physical pain but I was in mental anguish as I lay on the table praying for the safe delivery of my child. I could feel the consultant's skill as he used the high forceps inside my body to deftly turn my baby's head before pulling him out.
He was kept in an incubator for some days to recuperate.
I don't know if his being diagnosed bipolar in his thirties was a result of this early trauma. But I do know that he's deeply loved.
Thanks for inspiring me to share this anecdote.
Congratulations again.
Stay safe healthy and blessed
Julia
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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Congratulations on the success of your well written non fiction. It is clear that you are a woman of determination and faith. I can relate to your description of the births of your boys. My first son presented face forward. He had to be delivered by forceps. The doctor was unsuccessful and had to call in the consultant. I had been given an epidural so I wasn't in physical pain but I was in mental anguish as I lay on the table praying for the safe delivery of my child. I could feel the consultant's skill as he used the high forceps inside my body to deftly turn my baby's head before pulling him out.
He was kept in an incubator for some days to recuperate.
I don't know if his being diagnosed bipolar in his thirties was a result of this early trauma. But I do know that he's deeply loved.
Thanks for inspiring me to share this anecdote.
Congratulations again.
Stay safe healthy and blessed
Julia
Comment Written 08-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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Julia - Thank you for sharing. The births were difficult but I wouldn't give up my sons for anything. Johnny is mentally handicapped and ranges between 7 and 13 depending on what it is. He is my strength though for everything I need done. Thanks for the review and kind words. Smiles - CArol
Comment from Daniel Massey
A great story! No wonder it's done so well. It was a nice remainder that (Emmanuel) God is with us. I also like Isaiah 66:13 : As a mother comforts her child, have I not also comforted you. It's says something along those lines. I have one little fault and that is you wrote in bold but as I said it's little. May God continue blessing you.
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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A great story! No wonder it's done so well. It was a nice remainder that (Emmanuel) God is with us. I also like Isaiah 66:13 : As a mother comforts her child, have I not also comforted you. It's says something along those lines. I have one little fault and that is you wrote in bold but as I said it's little. May God continue blessing you.
Comment Written 08-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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Can't thank you enough, Daniel. This story was very special to me as are my boys. It's been a struggle but I definitely was blessed as well. I am grateful for your kind words and of course the stars. Smiles to you and have a blessed day! Carol
Comment from michele will
The story carried all the urgency and pain you felt In each of your deliveries and losses. It felt real and must have been difficult to write about. I would have liked to hear how Johnny survived as well as Matthew in your notes.
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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The story carried all the urgency and pain you felt In each of your deliveries and losses. It felt real and must have been difficult to write about. I would have liked to hear how Johnny survived as well as Matthew in your notes.
Comment Written 08-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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Thank you so much. I have been blessed, though we've had struggles, to share the joys of both my sons. I will write about them again. Appreciate your kindness and your thoughts. Smiles - Carol
Comment from Contests
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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 A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for the recognition this post has received from the FanStory community. While this was not a Contest Committee decision, the committee recognizes this achievement with a seven star review. |
Comment Written 08-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
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Absolutely wonderful and exciting! Thank you to everyone including the committee. I am honored. Smiles to one and all - Carol
Comment from Sally Law
First, I admire you so much for your strength and fortitude. Life is so precious... regardless! I'm glad that Matthew is such a gift and blessing to you. A miracle child. I wasn't clear on your first son, Johnny, and how long he lived, or if he is still living. I hope for the best, and know he is a blessing to you, too.
I've experienced much loss and a granddaughter who died of birth trauma. It's rocked my family ever since. A year later, we got our Sophia. (I think I prayed her into existence.) God is good and comforts us in our sorrow. She will be seven next week.
Congratulations on your nomination, and I wish you well in the contest, dear Carol. Blessings always,
Sal XOs....
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2021
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First, I admire you so much for your strength and fortitude. Life is so precious... regardless! I'm glad that Matthew is such a gift and blessing to you. A miracle child. I wasn't clear on your first son, Johnny, and how long he lived, or if he is still living. I hope for the best, and know he is a blessing to you, too.
I've experienced much loss and a granddaughter who died of birth trauma. It's rocked my family ever since. A year later, we got our Sophia. (I think I prayed her into existence.) God is good and comforts us in our sorrow. She will be seven next week.
Congratulations on your nomination, and I wish you well in the contest, dear Carol. Blessings always,
Sal XOs....
Comment Written 06-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2021
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Thank you - Sally. Johnny is 52, has brain damage but functions well (somewhere between a 7 yr old and a teenager depending on the day) lol. He's a great help for me since my husband passed away. He does my heavy lifting. Besides my sons, I gave birth to two daughters. I lost my one daughter (44) with a heart valve problem and her son, DJ, (17), (my grandson) in a swimming accident.
In the last two years, I lost my father, my mother, a son-in-law, and the love of my life - my hubby. It's been tough.
I'm glad that you are blessed with Sophia, and I pray she gives you all the happiness and joy she can.
