Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 20 "Sheryl's News"Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
24 total reviews
Comment from Paul McFarland
Another great post, Wendy. In my eyes, you have taken on too much. You life has been changed dramatically, but I understand how you feel. A conscience can create a heavy burden.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Another great post, Wendy. In my eyes, you have taken on too much. You life has been changed dramatically, but I understand how you feel. A conscience can create a heavy burden.
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Yes, you are right - a conscience can create a heavy burden, but Looking back I believe that it was in one sense a shaper of my life. The initial nine year commitment just continued, step by step, and I couldn't just leave him, vulnerable as he was, to the wolves in sheep's clothing. Thank you so much for the exceptional rating and stars, much appreciated, always.
Wendy
Comment from Mrs. KT
Such a moving narrative, Wendy!
You write with such clarity.
My heart goes out to Sheryl, Jonathan, and you.
What an honor it must have been to speak at Sheryl's funeral, and what a testimony to your honesty and caring that you were mad the executor of Sheryl's will.
Please, please tell me that Jonathan was never tube-fed again; I'm not so certain I could handle the news that he was fed again with a tube...
So many emotions.
Such an informative and must-read narrative.
Thank you for sharing!
Fondly,
diane
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Such a moving narrative, Wendy!
You write with such clarity.
My heart goes out to Sheryl, Jonathan, and you.
What an honor it must have been to speak at Sheryl's funeral, and what a testimony to your honesty and caring that you were mad the executor of Sheryl's will.
Please, please tell me that Jonathan was never tube-fed again; I'm not so certain I could handle the news that he was fed again with a tube...
So many emotions.
Such an informative and must-read narrative.
Thank you for sharing!
Fondly,
diane
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Thank you so much for this very thoughtful and caring review - along with the precious six stars, which always mean a great deal to me. The anwer to your question? I have to just say that you will be astonished at what happened over the next few years ....
Thank you again.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
I can only imagine the peace you gave Sheryl, knowing you would always have one eye out for her son. What a beautiful gift that was, and is, Wendy.
Wendy, this is a touching account of your long relationship with Sheryl; I think you were both blessed by it.
I've noted that as you continue to write this, your chapters are flowing along more smoothly and you seem to have developed a real knack for this novel-writing thing. Didn't you say it was your first book? It's one of the best I've read on this site, certainly. And by a few who have published several.
Congratulations on developing this skill and for the ability to continue to consistently write meaningful chapters.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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I can only imagine the peace you gave Sheryl, knowing you would always have one eye out for her son. What a beautiful gift that was, and is, Wendy.
Wendy, this is a touching account of your long relationship with Sheryl; I think you were both blessed by it.
I've noted that as you continue to write this, your chapters are flowing along more smoothly and you seem to have developed a real knack for this novel-writing thing. Didn't you say it was your first book? It's one of the best I've read on this site, certainly. And by a few who have published several.
Congratulations on developing this skill and for the ability to continue to consistently write meaningful chapters.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Hi Pam,
Thank you so much. Yes, this is my first proper book, although earlier this year, I had a book of a collection of stories about my teaching career published. (Telling Tales- out of School, by Wendy Smith-Gordon).
I appreciate your words about my writing technique, because most people don?t mention style and flow etc, and those are really important for writing a book. Many thanks, not only for the lovely review but also for those precious six stars.
Wendy
Comment from Begin Again
Good morning, Wendy
This one is filled with emotions no one wants to deal with, yet you still manage to find the good moments, the caring and kindness. You willing accepted a heavy burden, not only because you felt it was right, but because of a deep, sincere love.
I've told you before and I will continue to say it....I am proud to call you my friend.
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Good morning, Wendy
This one is filled with emotions no one wants to deal with, yet you still manage to find the good moments, the caring and kindness. You willing accepted a heavy burden, not only because you felt it was right, but because of a deep, sincere love.
I've told you before and I will continue to say it....I am proud to call you my friend.
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Thank you so much Carol. Such a lovely review, and much appreciated. I am proud too to call you my friend. I think your life has been filled with ongoing grief and distress, yet you have triumphed over it all, and maintained your faith and your integrity throughout, showing great courage and perseverance.
Wendy
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Thanks, Wendy. My faith is strong and I know that I would never have made it through things if it wasn't. I've stumbled but then who hasn't. I appreciate your thoughts.
Smiles, Carol
Comment from Rachelle Allen
You shared this perfectly - respectfully sad and mindful of its effects to you and Jonathan, as well - but with enough distance so as to accept it be able to continue on.
I'm glad Sheryl was able to live her final days in such a special-to-her spot and not have to return to the terrace inner-city apartment. Plus, what an honor to be told that your handling of Jonathan's needs made it possible to leave peacefully.
