Best picture ever: Chattanooga’s amazing Reynolds family

Elena, Juliana, Katie and Andrew

Now THIS is a spaghetti party!

Back in 2013, I wrote a story about Ezra and Kelly Reynolds of Chattanooga, and their heroic efforts to adopt special needs children from Ukraine.  If you’re not familiar with their story, I encourage you to click the link and learn more.

Here’s the short version: Ezra and Kelly spent several months in 2013 in Ukraine, battling red tape, bureaucracy, delays, false starts, and broken promises in an effort to adopt two of these children (they had adopted two others in 2011).  There were language barriers, inept government officials, and other problems that arose each day.  Most people would have simply given up, and no one would have blamed them.

The couple would not give up however, and it was my honor to report their story, and even spend a little playground time with them when they finally came home to Chattanooga.  As I noted at the time, there were the usual snarky Facebook comments from some, saying things like, “Why don’t they stay home and adopt American kids?”  This, despite the fact that the precious children they adopted had  learning disabilities, vision problems, hearing deficiencies, mobility limitations and a very short waiting list of potential parents.  In some cases, there was no list. If not for the Reynolds’ love and determination, these kids would have grown up in cold, nasty institutions with no hope of ever getting out.

Kelly is a teacher by trade, and Ezra is a problem solver.  That’s a quick way of saying that he’s an engineer who invents ways for children like Andrew, born with no hands or feet, to be self-reliant. His work at Signal Centers, and at UTC, has helped so many children overcome their disabilities, via assistive technology.  As I wrote in 2013, ” They’re not begging for my money, your money or government money.  They have jobs, thankfully answering to people who allow them to take time off to change the world.  They’re the first to give credit to family members who have been incredibly patient babysitters, friends and church members who have helped with basic needs, and even total strangers who have offered meals, shelter, diapers, or just a pat on the back.  When I asked them what to tell people who want to help them, they said, “Just tell them there are still a lot of children who need good homes, in this country, and all over the world.  If your family is able to help, you don’t have to look far.”

Katie will turn 9 in November.   She attends East Ridge Elementary.  She is learning to read, and likes to boss her siblings.

Elena will be 7 in March. She also attends East Ridge Elementary. She loves to dance and play guitar.

Juliana just turned 5.  She is in the Signal Centers Pre-K program. She recently cut Andrew’s hair and her own.

Andrew will be 4 in December. He goes to Signal Centers, and talks a blue streak.

Chessa (the couple’s first child)   just turned 2. She loves being cute and adorable.

They are expecting a baby boy, due in December.

The Reynolds family, April 2015