Jonathan's Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 26 "Fast forward ..."Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy
25 total reviews
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Oy, Wendy! I am sitting here crying so hard! I am SO INVESTED in this story because of the incredible job you are doing telling it. Really, this is just extremely masterful in every way. You take us through it through his eyes, and your hearts, the doctor's views, G-d's direction. You covered every base, the same way you obviously did when you were deep inside the situation.
The dog comment; omg. That would be a such a hard one to ever get past. Are you still friends?
It's so sad that you had to go through this after your generosity in having to take on this challenge. But, just like in any relationship, there is always that risk of emotional vulnerability. When it involves a child, though, it just seems so much more heart-wrenching. Oy.
I admire you and your family more with every chapter I read. xo
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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Oy, Wendy! I am sitting here crying so hard! I am SO INVESTED in this story because of the incredible job you are doing telling it. Really, this is just extremely masterful in every way. You take us through it through his eyes, and your hearts, the doctor's views, G-d's direction. You covered every base, the same way you obviously did when you were deep inside the situation.
The dog comment; omg. That would be a such a hard one to ever get past. Are you still friends?
It's so sad that you had to go through this after your generosity in having to take on this challenge. But, just like in any relationship, there is always that risk of emotional vulnerability. When it involves a child, though, it just seems so much more heart-wrenching. Oy.
I admire you and your family more with every chapter I read. xo
Comment Written 31-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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Thanks so much Rachelle! Such a lovely review, so greatly appreciated, along with the six stars.
Yes, we work together as volunteers, but I don't really count her as a friend - "that" person loves dogs, and probably felt that humans should be treated with the same kindness as we treat dogs when their end is nigh. But was his end near? That was the big question.
Yes, emotional vulnerability - and at the beginning of fostering we had no idea that we would be involved with him for thirty-two years!! Only a couple of chapters to go now. Thank you for being so emotionally invested in his story!! So encouraging.
Wendy
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Well, but you know if it weren't so well-written, that would not be the case. You've kept me captivating with your storytelling prowess!! xoxo
Comment from Tom Horonzy
It's clear the end of the story must be nearing, as this piece was in '22. I rarely rue the death of a person as it happens to all of us but your investment in Jonathon had been so deep I cannot imagine how difficult the decisions were to be made. Happy Easter.
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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It's clear the end of the story must be nearing, as this piece was in '22. I rarely rue the death of a person as it happens to all of us but your investment in Jonathon had been so deep I cannot imagine how difficult the decisions were to be made. Happy Easter.
Comment Written 31-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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Thank you Tom. Yes, the previous 25 or so chapters have given the back story to what happened last year, so the book is now drawing rapidly to a close. Yes, difficult decisions, although we all will die, but not for others to hasten the end either through neglect or making wrong decisions forsomeone else.
Wendy
Wendy
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The older I get the more I realize every book has an ending, as does every life.
Comment from Begin Again
My heart has been with you throughout Jonathan's life story and I understand the difficulties you faced. I fought to keep my husband alive for ten years and near the end the doctor in charge told me not to bring him back to the hospital. I didn't listen and we shared another 3 months of laughing and being together. The last time he was hospitalized we got the same doctor and we got into a heated argument. When I came back the next day, I discovered Mike was off all meds, oxygen and food, The dr. had arranged hospice. Three days later Mike slipped into a coma and passed away. Drs. are not Gods. We had more time - 10 years together and I and I will never regret it. You have to believe God will show you the right way. Blessings to you!
Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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My heart has been with you throughout Jonathan's life story and I understand the difficulties you faced. I fought to keep my husband alive for ten years and near the end the doctor in charge told me not to bring him back to the hospital. I didn't listen and we shared another 3 months of laughing and being together. The last time he was hospitalized we got the same doctor and we got into a heated argument. When I came back the next day, I discovered Mike was off all meds, oxygen and food, The dr. had arranged hospice. Three days later Mike slipped into a coma and passed away. Drs. are not Gods. We had more time - 10 years together and I and I will never regret it. You have to believe God will show you the right way. Blessings to you!
Hugs, Carol
Comment Written 31-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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Thank you so much Carol. What a cruel doctor! Unbelievable. You must have been distraught. I am glad you at least had three more months together - and they would have been precious moments. I wonder if he would have had another three months if the doctor had not taken him off all medical support. Yes, he would still have died in the end, but surely the doctor should not have countermanded your expressed wishes, in order to hasten his death. I am so sorry. What a lot you have suffered. Many thanks for following this story, and for your always compassionate reviews, and also for the six stars. So greatly valued.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Very well written, of course.
If only ...
I'm certain you were making the right decisions. I'm also sure that 'well-wishers' (qualified) should mind their own business and apply the scripture regarding judging others. By extrapolation, you could say that by whatever measure they care about another's well-being, others will care about their health and comfort.
Best wishes.
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reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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Very well written, of course.
If only ...
I'm certain you were making the right decisions. I'm also sure that 'well-wishers' (qualified) should mind their own business and apply the scripture regarding judging others. By extrapolation, you could say that by whatever measure they care about another's well-being, others will care about their health and comfort.
Best wishes.
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Comment Written 31-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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Thank you Wayne for your thoughtful review. You are right. Some non-Christians are quick to blurt out their judgments about the quality and value of the life of another human being without thinking. After all we had been through to care for him, we were not just going to let him die, or worse still, hasten the process, without making any effort on his behalf, if it was not clearly God's will. Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
This is the problem with the medical profession, they put their efforts into those who are likely to make a full recovery, rather than want to treat those who may die anyway. The same goes for elderly patients who are close to death, is it worth saving them? Of course, the answer is, yes. Where there is life, there is hope, and we must be prepared to save anyone, despite their disabilities or age. We are not dogs, we are human and need to show compassion and caring until the end. This is a very touching post Wendy and thank you for sharing these difficult emotions with us about Jonathan's life. Love Dolly x x x
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reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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This is the problem with the medical profession, they put their efforts into those who are likely to make a full recovery, rather than want to treat those who may die anyway. The same goes for elderly patients who are close to death, is it worth saving them? Of course, the answer is, yes. Where there is life, there is hope, and we must be prepared to save anyone, despite their disabilities or age. We are not dogs, we are human and need to show compassion and caring until the end. This is a very touching post Wendy and thank you for sharing these difficult emotions with us about Jonathan's life. Love Dolly x x x
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Comment Written 31-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2024
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You are right. Who knows the value of any human being, including the old and the disabled? I suppose they must prioritize at times, but it is a huge responsibility and it must be hard for them to have to do this. But nevertheless, we tend to judge by external criteria rather than who the person is. So many ethical questions are raised in such circumstances. Many thanks for your very compassionate review.
Wendy
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Each case should be judged on its own merit and this is where the problem lies, often these organisation generalise and anyone over 80 is considered not worth saving! I shall be very scared if I ever reach that age. As for disabled people, life is life and it is so very precious and we don?t live in a Nazi society and we should be trying to save everybody Wendy, regardless of resources. I am glad Jonothan has you to fight for him Wendy, love Dolly x x x