Unbroken: A Triumph of Spirit - Meet The White Family of Liberty Knolls
Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography
When you first meet Hillary White, you first notice how bright her eyes sparkle. Her stare shows strength, joy, love, and a triumphant glare. The stare of someone given severe life challenges yet refused to let anger win.
The Beginning
Hillary (50) and Jason (51) met on the first day of freshman-year college orientation. They somehow sat next to each other, and the rest was history. It was a connection at first sight. Hillary would go on and graduate with a degree in Biology. Jason had other plans for his path. After a year and a half at college, he decided his time would be served in the Air Force. Six days after Hillary graduated college, with all their friends and family gathered, they married. They then headed off to start their lives together as a military family.
Jason served in the Air Force for 21 years. Throughout those years, Hillary learned to adapt and overcome job obstacles, from moving from duty station to duty station. They would go through seven duty stations nationwide before Jason retired in Virginia. While in the military, he earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Park University and a Master's in Public Administration from Norwich University. Together, they faced the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
Love Through a Phone Call
It is usually during a stressful time in the military lifestyle when the most unexpected blessings can come. For Hillary and Jason, that moment came with an unexpected phone call asking if they would be ready to adopt a baby.
At this time, they knew they could not have a child of their own and saw this as a sign that without knowing what being a parent entails, to welcome and love this baby into their home.
So they said yes.
They were moving from Hawaii to Spokane, yet they found a way to get what was needed from social workers and the legal team to welcome their baby home.
Hillary got the call, “The birth mom is in labor.” She immediately booked her flight to take care across the States so that she could meet her son.
In the quiet embrace of a hospital room, Hillary’s heart fluttered with anticipation, hands trembling with excitement and nervousness. As the door swung open, a cradled tiny bundle wrapped in a soft blanket—a newborn baby boy, Andrew, was welcomed into the loving arms of his adoptive mother.
In the beautiful chaos of meeting their new baby, Jason had to stay behind because their household goods had just arrived in Spokane from Hawaii. As soon as the last item was signed for, Jason was on a flight to meet his son.
In the following days, sleepless nights became a symphony of lullabies and murmurs as Hillary and Jason marveled at the beautiful, life-altering responsibility that had entered their world. Each diaper change, every coo and giggle, became a celebration of the unique journey they were about to embark on together.
Unbroken
Hillary’s life took an unexpected turn when a routine medical procedure went awry due to an unfortunate medical malpractice case.
Instead of succumbing to despair, she embarked on a courageous journey of resilience and determination. Faced with physical and emotional challenges, Hillary sought justice for the negligence that had altered the course of her life.
She navigated the legal complexities with unwavering strength, standing up against the system that had failed her. Hillary underwent numerous corrective surgeries and rehabilitation, displaying an extraordinary spirit that inspired those around her.
Though wheelchair-bound, Hillary says she has forgiven the events that led her to this moment. In those moments, she saw the pillar of strength and support her husband offered, especially as he was recalled from Iraq to aid her. Never did she feel like she was alone.
Home is Where the Military Takes Us
Though Hillary and Jason are native Kentuckians, the Liberty Knolls Neighborhood is now their home.
Andrew is a Colonial Forge High School sophomore and part of the cross-country team. He also plays basketball with Stafford Parks and Rec. He is also very close to becoming an Eagle Scout! Go, Andrew!
Hillary is part of the executive board of the PTSO for Colonial Forge High School and is part of the Scout Committee.
When Hillary isn't spending time with their family dog, Abigail Addams, an 8-and-a-half-year-old French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix, she loves to work on puzzles and crotchets.
Liberty Knolls exudes a timeless appeal, blending modern comforts and a close-knit atmosphere.
However, it was the accessibility of the homes that drew Hillary and Jason in. Their ranch-style home made it easy to add features like wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and adapted bathroom facilities to enhance mobility and give Hillary the independence to maintain an active and self-reliant lifestyle.
Independence is what Hillary had fought for during her recovery time.
She says,
“I’m independent because I am a survivor.”
Liberty Knolls is a neighborhood for all, and Hillary loves the community she has built.
Hillary loves how close their neighbors are. They are thoughtful, caring, fun, and so inviting.
Whether enjoying a stroll down its picturesque sidewalks or gathering for community events, living in Liberty Knolls has been a refreshing experience for the White family.
There are many moments where Hillary could have quit. Instead, she forgave and let go of that anger. There are so many lessons to learn from her. After an afternoon over lunch listening to her story, I’ve left inspired.
Hillary’s journey reminds us that the human spirit is unbreakable and that we can rise, overcome, and truly live even in the face of life-altering circumstances.