The facility where Jonathan sustained his injury is SOO very lucky that you did not have the compunction to sue. Here in America, that would have been Job One, believe me! But look at the grief and unrest you saved yourself. There's much to be said for that. xo
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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You shared this perfectly - respectfully sad and mindful of its effects to you and Jonathan, as well - but with enough distance so as to accept it be able to continue on.
I'm glad Sheryl was able to live her final days in such a special-to-her spot and not have to return to the terrace inner-city apartment. Plus, what an honor to be told that your handling of Jonathan's needs made it possible to leave peacefully.
The facility where Jonathan sustained his injury is SOO very lucky that you did not have the compunction to sue. Here in America, that would have been Job One, believe me! But look at the grief and unrest you saved yourself. There's much to be said for that. xo
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Yes, I think in the U.S. a lawsuit would have been first on the agenda. But for me looking after people was more important, and I couldn?t face going to court at that time. But you?ll see from future stories what eventually happened ?.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful, and very supportive review.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
This was sad for Sheryl and most likely for Jonathan too if he understood what had happened. Also for you, Wendy, in that you lost a friend. What a special relationship you had with her.
It continues to amaze me how self-centered and self-righteous some people are, like that woman who stole the cell phone and got mad at you for canceling the phone service. What nerve!
You've left us wondering about a few things: will the home insist on tube-feeding Jonathan, will that fractured mandible play some future role, is a lawsuit in the offing? This was all very well written of course. - Jim
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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This was sad for Sheryl and most likely for Jonathan too if he understood what had happened. Also for you, Wendy, in that you lost a friend. What a special relationship you had with her.
It continues to amaze me how self-centered and self-righteous some people are, like that woman who stole the cell phone and got mad at you for canceling the phone service. What nerve!
You've left us wondering about a few things: will the home insist on tube-feeding Jonathan, will that fractured mandible play some future role, is a lawsuit in the offing? This was all very well written of course. - Jim
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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These thoughtful questions are very insightful, and will be answered in the next couple of chapters ?. Thank you so much for your review which shows that you are not only reading but actively thinking about his story. So much appreciated - many thanks.
Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
This very much shows the compassion of your friendship to Sheryl, not only to her, but also to Jonathan as you continue to care for him after his mother's death. I enjoyed your story and was very touched. Patricia .
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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This very much shows the compassion of your friendship to Sheryl, not only to her, but also to Jonathan as you continue to care for him after his mother's death. I enjoyed your story and was very touched. Patricia .
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Thank you very much, Patricia, for your very thoughtful and positive review. It means a lot to me.
Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
This is a well written summary station of the road once traveled. If you stopped sharing the sage here, it would be perfect. For Sheryl and Jonathon, unable to speak, I say thank you for your efforts. You are a good woman and deserving of sainthood.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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This is a well written summary station of the road once traveled. If you stopped sharing the sage here, it would be perfect. For Sheryl and Jonathon, unable to speak, I say thank you for your efforts. You are a good woman and deserving of sainthood.
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Thank you very much, Tom, for this lovely review and six stars! Both are greatly valued. The story continues with more dramas yet to come?.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Wendy, I'm in bits! This is so, so sad. I was prepared after reading Dolly's verse but still stunned, as ever, by how incredibly well you've been at the forefront of Jonathan's care. While others would have faltered long ago. Poor dear Sheryl! And how lucky Jonathan has been to have two wonderful women in his life! Your story is an absolute inspiration to us all. Thank you so much for sharing, Wendy. Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Wendy, I'm in bits! This is so, so sad. I was prepared after reading Dolly's verse but still stunned, as ever, by how incredibly well you've been at the forefront of Jonathan's care. While others would have faltered long ago. Poor dear Sheryl! And how lucky Jonathan has been to have two wonderful women in his life! Your story is an absolute inspiration to us all. Thank you so much for sharing, Wendy. Take care Debbie
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Thank you very much Debbie. Such a lovely review, and the six stars are also very special and much valued. I made a commitment for ten years, but after that, I couldn?t just walk away, so it became ongoing, and of course expanded to include Sheryl. I just perceived that as the direction my life was to take. Thank you again, Debbie. Much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Wow. What an experience to go through.
Your chapter was extremely well written.
You have heard this a thousand times, but Jonathon (and Sheryl) were so fortunate to have you in their lives. Imagine if you were not.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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Wow. What an experience to go through.
Your chapter was extremely well written.
You have heard this a thousand times, but Jonathon (and Sheryl) were so fortunate to have you in their lives. Imagine if you were not.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 10-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2024
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I actually believe that this was my calling. To make a difference for just one or two. Sheryl came to the Lord before her death. I think I'll put an epilogue at the end detailing God's direction. Many thanks for a wonderful review, and also for the six beautiful and very encouraging stars.
Wendy