Friends of the friendless
A journey to gratitude33 total reviews
Comment from Michele Harber
You're a very lucky person, Jesse, to have, and have had, so many caring people in your life. I'm glad that you can see that, despite those you've lost. I'm sorry to hear about Audrey, but it sounds as though she left you with a lifetime worth of memories, and that's definitely something to be grateful for.
I'm having a bit of a hard time myself, as the holiday feels rather empty without my mother, father and father-in-law, and I just lost a cousin this month. But I'm so grateful for those I have left, and that I'll get to spend the holidays with my sister, my husband's family, and a few old and new friends. For all we've lost, we both still have so much to be thankful for. Not everyone can say that, and hats off to both of us for recognizing the positives among all the negatives.
You certainly expressed your feelings beautifully. Onward and upward. You still have so much life in you, and so much left to live. Enjoy every moment.
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
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You're a very lucky person, Jesse, to have, and have had, so many caring people in your life. I'm glad that you can see that, despite those you've lost. I'm sorry to hear about Audrey, but it sounds as though she left you with a lifetime worth of memories, and that's definitely something to be grateful for.
I'm having a bit of a hard time myself, as the holiday feels rather empty without my mother, father and father-in-law, and I just lost a cousin this month. But I'm so grateful for those I have left, and that I'll get to spend the holidays with my sister, my husband's family, and a few old and new friends. For all we've lost, we both still have so much to be thankful for. Not everyone can say that, and hats off to both of us for recognizing the positives among all the negatives.
You certainly expressed your feelings beautifully. Onward and upward. You still have so much life in you, and so much left to live. Enjoy every moment.
Comment Written 22-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
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Hello Michele. It is so good to hear from you. I was beginning to worry about you and what happened to you.
Thanks for the encouraging review.
Yes, we both have much to be grateful for and I for one will be making a gratitude list for those who care for me after all these years.
Let's decide to celebrate the holidays in the spirit of love and acceptance.
Take care, my friend.
Jesse
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I'm sorry, Jesse. I know I've been slow to review lately, and I'm not posting as much, but I've been tied up between holiday prep, family occasions (Michael's family's birthdays and anniversaries are all at the end of the year), and some freelance work I've been doing. I'm editing a novella but, instead of giving it to me once its finished, as she did with the last one I edited for her, she's decided to have me work on this one chapter by chapter, so I have work from her coming in on a pretty regular basis. I like that, though, because this is exactly the kind of work I love to do and am really good at. However, it means I have a little less time at the moment to devote to work for which I'm not earning a salary.
That said, though, I do make sure I take time, as we've both said, to be grateful for everyone and everything I'm lucky enough to have in my life, present company included. We'll definitely, as you suggested, celebrate the holidays in the spirit of love and acceptance.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
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Money is important but so are friendships. I look forward to your kind and thoughtful reviews.
I am spending Christmas alone so think of me as you celebrate with your family and friends.
As long as my eyes hold out I will be on my laptop reading and reviewing my fanstory friends.
It is sad to be alone.
Yet I face the sadness head-on!
Comment from dragonpoet
Hi Jesse,
This is a very well written story of how Christmas effects those how live alone and have no family.
I can understand that missing those who have left or died is stronger this time of year. But you seem grounded in those things you are grateful for which is how we all should be.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Joan
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Hi Jesse,
This is a very well written story of how Christmas effects those how live alone and have no family.
I can understand that missing those who have left or died is stronger this time of year. But you seem grounded in those things you are grateful for which is how we all should be.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Joan
Comment Written 21-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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I'm glad you see the positive over the negative parts of this story.
Being alone during the holiday season is difficult but I am grateful for what I have rather than what I don't have.
Happy holidays!
Jesse
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Thank you and you're welcome.
Joan
Comment from Sanku
It is sad when friends and relatives stop calling us .I am going trough such a phase .There are relatives in the same town but they are all busy.
this happens to many ofusI suppose...
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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It is sad when friends and relatives stop calling us .I am going trough such a phase .There are relatives in the same town but they are all busy.
this happens to many ofusI suppose...
Comment Written 21-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Yes, it is sad that we have so much to give, and no one wants what we offer in the way of love in the spirit of Christmas. This happens to too many of us. I am grateful for my caregivers and for having a warm and dry shelter to live in, as well as enough food to last until next year.
Happy holidays, my friend!
