When Parker was diagnosed with autism, what was your initial reaction, and how have you navigated the journey?
Jenilee: When Parker was only two years old, he was diagnosed with autism. Initially, even though I knew something was different, hearing the words autism really scared me. Not that it was a diagnosis that meant he was sick, but the challenges that flashed in my mind were scary. How would he survive school, make friends, play sports, go to college, etc? I knew what autism was, but at the same time, I really did not know. Learning about something and living with it daily are two different things. There is fear in learning to adapt and change your world. My fears were for him, not just myself. No one wants to see their child face this kind of adversity. It will make them stronger and more resilient, but it is still tough.
I am a researcher by trade. So the second thing I did was start researching what I could do and where we needed to get therapy or who we needed to meet with. My philosophy was to listen to all and then research and pray, and make the best choice we could for Parker. We ended up in ABA therapy, which changed our lives and Parker’s life.
The autism journey is hard, but we have found through sharing with others that there is more acceptance and understanding about Parker from parents, teachers, and friends. Parker is his own advocate now, too, especially at school and with friends. We teach him that this is just like any other thing we are given. We use it to serve the Lord, others, and to grow ourselves. We hope to use Parker’s journey and experiences, and how we have been challenged and changed for good, to advocate and help others.
How does your family help to bring awareness to autism?
Jenilee: With Dru being a basketball coach, we knew we wanted to educate others, and what better platform than sports? Along with Project Outreach Gulf Coast, Dru and I created a state-wide basketball event called “Shooting 2 Change” to promote autism acceptance through athletics. This event is now in its 11th year, with over 100 coaches and so many colleges and high schools across the state participating each year.
What has been most rewarding part of motherhood so far?
Jenilee: Personal growth. I think back to before kids, and it is hard to even imagine the person I was before. The selflessness, patience, love, and compassion I have gained have truly made me a better person.
What are some ways you balance your home and work life?
Jenilee: A family calendar is my best friend. I look at everything weekly to see the best way we can navigate and squeeze in everything we need to do. I also have great friends and family. I truly know the meaning of “it takes a village” because it definitely does. From carpooling to dance weekly, to other parents sending me pictures/videos from basketball games or homecoming dances, I just find a way to make it work, knowing that I can never be in the same place at the same time.
It also may mean my house is not spotless all of the time and there is laundry that piles up until the weekend, but I prioritize what my kids’ needs are and balance that out with being successful at work.
How do you prioritize “filling your own cup”?
Jenilee: It is so very hard when your kids are younger, but it has always been important to me to maintain the kind of friendships that fill my cup. Sharing life experiences and common life goals with others gives me encouragement. Reading is my escape, though. My kids know if I am by the pool with my face in a book, it needs to be really important to get my attention.
What’s your go-to “mom hack” that makes life easier?
Jenilee: Learn to adapt! Children are not robots. Things happen. Clothes get ruined. Kids get sick. One thing is for sure: life is not perfect. You must be able to adapt to whatever comes your way. Learn to roll with the punches and have a sense of humor!
What’s an important lesson you hope to teach your children?
Jenilee: To love and be kind to others. We are all different. We all have past traumas and experiences. The world would be a boring place if we all acted, looked, and thought the same.
If you could go on a dream family vacation with unlimited funds, where would you go?
Jenilee: With unlimited funds, I would charter a private cruise ship from Alaska to Hawaii. Seeing the wonders of God’s work, from glaciers to a volcano, all while having a blast in between on a cruise ship.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- TV or Books? Books
- Favorite Holiday? Easter. It was one of my mother’s
favorites, and it makes me think of her. - Phone Calls or Texts? Texts…noone with three kids
has time to talk on the phone - Pizza or Tacos? Pizza
- One word to describe yourself? Genuine
Jenilee Powell and her husband, Dru, have been married for 17 years and live in Mobile. Jenilee is a nurse practitioner, and Dru is a high school basketball coach. They have three children — Dane, who is just starting his freshman year, and loves basketball, the gym, and is academically inclined. Parker, who is in eighth grade and wrapping up the middle school years. He enjoys playing video games and all sports. He is currently the manager for his school’s football and basketball teams. Their youngest, Livi Caroline, just started second grade. She is passionate about dance, tumbling, and enjoys competing in pageants.
