Reviews from

Jonathan's Story

Viewing comments for Chapter 28 "Eureka!"
Our fostering journey with a severely disabled boy

24 total reviews 
Comment from robyn corum
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wendy,

What a terrible, terrible ordeal. I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine the worries and frustrations accompanying these days. It's clear, however, you were able to remain strong and clear-headed so you could be the champion he needed so badly. Kudos!

A couple of notes, if I may:

1.) In the next two days(,) a further three and a half litres drained from his left lung,
--> that's almost a GALLON for folks in the States! (.92)

2.) The total from both lungs was more than five litres altogether (eight pints) of fluid!
--> I'm not sure where you might have found this info, but I don't think it's correct. Consider checking again?
--> Looks to me like 5 liters = 10-1/2 pints... which would also convert to 1 entire gallon + an additional 2-1/2 pints.

3.) We were also thankful for his clever mind and skilful hands,
--> over here, that would be 'skillful' with an additional 'l'

Wildly intriguing story. (Terrifying, actually.) Brave of you to share -- and I'm sending you a huge, whopping hug--


 Comment Written 12-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2024
    Hi Robyn, thanks so much for reviewing and the suggested fixes. I use Australian spelling throughout, which follows the British, so that is the correct way for us to spell "skilful". And yes you are right. It is closer to ten pints. I had rounded the conversion from 568 mL in a pint to 600, but with a large volume the rounding becomes less accurate. I?ll change it to be more accurate. Yes, it was a huge volume.
    You would be interested to read the preceding story called "No more we can do" to set the scene. Don?t review, as it has now expired. When I get time I am putting the stories into a book, presently called Jonathan?s Story. This is the second last, and I?ll post the final chapter tomorrow. Thanks again for your interest.
    Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Jonathan's story shows just how resilient the human body is when steps are taken to care for it. I've said before, Jonathan is blessed to have you as his earth angle. His suffering has been beyond comprehension...and now Covid. Will he pull through? I'll wait and see.

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you so very much for this lovely review. Yes, he has shown great resilience throughout his life. Next chapter soon. I am so glad you are still following his story,
    Wendy
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
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Has anyone pointed out to you that you are angels here on Earth?. I long since have been robbed of much physical stuff I can do, but I talk and I write. I donate stuff I no longer use. I send books off to needy strangers. I had 16 boxes go off on Sunday. Not having money has not slowed me down. You and yours are wonderful. My love and best wishes to all of you.Karen

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you Karen. I don't believe I am an angel - just a person who couldn't say "No" to a child who needed a family, and that led to one thing after another. A lovely review. That was caring of you to support the needy as you do. Everyone shows care in the ways they can.
    Wendy
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you. Have a good week.
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 11-Apr-2024
    I think ou have one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. Karen
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The trouble is when you have as many issues as Jonathon has had it so easy for the infections to grab a hold. He went through so much, and I know how difficult it is to watch a loved one in continual health battles. Well written, Wendy.

valda

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you so much, Valda, for your very caring review - you show insight and understanding, and I appreciate it a lot.
    Wendy
reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    And wow! SIX stars - I am sorry, I didn't even realise at first. Thank you for the honour (and the happiness).
    Wendy
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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How diabolical is Covid? And yet though it's been round us and even isolated with an infected grandson, Elaine and I haven't had a hint of it, nor son-in-law Teddy, andvlocal grands, amazing really. Poor Jonathon, it would be extra bad for him, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you Roy for reviewing - always appreciated. The good thing for older people now is that antivirals are now readily available, and they are very effective in minimising the effects.
    Wendy
reply by royowen on 10-Apr-2024
    o yes
Comment from T B Botts
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Wendy,
as you can see, I'm behind in my reviewing. Things are busy here now. I'm glad they took care of the one problem, but as you know, when your immune system is weakened, it's just a matter of time before something else crops up. I fear that constantly being on vigil would totally exhaust me. I'm sure you were tired as well. Thanks for sharing gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you so much Tom. Yes, you are right re the immune system, and also about being very tired. I was exhausted by the end of his hospitalisation. Lovely review - thank you. Last chapter coming soon.
    Wendy
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
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It seems it is just one thing after another with Jonathan. I was hoping the last virus had cleared and it would be smooth sailing but now covid. It is amazing he has survived so long with all his problems.

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you Beth. Yes, he is a survivor. I am thinking of calling the book "The Unlikely Survivor". He certainly has been through a lot.
    Wendy
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
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The story of Jonathan, it is been a real pleasure for me to be reading it, and recognizing your compassion and care for Jonathan and for his strength and abilities do you think that normal people are able to do without being able to speak. I enjoyed this very much and I wish you the very best and you have a wonderful day and a good week.

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 09-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much Patricia for this very caring review, both for Jonathan and for myself, and also for the very kind good wishes.
    Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a relief for all of you to have finally gotten a diagnosis and a remedy for this rare condition. And what poor Jonathan had to go through with all that fluid in his lungs! It must have felt like he was drowning. It's hard to believe the lungs can hold that much fluid.

I'm very glad you had a courageous and compassionate doctor working on his case. It's just such a shame that after all that, Jonathan managed to contract Covid on top of it. Hopefully, his recovery from that went well. - Jim

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 09-Apr-2024
    Yes, I believe that is so. Others with severe pneumonia have said it feels like one is drowning. He was struggling to breathe even with maximum volume of high-flow oxygen before his lungs were drained. We were very thankful for the care and expertise of the doctors. Thank you for a wonderful review! Always much appreciated.
    Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What I can't get over in your story is, throughout every step of Jonathan's journey, you're simply not allowed to sit back and leave his care in the hands of the 'experts.' This is a message for all of us, wherever we are in the world and whatever healthcare we might be receiving. Our voice must be heard. We may not be 'experts' in the accepted sense but we know enough about our bodies or our loved ones' bodies to make a contribution. As if things couldn't get worse for Jonathan, then the horrors of Covid, the very disease that would target his already extremely vulnerable lungs, was lying in wait for him. This story of dedication and challenge in the face of adversity leaves the reader stunned and exhausted - it's a story, of course, analogous with the exhausting and emotional extremes of weather conditions currently being experienced in Oz. Nature is never, of course, in our absolute control, no matter how much we might kid ourselves it is.
Thanks for sharing your amazing story, Wendy. Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 09-Apr-2024
    Wow! What a wonderful review, Debbie. Thank you so much. Every comment you made shows great insight and understanding. And yes, we must have a voice! The experts do not know everything. Thank you too for the amazing six stars. I am honoured and thankful.
    Wendy