Jerrad Visits the Children's Home after 16 years
By Jeana Pillion Walter

Barb Kjelland lifted her hands in total surprise when she saw Jerrad. "Oh my gosh, it's one of my first boys from Downing Cottage. I can hardly believe it." Jerrad walked over and gave her a hug after more than 16 years.

In fact, everyone was surprised, even Jerrad. His unplanned visit coincided within minutes of our luncheon to celebrate Barb's 25th anniversary at the Methodist Children's Home. Jerrad was one of the residents who lived in the cottage when Barb was as a fulltime houseparent. His surprise visit was a gift!

Barb and Jerrad sat down in the same dining hall where they'd sat years ago. They ate a piece of her 25th anniversary cake and tried to catch up on the years. "So how have you been," said Barb with a big smile on her face. "I'm good," said Jerrad, "doing real good."

Jerrad had a lot of fond memories of living at the Children's Home. "I came back to humble myself and remember my roots." As a teenager, he took guitar lessons, and learned gardening and lawn skills. "I loved to run the weedeater." At one point, Jerrad put down his fork, and said, "I tell you one thing, you never let us forget that we were loved —even when we were frustrating to deal with."

He had a terrible temper as a teenager and would spend a lot of time in time-out. "I remember that Ms. Barb would point her finger at me and I knew I had done something wrong."

Jerrad lived at Downing Cottage from age 16-18. "I walked into the cottage and I could remember everyone's name in the rooms and even remembered the time-out room. The older kids and younger kids were separated into two halls. Staff were always telling the older kids that they set the example and had to make the right choices for the younger ones.

"My father was a military man—lots of rules at the house. I never felt like I measured-up to his expectations. My dad always liked my brother better."

Jerrad's relationship with his adopted parents was very difficult. They had tried to have a child of their own, and instead adopted Jerrad at age three. Then a few years later, gave birth to another son. Jerrad said he never felt like he could "measure up" to his brother. He never felt like he belonged. He came back to Lexington to visit his parents. Their relationship has mended over the years. "It's weird to hear my dad consider me his son again."

Jerrad has never known his biolgical parents who both passed away when he was an infant.
Jerrad now lives in Texas working for a grocery chain called Tom Thumbs. After six years, he reached manager. He feels very blessed and proud to have his own house, car and a steady job. "We all worried about him when he left the Home. What a blessing to see him now!," said Barb.