Reviews from

Where Can I Go?

How a young man with terminal cancer found hope again.

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

Hi William,

Although sad, how rewarding it is that you made such a difference in another person's life. I expect that you gained as much as you gave. That's the way it usually works when you give yourself to helping others.

"This goes on all the time, doesn't it." (change period to ?)

I'm going home and shower. (home to shower)

Patricia


 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 21-Jan-2025
    Thank you, Pat, for an excellent critical review. When I read each of your suggestions, I said, "Of course!" Again, thank you. -Bill
Comment from F. William Lester
Excellent
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Good for Steven. Tough to read and even more difficult to imagine. Often, we as parents, aren't aware of how our actions toward one another can have a devastating effect on our children. And he had to deal with cancer on top of his parents' constant battling. Great story. I'm glad he's at peace. Thanks for sharing it and good luck in the contest. Be well. PS: as far as I can see, you've made a very positive contribution.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 21-Jan-2025
    What a great review. Thank you. I hope many parents read this. Steve is a memorable case in my practice. I assisted more than 300 young people with a terminal illness. But he's the star at the top of the tree, -Bill
reply by F. William Lester on 21-Jan-2025
    You're very welcome, Bill. Have a wonderful day, Frank.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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Thank you for sharing this precious nonfiction contest entry with us. It touched my heart. I have tears as I write this. Steven was just a special person. I'm glad he got live out his life where he felt at home. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    Every time I worked with him, I went home and called my kids and tell them how much I loved them. Thank you for your review. -Bill Stephenson
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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There is no other word that I could think of but, disgusting, I have been reflecting on the question of, "what is a family?" Isn't it a place where parents love in a practical purpose and sense of the word? I grew up in a home which could be best described as a battle zone, my parents fought incessantly, i spent a lot of my childhood in my friend's stable homes I have four siblings, and really I think all of us were good parents. My wife and I honoured our parents well I think, but now I know why God dubbed the family a Holy place, God first, the rest will fall into line. Beautifully written Bill, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    Thank you, Roy. As always, your review is deeply valued, and this one most of all. Thank you for sharing yourself.
    -Bill
reply by royowen on 20-Jan-2025
    Bless you
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
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What's there to say after you said it all. The poor guy only stood a chance away from the rabbit hole he had lived in for however long his parents thought less of each other than they did for Steven.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    In my practice, Steven became a symbol of inspiration to me and my staff. He set the standard of commitment and his name would often be used as a reminder of our pledge to the dignity of dying at home. -Bill
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Yes, the final thing for Steven was hope and love. He found his home in himself and his adversaries around him. This was not down but rather uplifting and empowering to read. The dialogue was realistic, and the text was easy to read. Although the content was a downer, it gave me a sense of hope for all the Stevens in the world who have to live with their surroundings even though they have no influence over their parents and their fighting.
Well done and keep writing.
Jesse


 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    Thanks for a wonderful review, and I very much appreciate your insight. My practice as a counselor was largely focused on children with a terminal illness and I saw too many who were conditions similar to Steven's. -Bill
reply by Jesse James Doty on 20-Jan-2025
    You did an excellent job portraying how he felt with his bickering parents around him violating his feelings of home.
    Thank goodness we have people like you to help the Stevens in the world.
    Jesse
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Excellent
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Excellent post. Very well written. Error-free as near as I can tell.
The variation in font size was jarring. I couldn't see the purpose. In some fonts, the italics option produces larger font and must me dealt with.
Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    Thanks, Wayne, I'll fix that. And I appreciate your review. -Bill
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Excellent
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Virtual Six Stars. I was a teacher, most often of students with special needs. Some had serious health problems. I often wondered how having a child with severe medical problems effected the parents' marriages; some appeared closer than others.

Or did an unhealthy marriage cause so much stress on a young child so that cancer was overlooked for too long. Some of my students were difficult for their parents but they were inspirational for me. I had a range of students over 30 years. One teen girl had drawn and before brain dead, as an infant. I was divorced when my daughter was one. She nearly died at birth but was healthy so I felt upset to see some of my students who were her age. I think we can keep a child safe as you did and withhold judgment on the parents.

They were wrong to argue around their child but I also know parents blame each other when they are grieving their healthy child. A child can still be alive, but the loss is the healthy child thru had or anticipated having. I've learned to be very compassionate through my career. However, yes, we are on the side of the child.

I've had to have kids removed from unsafe homes and it was not my word alone, but a team's as you'd know. Nothing is easy when one deals with the public and tries to help and be a voice for thr voiceless.

I feel your story was written well. It was emotional but easy to follow. Thank you for sharing your experience with a brave young person.

Peace,

Alex

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    What a wonderful review! I sometimes feel all alone when working with kids like Steven and then along comes an Alex to remind me that I'm not alone. That there are other care-givers out there embracing the Steven's of this world. Thanks for the review. -Bill
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I am so thankful you came into his life and gave that young man something to live for - a short time of peace and hope and knowing he was valued and wanted. Those hypocritical parents were shocking - they must have known he could hear them shouting hateful words at each other, and knowing they wished for his death so they could separate and divorce - unimaginable. Very well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    Thanks for your review, Wendy. The key was to avoid the issue with the parents and stay focused on Steven. -Bill
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I was touched by the story ofSteven. It's not an easy thing for a young man is younger. Steven was to face the prospect of dying. I'm glad you were able to work with him and help him feel safe. I wish you the very best in the contest and I also wish you a very wonderful week. Patricia.











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 Comment Written 19-Jan-2025


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2025
    Patricia, I always value your reviews when you choose to give them. Thank you for this one. You also defined "home" as he did...safe.
    Bill