Reviews from

The Shadow of Death

You never walk alone if you believe -

30 total reviews 
Comment from Father Flaps
Excellent
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Hi Carol
That's quite a story. You didn't have it easy.
Out first child was Matthew. Perhaps I'll write about his birth one of these days. We had to take him to the Isaak Walton Killam Hospital for Children in Halifax. And he was only 6 days old.
We had two grandbabies last year. Isla was born on April 9th to my youngest son and his wife, Luke & Leslie. And Mara was born on July 31st to my oldest son and his wife, Matthew & Jaclyn. Both were first babies. Poor Leslie had a terrible time. They had to use suction to get Isla out.
Your post is a tragic tale, and it's easy to understand that you'd question God. Why do bad things happen to good people? It's a great question. Life doesn't get easy just because you become a Christian. In fact, it might get worse. But He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
Thanks for sharing this. Nicely penned!
Hugs,
Kimbob

 Comment Written 22-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 22-Mar-2021
    I so agree with you that he will always walk by our side or even carry us at times, but being a mortal allows us to forget he will not leave us. My faith gets rattled occasionally but I refuse to falter under the strain. I am thrilled for your family additions - it adds so much more love and happiness to our small world. Many smiles to you and your family - Carol
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
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A good story well-written. Sometimes the hardest stories to write are the ones about the times when our faith seems furthest away. Fortunately you stood your ground and have a wonderful son.

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2021
    Hi, Carol - Yes, I'd already lost two sons - one in death and one to a world of his own, I refused to let anyone take another. I know I angered my family and maybe some friends, but in the end, I would do the exact same over and over again. I do have a wonderful son. thank you so much for reviewing. Smiles to you! Carol
reply by Carol Hillebrenner on 21-Mar-2021
    Our families never approved of us adopting our first 3 and even less of taking custody of four more, but we have some great kids. You were totally right.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2021
    Bravo for you!
Comment from Carol Clark2
Excellent
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What a heart-wrenching story. I am so sorry for your loss. We lost a grandson at 8 months so I understand your pain, and I now understand the name you've chosen. I'm glad God blessed you with this strong son. Prayers for continued blessings.

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2021
    Carol, I've lost several children, grandchildren, and more - It doesn't get easier no matter how we try. It's a pain that allows us to go on, but lurks close by. I am thankful for my blessings. Prayers for you as well. Take care - Smiles and hugs, Carol
reply by Carol Clark2 on 21-Mar-2021
    I'm thankful for comfort and peace from God and others. Praying you experience that also. Smiles back at you!
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
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This is a story of undying faith and courage despite devastating circumstances. It always amazes me how many different paths all of our lives take. My mother was age 35 when I was born after years of prayers and struggles. There were problems with my birth. I, on the other hand have my own horrible story about my first pregnancy and lost of a child. I admire you for sharing your story that it may help and encourage others. May God continue to bless you. Sincerely,
Lorraine

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2021
    Lorraine, I am so happy to learn your name, and of course, I already love your writing name and picture. I am sorry for your loss as well. Life serves up some horrific challenges at times. I hope the story I posted this morning will do just that - give encouragement to know they are still with us, they're safe and happy, and we will meet again. Smiles to you as always. Carol
Comment from Susan Larson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

First, let me extend my condolences for your loss. Then, let me add that I feel empathy in that my son who was born in 1982 died in a car wreck at age 16, and my son born in 1976, died of a brain tumor at age 39. But, my middle son and his wife have blessed us with two adorable grandsons. While I walked through lots of valleys, I always knew God was with me all the way. I love your pen name "Begin Again." We always can, and need to. He will help us.

 Comment Written 21-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2021
    You are so kind! I appreciate the wonderful review and the fancy stars too. Our lives have walked similar paths. I lost my 17 yr old grandson and my 44-year-old daughter (his mother). One never knows what awaits us each day, so we can't take things for granted. I, too, knew that God was there (carrying me most of the time) so I could face another day. I am sorry your life has found so many losses at your door. It never gets easy. Smiles to you! Carol
Comment from Goodadvicechan
Excellent
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You told a story full of hope and sadness. I was following your story with tension. I was sad when you lost your little loved one. The reminds me when I lost one of my brothers after he lived for less than week. Life is full of unexpected...

