Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "How low ..."Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
30 total reviews
Comment from LJbutterfly
This story makes me so angry. A friend of mine managed several group homes and told sickening stories of dishonest staff who stole client's belongings and even stole food from the home. My friend was always conducting investigations and needing to have someone terminated.
This story has the correct title. How Low...do you have to be to steal from a disabled person who can't fight for himself? I shouldn't think this way, but it makes me hope life pays them back. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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This story makes me so angry. A friend of mine managed several group homes and told sickening stories of dishonest staff who stole client's belongings and even stole food from the home. My friend was always conducting investigations and needing to have someone terminated.
This story has the correct title. How Low...do you have to be to steal from a disabled person who can't fight for himself? I shouldn't think this way, but it makes me hope life pays them back. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much! It really is sickening, and it happens also to other vulnerable groups such as the elderly with memory loss. I appreciate your review and sharing. Your friend stood up for what is right, and had the courage and integrity to stand up against it.
Wendy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
At first when I read this, I was shocked, then after thinking about it, I wasn't. Human nature tends to make some people do unreal things. I do know she will eventually get her just rewards. Jonathan does still need you.
bought things I thought my son Joe would choose for himself. (comma after 'son,')
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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At first when I read this, I was shocked, then after thinking about it, I wasn't. Human nature tends to make some people do unreal things. I do know she will eventually get her just rewards. Jonathan does still need you.
bought things I thought my son Joe would choose for himself. (comma after 'son,')
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Yes, you are right, her actions were consistent with human nature, plus poorly paid work brings added temptation. Thank you so much for reviewing and for the suggestion.
Wendy
Comment from Mintybee
I'm so sorry to hear about the dishonest people who prey on (or at least take advantage of) the vulnerable. Unfortunately, it happens everywhere. I'm glad you were attentive and alert and able to speak up on your son's behalf. Everyone needs an advocate like you.
Mintybee
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I'm so sorry to hear about the dishonest people who prey on (or at least take advantage of) the vulnerable. Unfortunately, it happens everywhere. I'm glad you were attentive and alert and able to speak up on your son's behalf. Everyone needs an advocate like you.
Mintybee
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you so much for your understanding and encouraging review, and yes it does seem to be widespread. A combination of basic human nature of some people, plus poorly paid work.
Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
I was incensed as I read the evil way some people treat the vulnerable- and get by with it. I was reminded of the verse containing the words "offend the least of these." What a journey you have had!
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I was incensed as I read the evil way some people treat the vulnerable- and get by with it. I was reminded of the verse containing the words "offend the least of these." What a journey you have had!
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Verna. That is exactly how I felt. And it happens too in aged care facilities, especially memory loss units. Yes, such actions are deplorable. I appreciate your understanding review.
Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
There are many and scrupulous people in this world, and it's a shame that they work in such places where there are so many who are vulnerable to those kinds of people. I am glad that the lady was dismissed from the group home. I enjoyed listening to your story about Jonathan and my heart goes out to him Along the way. Have a blessed day. Pat.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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There are many and scrupulous people in this world, and it's a shame that they work in such places where there are so many who are vulnerable to those kinds of people. I am glad that the lady was dismissed from the group home. I enjoyed listening to your story about Jonathan and my heart goes out to him Along the way. Have a blessed day. Pat.
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you Pat for your understanding and thoughtful review I always appreciate it.
Wendy
Comment from Jesse James Doty
I am so sorry you and Johnathon have to experience these flagrant disadvantages from the woman who stole his Ikea chair and new clothes. It is not right and so very wrong of her and the whole staff who tend to look the other way when a person with a disability gets taken advantage of.
Please let me offer my sympathies and know that I agree you shouldn't stop going to see him on regular and unannounced visits as well.
Jesse
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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I am so sorry you and Johnathon have to experience these flagrant disadvantages from the woman who stole his Ikea chair and new clothes. It is not right and so very wrong of her and the whole staff who tend to look the other way when a person with a disability gets taken advantage of.
Please let me offer my sympathies and know that I agree you shouldn't stop going to see him on regular and unannounced visits as well.
Jesse
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much, Jesse, for your very understanding review. Very encouraging.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
Damn. Where would poor Jonathan be if you weren't looking out for his best interest. It makes me sick to think that people are willing to take advantage over those in their care. No better than scammers. I think my alarms would have gone off when she pointed out how you had no idea of the brilliance he possessed. My question would have been, and you've figured all of this out in two weeks? Wow. Great installment. Gretchen
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Damn. Where would poor Jonathan be if you weren't looking out for his best interest. It makes me sick to think that people are willing to take advantage over those in their care. No better than scammers. I think my alarms would have gone off when she pointed out how you had no idea of the brilliance he possessed. My question would have been, and you've figured all of this out in two weeks? Wow. Great installment. Gretchen
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you very much Gretchen. A very understanding review and very supportive also. Many thanks for the extra star. It means a lot to me.
Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
How can people, supposedly hired to care and look after their charges could do what you write, and yet I know you speak the truth. Poor Jonathon, as if his life was a bed of roses.
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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How can people, supposedly hired to care and look after their charges could do what you write, and yet I know you speak the truth. Poor Jonathon, as if his life was a bed of roses.
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Thank you, Tom. It was one thing after another. Unfortunately, poorly paid work can bring out the worst in people. I appreciate your review.
Wendy
Comment from Begin Again
This post is spot on! My John was in a group home for 6 months after Mikey died. John said he didn't want to be where there was no boys and now he had only sisters.
In those 6 months, all his new things disappeared. I was told that John didn't take care of things and he lost them. Then it was, he's growing so fast the clothes are too small. Anyhow you get the gist... For so many reasons, Johnny came back home and there he has stayed.
It's difficult when you have to put your trust in strangers only to discover they aren't worthy.
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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This post is spot on! My John was in a group home for 6 months after Mikey died. John said he didn't want to be where there was no boys and now he had only sisters.
In those 6 months, all his new things disappeared. I was told that John didn't take care of things and he lost them. Then it was, he's growing so fast the clothes are too small. Anyhow you get the gist... For so many reasons, Johnny came back home and there he has stayed.
It's difficult when you have to put your trust in strangers only to discover they aren't worthy.
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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That?s so sad. It must have been very unsettling for John and very distressing for you! You understand perfectly because of your similar personal experience. Thank you very much for your supportive review.
Wendy
Comment from royowen
You don't need too many people in this life that are absolutely untrustworthy, the trouble is...who? There is nobody more sneaky than the sneak thief, Elaine was telling me that if she turned her back on her students and she didn't secure the things on her desk, when she turned around they were gone, kid thieves, on wonders from whom do they learn! Beautifully written, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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You don't need too many people in this life that are absolutely untrustworthy, the trouble is...who? There is nobody more sneaky than the sneak thief, Elaine was telling me that if she turned her back on her students and she didn't secure the things on her desk, when she turned around they were gone, kid thieves, on wonders from whom do they learn! Beautifully written, blessings Roy
Comment Written 27-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 27-Feb-2024
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Dear me, I never had such an experience in all my teaching career. But I know that the elderly and the disabled are very vulnerable to people (sneak thieves) who take advantage of them. Thanks so much for reviewing.
Wendy
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Elaine taught at marginally lower socio economic areas Wendy, there are such areas you know. She?s a wonderful person.
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Oh yes I do know, believe me! I am a product of one. And I am sure she is.
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She was bullied as a girl, she?s was from woolongong, but despite all that is a beautifully balance person
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I meant I am sure is a wonderful person.
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Thank you