Reviews from

Jonathan's Story

Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Introducing Jonathan"
Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy

27 total reviews 
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
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I didn't realise there was so much involved. It really takes a strong family to do this, and if it works, then it can only be good for both sides. I learned a lot reading this chapter, and realised what an amazing family you all are. :))Sandra xx

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2024
    Thank you very much for reviewing, Sandra. You are a great encouragement as I write, knowing this story is very different from most others. I especially appreciate the fact that you are taking the time to go back annd review expired pieces.
    Wendy
Comment from Gloria ....
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Oh my land what a harrowing story this is. It was brave of you to rise to the task, but then the rushed finish and then final line that you would be legally responsible should young Jonathan should die opens up a mine field of unwarranted liability.

This is really something, Wendy.

Gloria

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 25-Jan-2024
    Yes, you are right. That will come out a little further on. It was scary
    stuff. I thank you so much for the review. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
    Wendy
Comment from Annmuma
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Well, I am eager to follow this story from beginning until today. I have heard some of the info you share here. I have a great admiration for foster parents. My daughter and son-in-law were foster parents for several years and, as result, I am blessed with a son they adopted from foster care. I am looking forward to following Jonathan's story ann

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    Thank you very much Ann. Yes, some has been shared in other stories, but I am now hoping to write his whole story. I do hope you?ll continue to follow.
    Wendy
reply by Annmuma on 14-Jan-2024
    I will continue to follow. ann
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
    Thank you very much. That means a lot.
Comment from Iza Deleanu
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Wow, you are brave, I would not sign up for this... I am a coward and love too much my kitties to share my life with someone like this. Thank you for sharing and please let me know when you post your new chapter.

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
    Most people would be the same. There'll be another chapter tomorrow, probably. Are you a fan? If so you'll get a notification. I'd love to have you follow along.
    Wendy
Comment from Ric Myworld
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I seldom read non-fiction because fiction is easier on the psyche. If we don't like something, or the situation is difficult, we can just say to ourselves, but it's only fiction. Many times non-fiction gets inside you and follows wherever you go. Great writing and I look forward to reading and learning more. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
    Thank you Ric. I greatly appreciate the fact that you read and reviewed this piece. I will (I hope) make it into a book, and some of the chapters will be quiter difficult, both to write and to read, as they will expose some bullying and corruption .... Despite this, I hope you will keep reading. Thanks again.
    Wendy
    Wendy
Comment from Sarah Tummey
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Hi again, Wendy. I enjoyed reading the continuation of Sheryl's story.

One thing you might not have thought of is, it could be a bit confusing for people who don't know your family. Because the chapter is called "Jonathan's Story" and your son is Joe, particularly if you're reading it as an audiobook, you might wonder whether Jo is short for Jonathan, and expect the story of your biological son rather than your foster son. That's what I was thinking until the end of the chapter, when you talked about Jonathan's visit, and then I realised Joe and Jonathan weren't the same person.

Perhaps you could include the name of Sheryl's son somewhere in the first chapter so the title of this one makes more sense. Just a thought. Other than that, it was brilliant - very readable.

 Comment Written 12-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
    Thank you Sarah. I didn't think that would be a problem as Joe is short for Joseph and John is short for Jonathan (neither is their real name). I 'll add it somewhere at the end of the first chapter or in the notes, just to clarify. I appreciate that you picked that up, as it might be confusing for others as well.
    Wendy
reply by Sarah Tummey on 13-Jan-2024
    I don't think it is a huge problem, but if you're reading on audio, Jo (spelt without the e) could easily be a different shortening of Jonathan. I came across a book recently where Lorraine was shortened to Raine, which sounded really strange. I love names, and if I come across a new one, I like to look up what it means.
Comment from Paul McFarland
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You deserve a great deal of credit for stepping into a situation like that. I am sure that you changed that boy's life dramatically. Looking forward to later installments.

 Comment Written 11-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
    Thank you very much Paul. I think we did, I hope so. Making even a small difference to even one living person is still important.
    Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
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This would be a lot of work and responsibility to take on and I'm amazed that it was okayed by your family. I'm not at sure I could handle something like that. I had a problem even trying to work with a women who brought a severely disabled child to work with her every day. I admire your willingness to take on this responsibility.

 Comment Written 11-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
    Thanks so much Beth. You are right - it was a lot of work, hard and often lonely.
    Wendy
Comment from Spitfire
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A cute story about how your son yearned for a brother and what he did in the department store. Would you have changed your mind if the adoption process hadn't been rushed? I don't think so. You sound like an angel. Is that his picture?

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
    I really don't know, but in retrospect, although it was a long hard road, I see a lot of good things from having fostered him. Thank you so much for your most encouraging review.
    Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
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You are truly of noble character. I don't see how you have done so much service while raising you own family. You've done your children a service by demonstrating and teaching service to them.

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
    Thank you very much Verna. A lovely review. At many times it was a long, lonely and hard road. I hope you will continue to enjoy the unfolding stories.
    Wendy