Reviews from

Tragedy Strikes Again

The life of a seventeen year old boy in the balance

31 total reviews 
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It so strange that the same tragic event could happen twice to the same family. You are a very strong and amazing woman to have suffered so much and yet emerge a person who takes what ever life hands out and realizes that God is still in control and someday we well understand these things and know that there was a reason for this,

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Without my faith, I would never have made it this far. I can't say there aren't times that I want to give up, but I can't... my family (those here and those gone) expect me to stand tall as the matriarch and keep all of us together. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Leann DS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a devastating and heartbreaking story. I am so sorry for your loss and for Wendy's loss and for the worlds loss of a young, bright person. and I'm also sorry to hear about the loss of your son, Michael. For sure, the Lord is holding you up. I do not know of any other possible way that a person could get through such a tragedy. Thank you for sharing this. Many hugs and blessings to you always.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Thank you LeAnn, I appreciate your kind thoughts and wishes. Sometimes we are faced with tragedy but have no choice to continue going forward, especially when there are other children involved. It's not easy but necessary. Without my faith, I couldn't have moved one step, I am sure. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I know this double heartache. How I begged God for the life of my granddaughter, Esther Grace. The eyes of my son and granddaughter... my three small grandsons, was more than I could bear. God's light does come again as you said. I'm so grateful your story ended on the hope of life eternal and the will to go on. Sending you my best and blessings always,
Sal XOs....

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    My heart breaks for anyone who has to face these tragedies, especially when they are children. But I have to believe that they have been blessed and stand on the other side, waiting patiently until it is our turn to be with them again. Yes, the sadness in our eyes is far worse than any words. It's deeper and beyond words. Sending my love and hugs to you as always, Carol
Comment from Carol Clark2
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This story is very well written. Such a sad event in your traumatic life. You've put so much emotion into your writing; I felt like I was sitting there with you, waiting for DJ. Best wishes in the contest. Carol

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Carol, Thank you for your kindness. Sitting, knowing the outcome, was horrific, but at least we were blessed to have him returned to us, many aren't afforded that blessing. He was a wonderful young man and his funeral procession was miles long with friends from school. A great honor for him. Smiles, Carol
reply by Carol Clark2 on 29-Apr-2021
    The waiting must have been terribly difficult. So sorry you went through all that.
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Yes... especially when they finally had to drain the pond... your mind begins to wonder if maybe he isn't there..then what...
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You and your family have certainly had more than your fair share of tragedies. Why some have to experience so many heartbreaks, I often wonder. But I guess the good Lord just knows they are stronger than most, since, He says in the Bible that we won't put more on us than we can stand.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    I must admit that I have questioned that saying at times, but I have managed to survive so I guess it is correct. Times have been rough but I've blessed as well. I've learned to appreciate the good and try not to dwell on the bad (though admittedly that is easier said than done). Hope you are doing okay... You are always in my thoughts. smiles, Carol
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This brought me to tears. So much loss. So much pain. You have written about it so well, and from the heart. How dreadful to face the loss of both your son and your grandson in this way. God doesn't want us to experience such pain, but yes, He is there when we do. Best wishes for the contest.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    I don't often think on the negative of our family because I would always be drowning in tears. Instead, I focus on the good times and how wonderful it was. I've met tragedy more than one would expect, but I've also been extremely blessed. Returning to FS has been a blessing to me because I needed to follow my dreams and have supportive people behind me. You are one of them! Thank you! Smiles, Carol
reply by Wendy G on 29-Apr-2021
    What a beautiful positive attitude.
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Have a great day!
Comment from karenina
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

My heart hurts. Instinctively my soul is screaming "WHY!?"...

To try to imagine this devastating loss, layered upon the loss of your son...

It's mind numbing...

I am so sorry!

They say God doesn't give us more than we can handle...

But your son! Your grandson!

Someday maybe I'll have the grace to comprehend ...

Today I am overwhelmed...

I do not have your courage.

No matter how hard I kicked I would drown in grief!

Karenina


 Comment Written 29-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Karenina, my dear... I can't say that understand why us, but I truly try not to ask that question because if not us, then someone else, I think not. Sometimes, I find having had a difficult childhood prepared me to be the matriarch of this family because we have to be strong, there is no other choice except to crumble. Though I admit, as I age, I am becoming a bit like the cookies at the bottom of the jar... lol Thank you for your kindness as always. Smiles, Carol
reply by karenina on 29-Apr-2021
    I read of families surviving such things and I am always moved that they have the faith and courage to keep on! I know, in truth, we have no option--this is the path God gave us...but I am no less impressed you have shouldered these burdens so well!--Karenina
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Heartrending--a nightmare in deja vu beyond bearing even once--stunning tale, powerfully rendered--the devastation to you and Wendy is made manifest. So sorry.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Yes, it was a horrific tragedy to repeat and unfortunately, my daughter struggled with it to the point when she had open heart surgery she gave up... said she wanted to see DJ. We all must choose our paths. She was strong, ambitious, and unable to accept the deaths of her brother and her son. Thanks for the kindness. Smiles, Carol
Comment from eliz100
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Such a loss two generations having lost a child to drowning. My heart goes out to you and your daughter. In the story, there is no room for improvement.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Thank you... Actually, Michael was listed as asphyxiation. They do not know what his throat closed off, but there was no water in his lungs. I guess he was just meant to be in heaven. I have to accept that or go crazy. And DJ, was just a teenage boy doing what they do and unfortunately, it took him from us. Thanks for your kindness and the review. Smiles, Carol
Comment from Judy Lawless
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Carol, it's difficult to understand why some families seem to have more than their share of tragedy in their life. You certainly have had a lot. This story is so sad. Yet, you find the strength to find the right way of dealing with it. Really well written. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2021
    Life's had some really rocky patches but then its had some wonderful blessings as well. I've learned to accept the good times and cherish them, because the bad will come and overwhelm us if we don't have a life jacket. Mine is my faith. Not saying I haven't had those moments of grief and wondering why Lord, because I've had more than I care to think about. It's just the only way I know of to continue on. Thanks for the kindness. Smiles, Crol