Smiles and hugs to you - Carol
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My goodness! What a treasure in your sons! I have three sons and three grandsons, Sophia's older brothers. I'm blind now, and lead the quiet life of a writer. My loving husband of near 46 years takes good care of me. He's the one that bought me a FanStory membership. How about you, how did you get into writing? Sal :))
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If you ever have a spare moment, please check my portfolio for a story written a few months ago for a contest - Why I write. I've written since I was a young girl - it was my connection to life. I grew up in the country with a very strict father. Writing became my outlet and every time life closed in on me - I escaped through writing. Thanks for asking. Smiles, Carol
Comment from samandlancelot
Begin Again,
You've written a wonderful story about God's work in your life. It's beautiful. You suffered much with the loss of one son, but God blessed you with another. It's not like one replaces the other, but, like in the Book of Job, you'll all be reunited when you and all your children cross over to your new lives with God.
Patricia
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2021
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Begin Again,
You've written a wonderful story about God's work in your life. It's beautiful. You suffered much with the loss of one son, but God blessed you with another. It's not like one replaces the other, but, like in the Book of Job, you'll all be reunited when you and all your children cross over to your new lives with God.
Patricia
Comment Written 05-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2021
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Patricia - My Mikey knew where and when he was going and he told us so I can accept it. I have a daughter and a grandson in heaven as well. Thanks for reading and for the review, but than that, thank you for understanding. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Mrs. KT
Hello Carol,
I don't know how or why I missed reading your exceptionally well-crafted and moving non-fiction piece when you initially posted it. My sincere apologies.
I was with you every sentence of the way. Your courage and strength resonate throughout the sharing of each child shared with the reader.
I am so very sorry regarding the loss of your second son, and I definitely related to the birth of your Matthew for our daughter, Rachel, born in 1984, was a Frank Breech: emergency C-section, legs folded behind and around her neck and posterior. Today = Ironwoman triathlete and new mother. God works in mysterious ways.
Thank you for sharing!
diane
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2021
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Hello Carol,
I don't know how or why I missed reading your exceptionally well-crafted and moving non-fiction piece when you initially posted it. My sincere apologies.
I was with you every sentence of the way. Your courage and strength resonate throughout the sharing of each child shared with the reader.
I am so very sorry regarding the loss of your second son, and I definitely related to the birth of your Matthew for our daughter, Rachel, born in 1984, was a Frank Breech: emergency C-section, legs folded behind and around her neck and posterior. Today = Ironwoman triathlete and new mother. God works in mysterious ways.
Thank you for sharing!
diane
Comment Written 05-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2021
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Yes, Matthew was face up with the umbilical cord around his neck. I am happy to hear you daughter was blessed as well. So true, God does work in mysterious ways. Most people wonder how I could survive the many tragedies, but I have received equal amount of blessings as well. Thank you for the shiny stars and awesome review. This story is held very dear to my heart. Smiles, Carol
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My pleasure, Carol!
diane
Comment from Susan Newell
Wow. This is the first time I have seen this story. That is a true story of faith and courage and helps me to understand the woman you are today, and continuing challenges you may face. Absolutely spectacular in the telling and the writing.
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2021
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Wow. This is the first time I have seen this story. That is a true story of faith and courage and helps me to understand the woman you are today, and continuing challenges you may face. Absolutely spectacular in the telling and the writing.
Comment Written 05-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2021
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Oh, thanks for the beautiful glowing stars, Susan. I've struggled for 3 days on the "rape" scene and my spirits needed a lift. I wished and you appeared. This story meant so much to me and I am overjoyed that you read it and understood what lies beneath the surface. Thank you - Carol..... Hope all is going ok at home.
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You are so welcome! Things going better here.
Comment from eliz100
All I can say is wow. This story kept my attention from beginning to end. My heart goes out to you. You expressed your joy, sadness and belief system very well.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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All I can say is wow. This story kept my attention from beginning to end. My heart goes out to you. You expressed your joy, sadness and belief system very well.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Thank you so much. Life has been a rough road, but without my faith, I know I could not have traveled it. With every turn, bad things lurk, but being able to find it to the other side is rewarding too. Seeing the good and feeling blessed has been the staff I lean on. Thank you for your review, kind words and the sparkling stars. Smiles to you! Carol
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
What a poignant story of your son's birth, and your life up to that point, Carol. I enjoyed reading it, although it was heart-wrenching on several accounts. I love the way you held to your faith and are now sharing it and other examples of your faith on FS. Best wishes to you and your family and sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved 4 year old. Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2021
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What a poignant story of your son's birth, and your life up to that point, Carol. I enjoyed reading it, although it was heart-wrenching on several accounts. I love the way you held to your faith and are now sharing it and other examples of your faith on FS. Best wishes to you and your family and sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved 4 year old. Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 23-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2021
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Life isn't kind but it is a beautiful blessing now and then. If we can hold on for those special moments, the benefits help heal our pain. Thank you for reading, reviewing and offering such kind thoughts. Many smiles to you! Carol