Where Can I Go?
How a young man with terminal cancer found hope again.21 total reviews
Comment from nomi338
This sad story really touched my heart. In September of 2024 my wife died in her sleep. This occurred 2 days past our 51st wedding anniversary. It gives me great joy to be able to say that in 51 years of marriage our kids, our grandkids, our great grandkids never heard a cross word exchanged between us. Oh we had our minor disagreements, but never anything serious. It never devolved into shouting and usually concluded with a statement like what do you want for lunch or dinner? Followed by I don't know what do you want? Our problem was how to convince our children to leave home. They were and still are way too comfortable in our house that is definitely a home.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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This sad story really touched my heart. In September of 2024 my wife died in her sleep. This occurred 2 days past our 51st wedding anniversary. It gives me great joy to be able to say that in 51 years of marriage our kids, our grandkids, our great grandkids never heard a cross word exchanged between us. Oh we had our minor disagreements, but never anything serious. It never devolved into shouting and usually concluded with a statement like what do you want for lunch or dinner? Followed by I don't know what do you want? Our problem was how to convince our children to leave home. They were and still are way too comfortable in our house that is definitely a home.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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You made me smile. My kids are married and with children, but all of them know that no matter what, our home is their sanctuary. And all of them are so worried about us because we are in the fire zone. And I suddenly got it. We are their symbol of home.
That's what Steven couldn't have. He was one very brave kid.
Thanks for your review getting a six from you...whoa! -Bill
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You are welcome. I truly feel it was deserved.
Comment from mermaids
Sounds like Steven's parents have mental health issues. I like how the hospital became Steven's home, home is where we make it a home. There is a lesson for all here. You also show how there can be quality of life for the terminally ill with the amount of support this young man received. Excellent story that teaches the reader.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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Sounds like Steven's parents have mental health issues. I like how the hospital became Steven's home, home is where we make it a home. There is a lesson for all here. You also show how there can be quality of life for the terminally ill with the amount of support this young man received. Excellent story that teaches the reader.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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Thank you for your review. Steven was one of my best teachers. He knew I counseled only those with a terminal illness and their families. He had this way at the end of a
session of giving me "suggestions" that would make me a
better counselor. Incredible kid. -Bill
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
This is a wonderful story that you have told about helping someone in a dysfunctional family find a home where he could pass on in peace. His family did do exactly what they said they wanted to do, but they showed him no real love, just empty words and a pretense to care about him. Maybe they did care, but not enough. I have read your writing before, and you genuinely care for everyone who is moving on to the next stage in their life.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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This is a wonderful story that you have told about helping someone in a dysfunctional family find a home where he could pass on in peace. His family did do exactly what they said they wanted to do, but they showed him no real love, just empty words and a pretense to care about him. Maybe they did care, but not enough. I have read your writing before, and you genuinely care for everyone who is moving on to the next stage in their life.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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I had more than 300 young people die in my counseling practice, but Steven was one of those stars at the top of the tree. Thank you, Carol, for your review and also for your six. I have now written four books about my work with the terminally ill. Let me know if you want the website.-Bill
Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary
Wow, this is a great story. I don't know if parents like that ever get a clue. If it wasn't for Dr. Bill this young man might have given up long ago. He died peacefully.
Cecilia
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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Wow, this is a great story. I don't know if parents like that ever get a clue. If it wasn't for Dr. Bill this young man might have given up long ago. He died peacefully.
Cecilia
Comment Written 22-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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Steven was given the ability to choose how he would live out his remaining days of life rather than when he would die. Atleast that's the way I would prefer to interpret what we did for him. Thanks for the review.-Bill
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You did a great thing for this young man. He died in peace without all the chaos at home. Bless you.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That was so sad, but lovely. I'm glad that Steven got to be 'home' and died peacefully. You were just what he needed when he was feeling lost in a prison that wasn't his idea of home anymore. Well done, my friend, this was a lovely story. Good luck in the contest. :) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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That was so sad, but lovely. I'm glad that Steven got to be 'home' and died peacefully. You were just what he needed when he was feeling lost in a prison that wasn't his idea of home anymore. Well done, my friend, this was a lovely story. Good luck in the contest. :) Sandra xx
Comment Written 22-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2025
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Thank you, Sandra, for your review. You've reviewed me before. I don't frequent FS enough, although I've been a member for years. I am hopeful about the contest, but this
website has some incredible writers and you're one of them. - Billl
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Hi Bill, yes I've read many of your posts, and they are all beautiful true stories of people of all ages you've helped pass over. I find them incredibly moving. Don't worry about reading mine, I know how difficult it is to manage real life, and Fanstorian life. 😊
Comment from Sanku
I hadto wait for a few minutes before I could write anything . My heart was so heavy after reading this post And when I read your notes I closed my eyes and said 'OhGod'.The parents were just waiting for Steven to go.
very sad...
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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I hadto wait for a few minutes before I could write anything . My heart was so heavy after reading this post And when I read your notes I closed my eyes and said 'OhGod'.The parents were just waiting for Steven to go.
very sad...
