October 2, 2009

Sharing the responsibility of taking care of one another is exactly what one local mother and daughter had to do to overcome the hurdles life handed them. This week's edition of Jennifer's Heroes shows us actions really do speak louder than words.

Kelly Gregory has never been able to speak. Often times her daughter Stacy speaks on her behalf.

"I might not have a great voice, but I can sing, and I might not have rhythm, but I can dance. I have been through hell and back, and hold back tears, and just keep on going with pride and dignity. I am living proof that all things are possible," Stacy said, reading from an essay written by her mother.

Kelly's disability has never affected her ability to raise two children and manage a household on her own.

"She's always been on top of things. Getting bills paid, taking care of the house, being a single mother, I think she's done a wonderful job," said Stacy.

However, Kelly's struggles did not stop with a speech impediment. Two years ago, doctors found and removed a large tumor on Kelly's brain, and while it was benign, it was no less frightening for Kelly and Stacy.

"I stood over her, rubbing the fine hair I once used to play in every night, scared that it would no longer be there after the surgery, and kissed her on the forehead." Stacy expressed her feelings in an essay she wrote for a class at Piedmont Virginia Community College. "Speaking to the doctor for my mom because of her speech impediment, I felt almost as a mother would feel with her child lying in the hospital bed, knowing there was nothing I could do to help."

Kelly and Stacy persevered, and to this day, one is always thinking of the other. This mother-daughter duo shares a strength that will help them through life's chapters that have yet to be written.