Reviews from

Tragedy Strikes Again

The life of a seventeen year old boy in the balance

31 total reviews 
Comment from Colleen The Garbanzo Bean
Excellent
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Wow- what a nightmare. When they described what happened to him, trying to push off from the bottom, the sadness truly hit me. I think we as a reader can become desensitized to pain unless the pain is truly written well, and I felt the pain. I empathize with the entire family in this story.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    It was four days of agony, waiting, knowing the end result, but still waiting. He was a wonderful grandson with an infectious smile. We were blessed for a while. Thank you for your kindness and heartfelt review. Smiles Carol
reply by Colleen The Garbanzo Bean on 29-Apr-2021
    I am so sorry to hear this is a true story! I'm glad you have been able to write about it. Blessings, Colleen
Comment from Gert sherwood
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Tragedy Strikes Again
Begin Again, the way you told your story about how your grand son seventeen years old was sucked into mud and salt. I found it difficult very difficult to read.
Gert

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    it still breaks me into pieces whenever I talk about it and it was 2009. He was a wonderful boy and passed far too young. Thanks, Gert, Smiles from Carol
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
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Wow, what a tragic story that you shared so well, Carol. I was engaged from start to finish. You are a strong lady, and I believe your faith helps in all instances and esp with those of this sad time. I believe your grandson, DJ, is happily watching over you from Heaven. Best wishes.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    Thank you, Jan. Yes, he'd been working with me on an apartment, getting it ready for his sister who was having a baby. We took a break because it was Labor Day weekend and my birthday. Little did I know how things would tragically change. Thank you for the kind words and the review. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
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Oh, Carol. How can one family go through so much pain. You poor things, I cry for you both. How frightened your grandson must have been. I'm so sorry, my friend, this shouldn't have happened. He was still a child with his whole future ahead of him. How long ago did this happen? Although your grief was sharp, one day you will thank God for the gift of him even though it was for a short while. Sending you a huge hug, my dear friend. Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    It happened in 2009 over Labor Day Weekend. he was a wonderful grandson and very special to so many people. I told my mother once that if I wrote about every tragedy people would think I made it up. Our family has faced a lot, but we're still here. Yes, I don't like to think about those last seconds of his life when he couldn't free himself... I hope it was over fast. Thanks for the review and always your kindness and friendship. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Debra White
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Oh my goodness, how tragic. I'm so sorry for the loss that you and your family have suffered.
The way you write about what happened is commendable. Your piece is well paced and factual, yet obviously so full of heartache and emotion.
Thank you for sharing such a personal account with us.
Good luck in the contest.
Best wishes, Debra :)

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    thank you Debra. I appreciate your kindness and gentle words. He was such a wonderful boy and had so much to offer the world. But I guess that was never meant to be. Appreciate your review. Smiles, Carol
reply by Debra White on 28-Apr-2021
    You're very welcome x
Comment from humpwhistle
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Sounds like tragedy had stricken twice. I assume 'Michael' also dies, but you left that a little open ended--intentionally, I presume.
I like your simple, clear style and language. You let the story, not the author, take center stage. Well done.

Best of luck with the Committee.

Peace, Lee

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    Thank you so much, Lee. Yes, my four-year-old son, Michael, died in an accident as well (I wrote about it once), and when I got the call from my daughter, I couldn't believe that such a tragedy could strike our family twice. But we have no control over life's plan, I guess. Thank you for your kind review. Smiles, Carol
Comment from lyenochka
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Oh Carol! When was this? And I remember your son died as a child, right? You're right that God didn't plan the tragedies in our lives, but we do live in a fallen and broken world where tragedies happen too often. So sorry for you, for your daughter and for DJ's friend who suggested the race as I bet it still haunts him.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    It happened in September of 2009 on Labor Day weekend. Yes, his friend still has difficulty with DJ's death and the other young man who tried to save him as well. He was a wonderful young man with a spirit to help others... but God had other plans I guess. Thanks for the kind review. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Susan Newell
Excellent
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This deserves six stars, but I don't have them. You have written with both eloquence and passion, and displayed an open wound to the world. I have never had children, but I was close to a family that lost a sixteen-year-old boy when a swinging rope broke at the lake and he landed on the rocks. There are no words to express how deep that family grief can go. My heart is with you for all the trials your family has endured and I pray that there are only good days ahead for all of you. I take comfort in knowing that the Lord had reason for calling DJ home and is looking after him now.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    I can only go forward in life believing that each person or child we have lost in life was taken for a reason. One I will never understand but accept because that is my faith. Tragedy has become a part of this family for some reason. Thank you for your kind words and thoughtfulness. Smiles, Carol
Comment from equestrik
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This is a tragic and heartbreaking story. I am so sorry that you have been through these two tragic events. What an incredible and loving spirit you must have.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    Unfortunately, our family has faced more tragedies than I like to remember, but what comes your way happens whether we like it or not. I've been knocked down many times, but luckily I've managed to stand again and move forward. Not saying I'm super brave or strong, but I don't know any other way but to keep moving. Thanks so much for your kind review. Smiles, Carol
reply by equestrik on 28-Apr-2021
    Hugs to you!
Comment from royowen
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To lose one's child would be the greatest of all tragedies, to lose a grandchild would be pretty much the same, the thoughts that go through a mind, recriminations don't avail much, and are wasted energy. I am so saddened by this. I'm so sad. Beautifully written Carol. Blessings Roy

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 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2021
    HI, Roy... Even now, after all these years, it seems surreal. He had so much to live for, and in a second, it was gone. No matter how angry we were about the pond being there, it didn't change anything. The construction said they were sorry, and the pond was fenced in so that no other child would get hurt, but for us, it was too late. Thanks for the review. It was a contest I debated about entering. Smiles, Carol
reply by royowen on 28-Apr-2021
    So sad Carol,