Meet the Isbell Family!
Every child deserves a family.
By blending three adopted children with their two birth children, Lorelee and Mike Isbell have created a beautiful, diverse family. With children ranging from 3rd to 12th grade, their household is a lively hub. The Isbell’s proudly introduce their sons and daughters. The first set is their two birth children: Ryan, a high school senior, and Mikayla, a 10th grader. Ryan joined the football team this year and is planning to attend college after he graduates. Mikayla is “persistent and strong” – important traits for her success in competitive horseback riding.
The Isbell’s second set of children is a sibling trio they adopted six years ago: Alexandra (Alex), age 16; Isabella, age 14; and Giovanni, age 8. Bubbly and outgoing Alex is in 10 th grade with Mikayla. Alex is admired for her ability to converse with all kinds of people and her “fantastic skills with kids.” Isabella “a feisty young lady with a great sense of humor.” A gifted singer, she has hopes of going on America's Got Talent. Giovanni, a lively 3rd grader, loves to play video games and to try new foods and new experiences. All three enjoy athletics: Alex is a runner, Isabella is on the soccer team, and Giovanni plays basketball.
Lorelee and Mike’s motivation to adopt was largely due to earlier positive personal experience. Lorelee and her brother were adopted as babies. Mike's best friend was adopted at age ten. The couple encountered some frustration in the process, particularly in accessing appropriate post adoption services. “We found the out-of-home counseling sessions and the medical services provided to our adopted children complex and unhelpful.” The Isbell’s saw better results with in-home counseling sessions that helped all of them adjust to the new family configuration.
Asked about obstacles they have overcome, Lorelee refers to the “complete change in our family dynamic over the course of one year.” Lorelee and Mike relied on their faith and their “supportive village to encourage them through the difficult times."
The Isbell’s thank members of Congress for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, which helped them make the needed changes to their house as they grew from a foursome to a family of seven. They wish to respectfully advise policymakers: “Reunification should NOT be the number one goal; many times that goal is incredibly detrimental to the child.” Lorelee shares her views with others considering adoption: “Adoption is hard. Family is hard. But every child deserves a family. No child should age out of foster care. They didn't choose this life. It was chosen for them. Many of us have the opportunity to change that.”
Asked how they define “family,” all the Isbells agree: “A family has nothing to do with blood. A family is made up of people who are willing to challenge you, encourage you, cry with you, laugh with you, and at the end of each day, good or bad, and tell you they love you."