Jesse
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
It is hard to not have the closer friends to share Christmas with. I lost my grandson to suicide in April and, although he was often someplace else in the world at Christmas, it is hard to know I will never see him again. I can understand how you miss Audrey. If you can get to a church on Christmas Eve, it might be an interesting and memorable experience.
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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It is hard to not have the closer friends to share Christmas with. I lost my grandson to suicide in April and, although he was often someplace else in the world at Christmas, it is hard to know I will never see him again. I can understand how you miss Audrey. If you can get to a church on Christmas Eve, it might be an interesting and memorable experience.
Comment Written 21-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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My condolences for losing your grandson to suicide. That must make the holidays hard to endure knowing you will never see him again.
Thank you for your kind suggestion.
Audrey and David will always be on my mind but I will move forward and look to the coming year for enjoyment and exploration.
2025 here we come!
Jesse
Comment from Pam (respa)
I am glad you wrote this, Jesse, because you need an outlet for your feelings. I am sorry that so many things have happened that people you cared about are no longer there for one reason or another. You did maintain your sense of humor in the opening paragraph.
I'm sorry Van couldn't have reached out to you in a more personal way. The holidays are always difficult when unfortunate things happen. I am sorry about the loss of Audrey and that things haven't been the same since. Joining a bird watching group would be great way to meet new people and share in the beauty of nature.
I am glad you have 3 good caregivers and that you care about each other. I also think a gratitude list is a good idea for the holiday season. You have the right attitude about those you care about and who care about you. Is there anything any of us can do on FanStory to help? Don't be hesitant about reaching out. It's good that you have this community to share your thoughts and get feedback and know that you are not alone. Take care and be well.
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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I am glad you wrote this, Jesse, because you need an outlet for your feelings. I am sorry that so many things have happened that people you cared about are no longer there for one reason or another. You did maintain your sense of humor in the opening paragraph.
I'm sorry Van couldn't have reached out to you in a more personal way. The holidays are always difficult when unfortunate things happen. I am sorry about the loss of Audrey and that things haven't been the same since. Joining a bird watching group would be great way to meet new people and share in the beauty of nature.
I am glad you have 3 good caregivers and that you care about each other. I also think a gratitude list is a good idea for the holiday season. You have the right attitude about those you care about and who care about you. Is there anything any of us can do on FanStory to help? Don't be hesitant about reaching out. It's good that you have this community to share your thoughts and get feedback and know that you are not alone. Take care and be well.
Comment Written 20-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Thanks, Pam, for the encouraging and thoughtful review. Writing and posting on Fanstory are both cathartic ways to get out of the pain I feel inside. Reading and reviewing are the only ways I know that could help me during these stressful holidays.
This is my way of reaching out. From what I gather I am not alone but many of the other folks here on this site feel the same way as I do. I will take good care of myself and you do the same.
Staying healthy is an imperative in this day and age.
Jesse
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You are very welcome, Jesse, and I appreciate your reply. I think there probably are people who feel the same way. I agree with you about staying healthy.
Comment from Ric Myworld
Thank you, Jesse, for bringing to my attention that we can all find something to be thankful about, past, present, or possibly in the future. I, too, am alone, and the holiday season is more depressing than festive and enjoyable. My whole life, even as a child, and in better times when I had friends and family to celebrate with, I could never fully forget so many less fortunate and lonely people. But now, a part of that less fortunate group, I just want you to know you aren't alone, and there are many of us who have you and those alike in our hearts and prayers throughout the holidays. Sorry for the novella. Always wishing you the best! Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Thank you, Jesse, for bringing to my attention that we can all find something to be thankful about, past, present, or possibly in the future. I, too, am alone, and the holiday season is more depressing than festive and enjoyable. My whole life, even as a child, and in better times when I had friends and family to celebrate with, I could never fully forget so many less fortunate and lonely people. But now, a part of that less fortunate group, I just want you to know you aren't alone, and there are many of us who have you and those alike in our hearts and prayers throughout the holidays. Sorry for the novella. Always wishing you the best! Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 20-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Wow, Ric! You seem so popular on Fanstory I am surprised you spend your holidays alone. Thanks for sharing how this post resonates with you and how you have always been on the outside looking in.
Holding me in your heart and praying for me are the two best examples of the holiday spirit in action.
Thanks for caring and sharing your heart and soul with me.
Jesse
Comment from Brenda Strauser
Hi Jesse, I like this story. It is so heartfelt. It is so nice that you share your gratitude for others. It is nice to hear this sentiment in our crazy world. Well written. I hope you have a nice holiday. Brenda
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Hi Jesse, I like this story. It is so heartfelt. It is so nice that you share your gratitude for others. It is nice to hear this sentiment in our crazy world. Well written. I hope you have a nice holiday. Brenda
Comment Written 20-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Hello Brenda. Thanks for your warm expressions of love and gratitude this holiday season. Your kind words mean so much to me.