I am very glad to hear Mathew is now 38.

Thank you for sharing your story.

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 21-Mar-2021
    Thank you - Mikey did a lot of living in four years and left a lot of memories. The pain doesn't ever go away, but we learn to live with it and grow from it. I spent the day with Matthew yesterday and came home feeling grateful that he's my son and I have these opportunities. Sending a smile your way! Carol
Comment from robyn corum
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Carol,

Oh, my stars. I have chills. It's tragic when anyone has difficulties having a child. More horrid when a mom and dad have a child WITH difficulties - though most of the time, I think God chooses parents who rise to the occasion. I don't know how folks ever deal with the kind of grief that comes with losing a child.

But this post was so cleverly crafted. You never asked for our sympathy - which made me offer it all the more. The way you straight-forwardly laid the details out - in a way, like a mom who had been required to turn off the tear-factor a long time ago? - made my heart break. I'm sending you love and warmth and so many hugs. Thanks.

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021
    Robyn, I am truly touched that you understood more than what the actual words said, especially about the tear-factor. At 20, I was told to put my son in a home, lock him away and get on with my life. When I lost my 2nd son, I had a husband who totally withdrew, a special boy who couldn't understand where his brother went, and two girls - fighting with their own demons from the loss. By the time I was pregnant with Matthew, I refused to let anything else be taken away from me. It was a matter of doing what had to be done and get on with it. I guess that's why losing my 'wearing the green' Mike has been so difficult because I finally had time for him and me and then he was gone. I don't look for sympathy because no one can truly understand the loss and I wouldn't want anyone else to feel the pain. I think that's why I write. So I can put that pain, that struggle, into the story and without anyone really knowing where it came from. Enough of my babble - I really meant to show you how much your review has meant to me and why. I sincerely appreciate your friendship and kindness. The stars aren't half bad either!!! LOL thank you so much. Smiles to you - Carol
reply by robyn corum on 21-Mar-2021
    It was really cool. Hugs-
Comment from Rikki66
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

All children are blessings even if they come with sorrow. this is part of the curse Eve brought to women for listening to the serpent. God blesses the children and the parents. Thank you for your wonderful story.
RikkiLXVI

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021
    You are so kind and I truly appreciate it. Your words mean more than you can ever know and the stars aren't half bad either lol. Thanks so much. Smiles to you - Carol
reply by Rikki66 on 22-Mar-2021
    If I can share a smile my day is complete
    Bless you.
    Rikki
reply by the author on 22-Mar-2021
    Always got an extra set aside for you, Rikki - Have a blessed day!
reply by Rikki66 on 22-Mar-2021
    Thank you so much.
    Rikki
reply by Rikki66 on 22-Mar-2021
    Thank you so much.
    Rikki
Comment from Gert sherwood
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The Shadow of Death
Begin Again your story, The Shadow of Death. Is well written and you have shown that Jesus, was with you as you journeyed the difficult times of your life.
Gert

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021
    Oh, Gert, how gracious of your to award me all the sunshine for my story. I truly appreciate it. I will always believe he walks with me through all the fire I face. Smiles to you! Carol
reply by Gert sherwood on 20-Mar-2021
    Carol
    You are welcome
    (Smiles I have a daughter named Carol)
    Gert
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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I do completely understand. My Steven, he was 28 Wednesday, he was never supposed to make it and the doctor, from Walter Reed Medical Center, demanded I have him aborted. I was 40, and already had a son born with a heart condition, who died during surgery. There was no way I would carry him to term or have a healthy child. I didn't make it to term,10 weeks early, but healthy 9 pound 13 ounce big boy. He is a joy to be around. Not only that, his IQ level qualifies him for genius. And if I would have listened to the doctor, he would have been aborted. I do understand.

The next day, I overheard two nurses talking about how tired they were (The following day.... has to do with the definition of next and following)

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2021
    I am thankful that your son's birth worked out okay for your family. I knew I just couldn't abort regardless of how they hounded me. you too have had your share of unhappiness and sorrow. My love goes out to you! Hugs and smiles, my friend.