Audio, photos and editing by Kohl Threlkeld, produced by Matt Fields-Johnson

Story by Kohl Threlkeld

When the judge announced that Christy Brock and her husband, Rick Brock, were awarded temporary guardianship of Ethan Coots, 7, and Tatum Coots, 9, last December, it was hard to find a dry eye in the room.

“I guess we were their last hope, or they were going to remain in foster home or put in some group home somewhere,” Rick Brock said.

After Social Services removed Ethan and Tatum from their home, the children’s future was uncertain.

There were no family members that could take them, and Ethan’s cerebral palsy meant that he needed to be in a medical home within the foster care system. The closest one was in Owensboro, Christy and Rick Brock said.

Christy Brock has been Ethan’s personal aid at Cumberland trace elementary school for three years. This experience meant she knew how to care for Ethan’s medical condition.

She was aware of the rough home life the children were exposed to, she said.

She said she knew their father struggled with addiction, and the children were witness to things no child should be.
This made her reach out and help, Christy Brock said.

“I remember telling him that ‘I’ll do anything I can to help you, but if I ever know that the kids are in harm, I will be your worst enemy,’” Christy Brock said.

The Brocks and their five other children helped out however they could for several years.

As their time together grew more frequent, so did their love for the children. So when the time came to step up and take care of the children full time, there was no hesitation, Christy Brock said.

“We just knew that our home was the home for them — we had to get them,” she said.

Christy Brock’s relationship with Ethan had been unique from the beginning. They began to develop their own form of communication because Ethan is non-verbal and has trouble using sign language, she said.

“We just clicked — it was like it was meant to be,” Christy Brock said.

The Brocks soon realized that the effects from the children’s previous home were much greater than they had imagined.

Crucial medical appointments were never made for Ethan, leaving his development neglected.

Tatum had such severe dental hygiene neglect that she needed to be hospitalized to have work done.

“To be able to provide a safe and happy, healthy home for them right now is an honor,” Christy Brock said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen from this, but I know we would be willing to take these children forever.”

photo by Kohl Threlkeld/Herald