The Brown Family

Lydia went through years of struggling and coming to terms with infertility issues. Seeing the children on “Wednesday’s Child” was always tugging at her heart until she decided it was finally time to adopt.

“When you face the fact that you can’t have a child of your own,” Lydia explains “Adoption isn’t something you just decide to do. You have to think about it, and decide if you can accept a child and love and care for her as your own.” Having grown up with four siblings who were adopted, she was comfortable with the idea of adopting.

In late 1984, she saw Jill on “Wednesday’s Child” with host Jack Williams. She was so struck by the little 1-year-old that she called MARE the next day and was referred to her social worker. Lydia remembers, “The thing that caught my eye was Jillian’s eyes – She looked so sad, yet so cute. She seemed to be saying, ‘pick me.’ I couldn’t resist. I knew I had a lot of love and patience to give her, so that was it.”

After a meeting with Jill’s worker, Lydia became very interested and filled out the necessary paperwork. Lydia first met Jill at her foster home in early summer 1985. During the meeting, Lydia recalls Jill just sat and quietly watched her. Jill’s social worker encouraged Lydia and her former husband to think carefully about adopting and make sure they felt prepared to take on a child with Down Syndrome and a congenital heart problem. Lydia felt certain that Jill was right for her: She declared that after she returned from a week-long vacation, she would continue to visit Jill with the hopes of adopting her. As the visits continued – nearly every day for the whole summer – Jill grew more at ease. She would even sit with Lydia while sucking her thumb and tugging at Lydia’s earrings.

Jill came home with Lydia on September 27, 1985 when she was 22 months old. It was in the middle of Hurricane Gloria. Lydia was determined to bring her home that day. They had her at home for only about an hour when the power went out. Jill did well regardless, and Lydia speculates that this early incident has helped her deal with “the unexpected” ever since.

Today, Jill is a happy, affectionate 21-year-old who has overcome a lot of obstacles through her strength, hard work and determination. “For a kid, who didn’t talk or walk, she doesn’t stop talking or slow down,” says Lydia. Lydia continues, “Jill doesn’t let things get her down. She has her bad days like everyone else. But with a bit of encouragement, she gathers herself up, and moves on. She has a great sense of humor.”

In June 2005, Jill graduated from high school. She works at several jobs through school, and after she turns 22, she will continue working in a program for people with special needs. In her spare time, Jill loves listening to country western music, going to the movies, dancing, bowling and playing third base on a Special Olympics softball team. She also likes watching WWE Wrestling, easily remembers each wrestler’s name and can talk your ear off about it.

Jill has defied even what Lydia thought she could do. Lydia notes that Jill can and does learn; it just takes her more time. Along the way, they have been fortunate to have had supportive family members and friends in their corner. Equally important in upholding them, especially in times of trial, was Lydia’s faith in God and keeping a positive outlook.

Lydia loves talking about her daughter and is proud of the young lady she has become. “Jillian and I have a terrific relationship…we love doing things together and apart. We have a very happy life.”