Our Village, Our Journey: Embracing the Adventure of Family and Growth – by Kelly Brooks

They say it takes a village to raise a child. What I love most about that saying is that there is no description of what the village looks like or the adventures that village will face. For me, my village is made up of my 4 kiddos and me. My oldest prepares for college as a senior in high school while my youngest enjoys early childhood as she prepares for Kindergarten. I also have a 9-year-old son and 16-year-old niece.  

Unlike the “ideal” family, our family has an added adventure feature. My youngest, Joy, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and is currently unable to walk. She also has limited speech and hand movements. The “ideal” family took a turn when Joy did not develop as I learned in my prenatal classes. With the guidance of Joy's PCP (Primary Care Physician), we were recommended to the Illinois Early Intervention program. Early Intervention provided in-home therapies for Joy and a safe place for me to ask questions about my new adventure in life. Early Intervention also provided resources and materials to support me in caring for my daughter. Although Joy is different from the other members of our village adventure, she has opened our hearts and minds to a new perspective on life. Our Joy is just that, a hand full of laughter, surprises, new experiences, and opportunities to learn.  
 
Our village has learned what real friendship looks and feels like. We have learned patience, how the simple things matter, and that adventures include everyone. Being a village also means accepting the pitfall, creating a plan to get to the mountain top, and understanding that it's a team effort, even if that means using outside resources.  

Each year I learn more about the value of a good foundation, meaningful support, and a determined mind. Each component adds to an atmosphere of growth for any child. Our village is grateful for the adventure and every lesson along the way.