For Jaime and Brooks Austyn, joy isn’t something they chase—it’s something they create. Whether it’s an afternoon on the golf course, a family dance session in the kitchen, or a quiet moment spent with their daughters, their home is one filled with love, laughter, and purpose.

Married for 22 years, Jaime and Brooks are deeply rooted in the Sedgefield community. Brooks is one of the Founding Partners of Gen-Con Group, a general contracting company, and Jaime is a hairstylist at Ivy House Salon, where she’s been building connections and confidence for 22 years. Together, they’ve built a life centered on faith, family, and raising two remarkable daughters: Lilly (14) and Brooklyn (11).

Brooklyn, their youngest, is full of energy and determination. Though she’s dabbled in gymnastics, dance, volleyball, and swim team, she’s found her stride on the golf course.

Introduced to the sport by her grandfather, Brooklyn first swung a club in the backyard and quickly graduated to the driving range. Today, she’s competing in nine- and 18-hole tournaments through U.S. Kids Golf and the Tar Heel Youth Golf Association. She also participates annually in the Drive, Chip & Putt competition and recently advanced to sub-regionals—a major milestone that brings her one step closer to her dream of competing at Augusta National.

“Golf challenges her mentally and physically,” Jaime says. “It gives her confidence and independence. Growing up with a sister who needs a lot of care, Brooklyn has matured faster than most. Golf is her space to grow and shine.”

Off the course, Brooklyn is happiest outdoors—swimming, camping, or just soaking up time with her family.

Lilly, the Austyns’ oldest, is a bright, expressive 14-year-old whose presence brings depth and light to her family’s life. She has Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects communication and motor skills and requires round-the-clock care.

“It’s one of the hardest and most beautiful parts of our life,” Jaime says. “We’ve watched Lilly lose skills she once had, which is heartbreaking. But our focus is on quality of life and celebrating who she is every single day.”

And Lilly is a lot of things. She’s a lover of music—especially Shawn Mendes and Ed Sheeran—and beams with joy during movie nights, musical documentaries, or anything spa-related. She loves foot soaks, makeup, shopping trips, and being around people who connect with her on a personal level.

“She doesn’t communicate like we do,” Jaime says, “but she has so much to say through her expressions. Her eyes are full of emotion and love.”

Thanks to a strong support network and some incredible adaptive programs, Lilly has been able to enjoy a wide range of adventures. Each year, she looks forward to attending Victory Junction—a fully accessible camp where she can go zip lining, ride horses, swim, and connect with other kids like her.

She’s also enjoyed Wake the World, an adaptive water sports event that lets her experience wakeboarding in a safe, inclusive environment. At home, she finds joy in golf cart rides, walks using her new gait trainer, and exploring her neighborhood on an adaptive tricycle.

“She thrives on connection,” Jaime says. “We always encourage people to talk to her like they would any other teen. She hears you. She understands. And she absolutely lights up when she’s engaged.”

For the Austyns, the challenges are real—but so is the joy. Every day is a balance of caregiving, supporting Brooklyn’s pursuits, managing work, and making space for laughter and music. It takes patience, grace, and a sense of humor.

“This life has required a lot of surrender,” Jaime says. “But it’s also deepened our appreciation for every smile, every small win, every peaceful moment. We’ve learned to show up for each other, to stay flexible, and to focus on what really matters.”

That spirit is evident in everything the Austyns do—how they show up for their daughters, for their community, and for one another. Theirs is a story not of perfection, but of presence, resilience, and wholehearted living.

Because for the Austyn family, joy isn’t found in ease—it’s found in the way they love.