Faces of Laradon: John and Linda’s Story

November 5, 2024

As we step into the season of gratitude, we are excited to launch our “Grateful & Thankful” series, celebrating the Faces of Laradon—our participants, staff, volunteers, and supporters who bring life to our mission every day. Throughout November, we’ll be sharing stories that highlight the unique contributions and inspiring journeys of those who make Laradon a true community of inclusion and compassion. From overcoming challenges to achieving dreams, these stories are a reminder of the strength in unity and the power of gratitude. Join us each week as we honor the individuals who embody Laradon’s spirit of resilience, dedication, and heart.

At first glance, the Holloway household in Colorado, looks like any other home, but within its walls lies a remarkable bond—one that has been nurtured over decades, fueled by love, patience, and an unshakable sense of family.

It’s the story of John Holloway, a man with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and his sister-in-law Linda, whose life has been forever shaped by their unique relationship.

Linda Holloway first met John in 1986, but not in the way most people meet their future family members. She was sitting at his parents’ kitchen table, chatting with her then-boyfriend (now-husband) Kenny, John’s brother, when John came home after his day program.

“I remember his mom telling him to change into his play clothes,” Linda says, smiling at the memory. “He came back to the table and joined us. That kitchen was the heart of their home—where we all came together to talk.”

That table would witness many conversations as the years rolled on. Linda and Kenny, long-distance truck drivers, would often return to the family home between road trips, strengthening Linda’s connection with John. Their relationship grew, not just as in-laws, but as something much deeper.

By 2015, when John’s father passed away, it was Linda and Kenny who stepped up. They were awarded legal guardianship of John in 2016, a decision that felt both natural and monumental.

“I was already living there, helping take care of John, so it made sense,” Linda explains. “But it was more than that. I love him. He’s a huge part of our life.”

Now, John lives full-time with Linda and Kenny, and their days are filled with routines, laughter, and, most importantly, adventures.

“We love to travel,” Linda says. “I’ve taken John on planes to California multiple times, and Disneyland is his favorite. He lights up when he sees Mickey Mouse.”

But the real joy, for John, often lies in the simple pleasures.

“He loves to build things—especially with magnet tiles,” Linda says, noting John’s hands-on, creative side. And when he’s not building, John’s singing. “He’s got microphones stashed everywhere in the house,” she laughs.

His go-to artist? Jelly Roll.

“John wants Jelly Roll to be his friend,” she says with a chuckle, as if the two already have a kinship through the music that fills their home.

Their adventures extend beyond the walls of the house. John is an avid WWE fan, and for years, he and Linda have attended live matches, often several times a year. These days, they enjoy watching from the comfort of their living room.

“You can see it better on TV,” Linda jokes, though their love for the sport hasn’t wavered.

John’s enthusiasm for WWE is matched only by his passion for the Denver Broncos—his favorite player being none other than John Elway.

While Linda and Kenny’s life has been filled with travel and adventure, Linda speaks tenderly about how caring for John has become the most meaningful journey of all.

“I never had children, and neither did Kenny, so now we have John,” Linda says, her voice full of affection. “It’s a privilege. He’s our kid forever, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. His happiness is our happiness.”

Their connection to Laradon came at a crucial moment. In 2017, after navigating complex systems through the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC), Linda learned about Laradon’s Family Care Giver Program.

Sidebar: A Friendship Forged in Football Rivalry

Back in 2001, John and Linda met Diane Ott, who didn’t work at Laradon at the time but would eventually become a Placement Coordinator with Laradon. Diane has remained a cherished part of John and Linda’s lives. Diane was instrumental in helping John and Linda navigate their early days in understanding the IDD programs offered in Colorado. She offered guidance and support at every turn. Linda remembers that initial meeting fondly, describing how Diane’s warmth and expertise eased the family’s transition into Laradon’s community.

Over the years, Diane and John developed a special bond, despite one big difference: football allegiances. “

I’ve loved John from the beginning, even if he’s a Broncos fan and I’m loyal to the Chiefs,” Diane laughs. The rivalry has become a running joke between them, but neither would have it any other way.

For Linda and John, Diane isn’t just a Laradon team member but a friend who has seen them through challenges and celebrations alike. Their enduring friendship speaks to the strength of Laradon’s community, where support goes far beyond paperwork—it’s about the people who truly care.

“I wanted something local, and Laradon felt like the right fit,” she shared.

Laradon’s Family Care Giver Program allows individuals to receive their services directly from a family member, with paid support. Paid support may include housekeeping, bathing, dressing, and meal planning.

This model allows an individual with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities to receive services in their own home. The people who support them with their daily needs can be a family member, or staff person— in this case it is Linda.

The pandemic brought new challenges, but Linda credits Laradon’s support for helping them through the toughest times.

“We wouldn’t have made it through without Laradon,” Linda says.

Even when day programs were paused, Laradon stayed connected with the family, ensuring they had the resources they needed until the pandemic was over.

Now settled into a routine, Linda reflects on the incredible impact John has had on her life.

“I’m not overly religious,” she says, “but I believe John is an angel. He’s kept us grounded in a way I never expected. It’s like having a purpose you didn’t know you needed.”

Despite health challenges, including a stroke in 2009, Linda remains steadfast in her role as John’s guardian, sharing, “As long as there’s breath in my body, this is what I was meant to do.”

Their home may be filled with WWE matches, Bronco games, and birthday dinners, but at its core, it’s a place of unconditional love.

“Don’t be afraid to take in a family member,” Linda advises others who may find themselves in a similar situation. “It might not be for everyone, but it was the perfect fit for us. There’s so much joy in seeing someone you love smile, knowing you’re making their world a little better,” Linda says.

For Linda, John, and Kenny, that’s what family is all about: making each other’s worlds brighter, one moment, one laugh, one adventure at a time.

Written by: Laradon’s Communications and Marketing Director, Nicole Tschetter