Comment Written 22-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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Thank you for your review and I appreciate your pause before writing it. -Bill
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
What a very sad story you witnessed here of a young man with cancer facing death without the unified support of his parents. Those parents were very selfish to be behaving like this and bickering in front of their son when he is coping with the prospect of death. How cruel and unkind they were. I can't believe they did not have a memorial service for their own son, this story is unbelievable. Thank you for sharing this with us and I am astounded by the cruel nature of these people here. Love Dolly x x x
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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What a very sad story you witnessed here of a young man with cancer facing death without the unified support of his parents. Those parents were very selfish to be behaving like this and bickering in front of their son when he is coping with the prospect of death. How cruel and unkind they were. I can't believe they did not have a memorial service for their own son, this story is unbelievable. Thank you for sharing this with us and I am astounded by the cruel nature of these people here. Love Dolly x x x
Comment Written 22-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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Dolly, don't let the selfishness of his parents cloud your compassion for Steven. I love reading your poetry because it exemplifies the hope I was wanting to illustrate through Steven. Thanks, Dolly, for your review. I especially appreciate FS who the veterans of this site. -Bill
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Absolutely William, I am glad Steven found peace, this is a powerful story x
Comment from Dawn Munro
Ah, Bill, I simply don't have the words, I really don't, so I am not going to try. Instead I will focus on two tiny edits I am suggesting: they're questions you ask Steven, but you end with a period instead of a question mark. I understand why you might have done it, but I would be remiss if I didn't suggest it's not a good practice for a writer to break that rule--
I said, "This goes on all the time, doesn't it."
"It's soon isn't it, Steven."
Regardless, as always, your story is exquisite, if difficult. May the soul of this young man rest in perpetual light!
God bless you, Dr. Bill.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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Ah, Bill, I simply don't have the words, I really don't, so I am not going to try. Instead I will focus on two tiny edits I am suggesting: they're questions you ask Steven, but you end with a period instead of a question mark. I understand why you might have done it, but I would be remiss if I didn't suggest it's not a good practice for a writer to break that rule--
I said, "This goes on all the time, doesn't it."
"It's soon isn't it, Steven."
Regardless, as always, your story is exquisite, if difficult. May the soul of this young man rest in perpetual light!
God bless you, Dr. Bill.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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I thought about those question marks for a long time, because I didn't make those statements in an interrogative manner. I made them so that he knew I knew. But i'll think about it again, Dawn. Thanks, as always, for being there for me. I'm not getting very many reviews and I think it's a good story. And a six? Actually, I think it's a six too. (Note the ?) hee hee. -Bill
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LOL. I can't say it is a pleasure to read such sad stories, but it is ALWAYS a pleasure to read your work, Bill. All the very best in the New Year. I'm not able to spend a lot of time here anymore, but I am delighted that you have started posting here again!
Comment from Teri7
I am so glad Stephen finally had hope. You are an amazing doctor and friend. I always enjoy reading your posts about ones you have helped. Thank you for sharing! Blessings,Teri
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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I am so glad Stephen finally had hope. You are an amazing doctor and friend. I always enjoy reading your posts about ones you have helped. Thank you for sharing! Blessings,Teri
Comment Written 21-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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Oh, Teri, I have so many stories. I spent 27 years in private practice as a psychotherapist and I have over 300 files of children, youth and young adults who died in my care. But Steven is one of those stars at the top of the tree. Thanks, as always, for your wonderful support, six and all.
You asked how I'm doing. Well, I turn 80 this year. And my sixth book just came out (The Mountain In You) and I'm going to be in the London Book Fair in March. I'm trying to also go but the Parkinson's is advancing and my heart is in trouble because I am getting only 4 hours a sleep. My writing is my therapy. Thanks for asking. -Bill
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Do you have any of your stories on audio book yet? If you do would you please tell me how to order it! I listen to the one I purchased from you a long while back and listen to it every so often! Blessings,Teri
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The only one that's an audio book is A New Way To Hope. I think it's available through my website:
williamstephensonbooks.com
Comment from Karen Cherry
Very well written. Please use bigger font in the future. Lots of us have eye trouble.What a sad sad couple they were. They apparently learned nothing from him. They dismissed him as nothing and moved on. No doubt telling others of "their" sad experience. Some folks, to put it bluntly, are a waste of skin. :-(
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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Very well written. Please use bigger font in the future. Lots of us have eye trouble.What a sad sad couple they were. They apparently learned nothing from him. They dismissed him as nothing and moved on. No doubt telling others of "their" sad experience. Some folks, to put it bluntly, are a waste of skin. :-(
Comment Written 21-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2025
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Please don't let these parents diminish your compassion for Steven. Yes, they were jerks but Steven became a model for hope. A hope we can all have. He is the star on the tree in this story, shedding the light of hope in the midst of darkness.
Thanks, Karen, for your review.Now go hug your kids or grandkids or neighbor kids. -Bill
