Kay Mitchell

Jaii's Journey Kay Mitchell

Baby Anil, a tiny baby from India, is adopted into the Mitchell family in 1980. It seems he has come from nowhere, with nowhere to go, but Baby Anil, who becomes known as Jaii, has other ideas. Medical opinion suggested Jaii had no chance of survival, even on the night he arrived. Multiple diagnoses included pneumonia, a collapsed lung, heart murmur, blindness, dehydration, and malnutrition. Later, he underwent brain surgery, developed epilepsy, and was identified profoundly deaf. But everyone underestimated Jaii's personal tenacity and will to live, and despite having a broken wing, with incredible love and support from his family, he overcame a brain haemorrhage, a near drowning, and many other crises. Jaii's inspirational journey is powerfully documented by his mother, Kay, who stood by his side as he navigated his life's journey. Not only is it about the trauma and ultimate joy of overseas adoption, but also, most of all, it's about loving a child like Jaii. His story is written not only with love, passion, sensitivity, and a touch of humour but also, at times, with anger, frustration, and raw emotion.