The Ultimate Question
We all need the answer to ...20 total reviews
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is a beautiful story with a beautiful message. I also taught school, but with much younger children. I know "the look" well. It worked wonders. When the behavior changed, I followed up with a smile or a wink. We all need to be assured we are loved, like your four-year-old son. Congratulations on winning the contest.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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This is a beautiful story with a beautiful message. I also taught school, but with much younger children. I know "the look" well. It worked wonders. When the behavior changed, I followed up with a smile or a wink. We all need to be assured we are loved, like your four-year-old son. Congratulations on winning the contest.
Comment Written 18-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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Thank you very much for your lovely review, and for the congratulations. Yes, when I next caught the eye of an "offender", I would give a surreptitious "thumbs up" when they took the hint. So much more positive and effective than berating some-one.
Wendy
Comment from Lisa Tepp
This piece meant so much to me. Why? My son is in prison currently. I think I love him even more than before, if that is possible. We are closer for sure. He calls me daily. I think I am his touchstone. I am so afraid for his feelings while he is in. My heart really aches, so think you for sharing this.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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This piece meant so much to me. Why? My son is in prison currently. I think I love him even more than before, if that is possible. We are closer for sure. He calls me daily. I think I am his touchstone. I am so afraid for his feelings while he is in. My heart really aches, so think you for sharing this.
Comment Written 18-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your very insightful review and thoughts. You are living the reality of what I knew in theory - that a mother?s love is or should be unconditional. Your son is seeing that reality too and I am sure it means more to him than he can ever express. I will pray for you both, for strength and wisdom. I can understand your fear and heartache for his feelings. Your role is not an easy one but it is a very significant one, and it will make a difference. Sending you hugs from Australia.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
It's so beautiful that you took that terrible hurt from your mother when you were only four, to resolve to give love unconditionally to your children, students and all those whom God has put in your life!! Thank you for sharing this. Congratulations on the win!!!
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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It's so beautiful that you took that terrible hurt from your mother when you were only four, to resolve to give love unconditionally to your children, students and all those whom God has put in your life!! Thank you for sharing this. Congratulations on the win!!!
Comment Written 18-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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Thank you Helen, and thank you for such a beautiful review (literally, and with flowers! You are amazing.) I have to look at it as having shaped me to becoming who I am, and it made God's unconditional love more precious and more real, throughout my whole life. I find that forgiveness is an ongoing process, even now, as she has no idea still of ever having done wrong to any of us. I pray to love her with God's love and accept her and love her regardless of her words and actions. Love as in 1 Cor 13, keeping no record of wrongs. It's hard, but such hurts can be turned into blessings for others. Thank you too for your congratulations. You are a blessing.
Wendy
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Beautiful attitude, dear Wendy! What you shared is something I need to keep in mind with my parents, too. 💖💖
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Once again you have blessed us with not merely very good writing, but excellent counsel. Very well done!
I vividly recall hearing someone say, "I love when you ..." I interpreted, "I love you when you..."
I pledged to never do that with those I love.
Bless you and best wishes.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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Once again you have blessed us with not merely very good writing, but excellent counsel. Very well done!
I vividly recall hearing someone say, "I love when you ..." I interpreted, "I love you when you..."
I pledged to never do that with those I love.
Bless you and best wishes.
Comment Written 17-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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Thank you Wayne. You understand, and you have experienced the same sort of thing. Most "love" seems to be conditional these days. But we have intrinsic worth, and must be valued just for that, not because of what we do, or achieve. Thank you again for your caring words, and also for the six stars, which validate my writing on these memories.
Wendy
Comment from Sarah Tummey
I'm glad this won the contest because it's lovely. I remember my mum telling me as a child: "I won't always like what you do, but I'll always love you", so similar to what you told your son. I wish all children could hear that.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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I'm glad this won the contest because it's lovely. I remember my mum telling me as a child: "I won't always like what you do, but I'll always love you", so similar to what you told your son. I wish all children could hear that.
Comment Written 17-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2022
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That's wonderful Sarah. Your mother was wise. Thank you for reviewing, I really appreciate it. (By the way, did you receive the notes about inserting pictures and videos. I sent a PM so I hope they pasted into the document without any problem.)
Wendy
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Hi Wendy. Yes, thank you, I did receive the notes. I sat down tonight and looked at them because I so wanted to reply saying I'd been successful and added a video, but I'm not as clever as you and I can't do it. I'm still using Windows 7, so perhaps I don't have the same menu options. I don't seem to have a copy embed code option in YouTube anyway.
