Here’s how this week’s arts and culture column begins:
Judy Horton is co-founder, along with her late husband Jerry, of Down Home Ranch, a residential care facility outside Austin, Texas, for those with intellectual disabilities.
After a first marriage ended in divorce, Judy married Jerry in 1973.
Ten years later, her three kids from her first marriage were 16, 20 and 24. She and Jerry were looking forward to an empty nest, a new leg of the journey.
And then, at 41, Judy got pregnant.
In spite of her age, she refused amnio. “Strangely enough, I was pro-life, even as a radical left-wing hippie.” Jerry, having no natural children of his own, was thrilled. Kelly was born in 1984. “I saw right away that she had Down syndrome.
READ THE WHOLE PIECE HERE.
Wow! What a story. I mean, it’s one thing to say with God all things are possible and quite another to see it played out like this. Thanks so much for shining your light on this inspiring family. Just beautiful.
Just an incredible woman, Judy Horton–a joy to get to speak to her.