The first Lawder to join Willow Martial Arts was Everett at age 6 in April of 2014. The only boy with three sisters (one brand new) and having recently moved, he was eager to make his own way in an activity all his own.
His mom and sisters dutifully watched every week as he thrived and grew in his love for Tae Kwon Do. His twin sister, Kaeli was eager to try it as well, but wanted to allow Everett to “have his own thing” for a little while.
During that time, she watched and played with their three year old sister on the sides. The youngest Lawder, Lainey, was medically fragile and at times it wasn’t easy to keep the commitment for Everett and entertain the girls without making a scene. Perseverance paid off, and Everett grew in poise and confidence. Kaeli asked to join and was excited to begin classes in January 2015. She quickly caught on after having observed her brother and having an experienced ‘ninja’ in the house gave her the motivation she needed to try and catch up!
During this crucial year, Tae Kwon Do was a place of respite for “the twins”. Lainey was frequently in the hospital with seizures, 
used a walker to ambulate, and had sensory processing disorder, making it nearly impossible not to draw attention to our motley crew each week. In class, they were challenged to focus, improve on their own best, and to “never give up”. We often talked about TKD tenets at home and Lainey’s “indomitable spirit” was undeniable. It’s hard to complain about how hard a form is to learn when you have a super-hero learning to walk against all predictions.
Camden Grace watched from the sidelines, kicking and kiyaping along with the class, asking each week when she would be old enough to begin. Eventually, her 
winsome requests won Master Pat over and she was graciously invited to join the class a full year before she was old enough… she started TKD on her 4th birthday in September 2015! With only two remaining on the sidelines, it became obvious this was becoming a family sport. Lainey had progressed from the walker to orthotics, and, at the time, there was a young boy in the class who also wore orthotics. He was able to take them off to participate…and this Momma began to dream. To this day, I regret not introducing myself and asking his story. I dared to allow myself to think that Lainey could eventually kick and balance because of him.
Occasionally, with Lainey in tow, Heather would be asked to help with a small part of the 
class. That taste is all it took. When Everett and Kaeli were ready to join the adult class(at almost 9 years old), Momma joined the fun and enrolled in the beginner adult class with them during the summer of 2016. That same summer, Lainey had a miracle turn of events. After seizures nearly took her life, she qualified for a Vagal Nerve Stimulator implant… basically a pacemaker for her brain that would stop most of the 120+ seizures a day that were stealing her away from us. From that moment forward, Lainey became unstoppable. Within months she had overcome her developmental delays. With daily therapy she was able to walk without supports. In no time, she was kicking and “kiyaping” on the sidelines just as her sisters had done in the previous years.
Her story unfolded on the side of the classes taking place at Willow Marti
al Arts and at the ripe young age of only THREE, she joined the class of 5 to 7 year olds. Bursting with excitement, she put on her dobok and quickly learned to tie her belt. Her first competition was only a couple of months later, but she knew what to do… defied all odds, stood on one foot and broke a board. Those who didn’t know her story just thought it was adorable (and it was). But our Willow Martial Arts family knew and understood the tear that slipped out. She is strong and able.
Anxiety and fear is a part of our story but we found a place to help us turn that page. Day by day, Tae Kwon Do gives each of my children and I a place to work on the monsters that try to keep us back. For us, the sport was never about the competitions and accolades. Willow is a safe and supportive family where the Lawder family has been ableto learn more and more about perseverance, self-control, integrity, respect, and indomitable spirit. Some of our dearest friendships have been forged in the humble gym of Kirkwood Community.
And life goes on as it always must. Daddy Lawder has taken a job in Georgia. So as of April 2018 the Lawder clan is no longer part of our active Willow family, but will remain in our hearts always. Hopefully they can find an AAU school in Georgia to continue their training so we can see them at AAU events in the future. Good luck Lawder Clan.
Center. Kiyap!