Jesse
Comment from karenina
"Team Jesse" is much larger than you imagine!
Thank you for courageously revealing what so many of us feel this time of year.
Society paints a Holly Jolly portrait that turns a blind eye to the lonely, the grieving, the seemingly forgotten.
Holidays call forth memories of relationships lost...
Surely there were good times, but we cannot sustain our needs on the past!
I am so grateful you will be with your brother on the 23rd! Grateful, as well, that as much as you miss David you have a trio of caring people with whom you've developed nurturing relationships!
I, too, need to make a gratitude list.
I can truthfully say I am very grateful to have met you and fostered a friendship through FanStory, Jesse!
If only we weren't on separate coasts I'd be happy to share conversation and camaraderie--
Face to face would be wonderful... but in lieu of that thank you for being a friend and inspiration.
2025 holds big changes for you! I'm always here, cheering you on!
Karenina
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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"Team Jesse" is much larger than you imagine!
Thank you for courageously revealing what so many of us feel this time of year.
Society paints a Holly Jolly portrait that turns a blind eye to the lonely, the grieving, the seemingly forgotten.
Holidays call forth memories of relationships lost...
Surely there were good times, but we cannot sustain our needs on the past!
I am so grateful you will be with your brother on the 23rd! Grateful, as well, that as much as you miss David you have a trio of caring people with whom you've developed nurturing relationships!
I, too, need to make a gratitude list.
I can truthfully say I am very grateful to have met you and fostered a friendship through FanStory, Jesse!
If only we weren't on separate coasts I'd be happy to share conversation and camaraderie--
Face to face would be wonderful... but in lieu of that thank you for being a friend and inspiration.
2025 holds big changes for you! I'm always here, cheering you on!
Karenina
Comment Written 20-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2024
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Wow, you fill my heart with joy and inspiration. I too am glad and proud to have met you here on Fanstory and developed a long-term friendship with safe and secure boundaries.
We are there for each other and I am grateful for this.
Your guidance and support see no ends in sight and I am thankful for these attributes.
Let's hope for the future to be brighter than the year before!
2025 here we come!
Jesse
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More growth and exciting new beginnings! I am anticipating your surgery with the highest level of confidence!
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Me too. I feel confident in my knee surgeon. The sky is the limit!
Comment from poetwatch
I hear and read your loneliness, Jesse. It is never easy being alone more so when you can't go anywhere. I feel for you. You don't have family that could visit? Well, I live in a different part of the world, down south and my wife and I have my in-law and her sister to take care of (she is 99 years old sister is 94). Still, try to have some fun. God bless you, my friend.
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2024
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I hear and read your loneliness, Jesse. It is never easy being alone more so when you can't go anywhere. I feel for you. You don't have family that could visit? Well, I live in a different part of the world, down south and my wife and I have my in-law and her sister to take care of (she is 99 years old sister is 94). Still, try to have some fun. God bless you, my friend.
Comment Written 19-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2024
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Thanks for your genuine concern. My brother is coming to visit on the 23rd of December to take me out to lunch. I am grateful for his kindness and generosity. On Christmas, I will be alone with my thoughts and feelings but I will have Fanstory to turn to for friendship.
Thanks for your blessings.
Jesse
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Hi Jesse,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. We are actually a family on here. I've always known it, but found out to a greater extend when my husband recently had a massive stroke. I felt love.
I'm sorry for your losses, and appreciate you sharing a different version of what it's like for you at Christmas. Not everyone has something to celebrate. But, you still find a way to make a positive out of all the negative.
Hugs,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2024
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Hi Jesse,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. We are actually a family on here. I've always known it, but found out to a greater extend when my husband recently had a massive stroke. I felt love.
I'm sorry for your losses, and appreciate you sharing a different version of what it's like for you at Christmas. Not everyone has something to celebrate. But, you still find a way to make a positive out of all the negative.
Hugs,
Rhonda
Comment Written 19-Dec-2024
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2024
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Thanks, Rhonda, for your encouraging support. I reach out to those on Fanstory so they can give their love and support during these difficult times. You are one of many who have offered loving support, and I thank you so much for this wonderful review.
Turning the positive out of the negative is what I do best.
Thanks for the hugs.
Jesse