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Are you playing the video and right clicking on it ? It should come up as one of the options on the side. If not, iit?s probably the fault of the computer not you.
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Yes, I right-clicked on it while it was playing. There was something about create QR code, but nothing that said copy embed code. It's probably that my Windows is too old and decrepit!
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Yes, I think you are right.
Comment from GARY MACLEAN
Those four-year-olds, they will put you on the spot every time.
A couple of observations:
Para 10, 2nd sentence: "four year old" should be "four-year-old" hyphen
Para 17, 3rd sentence: Add comma after "So"
Para 22, 1st sentence: Add comma after "Usually"
I cannot imagine ever "NOT" loving my kids. Jail or not, I will be there for them. As you pointed out, I would be sad, very sad, but they will always have a loving Father in me.
Very nice object lesson
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2022
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Those four-year-olds, they will put you on the spot every time.
A couple of observations:
Para 10, 2nd sentence: "four year old" should be "four-year-old" hyphen
Para 17, 3rd sentence: Add comma after "So"
Para 22, 1st sentence: Add comma after "Usually"
I cannot imagine ever "NOT" loving my kids. Jail or not, I will be there for them. As you pointed out, I would be sad, very sad, but they will always have a loving Father in me.
Very nice object lesson
Comment Written 16-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2022
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Thank you Gary. I appreciate your review with its thoughtful words, and the suggestions. Wendy.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
You sound like an awesome mother and teacher.
good entry for the "I Remember writing prompt contest.
I enjoyed reading your story. It moved along nicely and the plot was easy to understand and follow. Good character development.
Well done
Gypsy Blue Rose
"The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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You sound like an awesome mother and teacher.
good entry for the "I Remember writing prompt contest.
I enjoyed reading your story. It moved along nicely and the plot was easy to understand and follow. Good character development.
Well done
Gypsy Blue Rose
"The poet waits quietly to paint the unsaid." --Atticus
Comment Written 16-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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Thank you very much Gypsy. I am glad you enjoyed this one.
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, The Ultimate Question, is a powerful reminder of how much we give or take from a child's self-worth with our actions and words.
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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This story, The Ultimate Question, is a powerful reminder of how much we give or take from a child's self-worth with our actions and words.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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Thank you Bill. Yes, you?re right. I appreciate your review.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That was excellent, but I can only give you a virtual six. Your way should be everyone's way. I brought my sons up to know I would love them unconditionally, and they are now doing the same with their children. It's gratifying to know my family will always know they are loved. It's the only way to create wellbeing in a person. It would also stop a lot of the behaviour we see today. Very well done! Good luck in the contest. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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That was excellent, but I can only give you a virtual six. Your way should be everyone's way. I brought my sons up to know I would love them unconditionally, and they are now doing the same with their children. It's gratifying to know my family will always know they are loved. It's the only way to create wellbeing in a person. It would also stop a lot of the behaviour we see today. Very well done! Good luck in the contest. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 16-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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Thank you very much Sandra. Happy to have a virtual six. That?s encouraging. (I agree with your comments re today?s society.)
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You are very welcome. I've just voted and now you are in the lead. Good luck!
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Thank you!! That?s very lovely of you, and I appreciate it a lot. I remember it so well - it was one of those moments that you know, even at the time, are significant and that you won?t ever forget it.
Comment from WalkerMan
This is exactly how a child should be taught about love -- unconditional love -- along with what is and is not acceptable behavior, as a separate issue. As you indicated, the basic principles are the same, whether at home or in school.
You covered the topic efficiently with the examples you provided.
A lot of trouble could be averted if all children were raised this way.
Superb, and aptly illustrated.
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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This is exactly how a child should be taught about love -- unconditional love -- along with what is and is not acceptable behavior, as a separate issue. As you indicated, the basic principles are the same, whether at home or in school.
You covered the topic efficiently with the examples you provided.
A lot of trouble could be averted if all children were raised this way.
Superb, and aptly illustrated.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your amazing and very kind review. I appreciate every word. Thank you too for the Exceptional rating and six stars. I greatly value this honour.
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You are most welcome. If there were an official handbook for parents, your post ought to be a chapter early in the book. It also should be taught during the first required course for prospective teachers. What young children are being taught in public schools (and some private ones) today is exactly the opposite because there is no real morality about any of it. Your post is important. -- Mike
