The Barkleys for the Porch Project - A Porch Portrait

Jake (43), Barbara (44), Ryan (15), Patrick (13), and Eli (11)

"Jake, Ryan and I moved to Kent and this house in 2006 from Buffalo, NY. We love it here! Buffalo is nicknamed the City of Good Neighbors but I think Kent could be called the same. We feel fortunate to be able to both work from home. Jake teaches at KSU and has been challenged by needing to rethink and deliver his courses  to students online. I work in employee communications at Goodyear, which in the light of the pandemic seems to have become even more critical than ever. So, although we’re home we’re both busy working long hours.

Our boys are very active and are missing their friends and teammates. They were gearing up for spring sports (soccer and baseball) and Eli was headed into his last months at his elementary school, Davey, his “second home” since he started preschool there when he was 3. They are all missing their friends but are thankful that they can still connect online and at a safe distance when we’re around the neighborhood.

Ryan just got his temps so he is using this downtime to learn to drive a car! We’re working on some projects in and around the house to stay positive and hopeful. Jake and I hope this experience teaches our boys how important it is to do the right thing even when it’s hard to (especially when it’s hard to do) and how truly blessed we are to be healthy, happy and safe at home.