After escaping abuse, family tries to rebuild despite medical issues
The Christmas tree shines through the front window of the tidy house near Calallen, and inside, four siblings giggle among themselves and share intimate jokes.
The two youngest, Piper, 7, and James, 9, give calm and straightforward answers to questions about school and hobbies. Both cite math as their favorite subject, but get a little heated when discussing their interests. Piper loves watching “Frozen” and “Frozen II” and shows off the tie-dye stuffed cat she won by answering school Christmas trivia. James prefers video games, with “Fortnite” the particular favorite.
The two oldest daughters, Daisy, 12, and Ava, 13, are more open. Daisy is a straight college student who enjoys math and art classes, as well as crafts and jewelry making. Ava loves English language arts and athletics, and spends time experimenting with hairstyles.
All the typical kid stuff, but their mom, Robin, isn’t afraid of family difficulties.
Two and a half years ago, Robin and her children were living in a shelter after escaping an abusive relationship. They spent about seven months in the shelter and were grateful for the help and the opportunity to get back on their feet, but life in a shelter is difficult. All family members had shelter-wide chores to do, such as laundry and cleaning, and personal belongings were often stolen.
“It wasn’t a good past. We went through a lot,” Robin said. “Going from having everything to having nothing, having to rebuild.”
Children represent thousands of people who will be helped by Caller-Times Children’s Christmas Appeal. The names of the profiled families have been changed to protect their privacy.
Since 1973, the Caller-Times has reported on the struggle of needy children and their families during the holiday season. All money donated to the Christmas Appeal campaign benefits children; all overhead costs are borne by Caller-Times, United Way of the Coastal Bend and participating agencies.
Participating agencies include the Boys & Girls Club of Alice, Duval County Christmas Committee, Kleberg County Welfare Department, Nueces County Department of Social Services, Odyssey After School Enrichment Program in Rockport, Sinton for Youth Inc. and Purple Door.
Robin and the children are determined to overcome the past and are helped by Robin’s boyfriend, Julio, who has become part of the family after leaving the shelter.
“It was the end of a chapter for us, and there was light at the end of the tunnel,” Robin said.
But in the meantime, Robin encountered health problems. A disorder she has suffered from since she was 19 has caused a return of frequent seizures, and her medical team says working is no longer an option. Julio was injured at work and cannot work at the moment.
“Instead of me being a hero to my kids, they’re all coming to help me,” Robin said. “When I get sick, they cook the meals, help me get on the couch, make sure I’m taken care of.”
“She’s a strong woman, but they’re all strong,” Julio said. “All have their chores and responsibilities and weigh their weight. They wash clothes; they help with dinner. It’s incredible.”
He added that he tries to be a father figure to the children. “I want them to be the best they can be. I want them to be in a situation where they have what they need. They may not have what they want, but they have what they need. need.
There are gaps in what they need. While items like games and toys are always nice, kids would love furniture for their shared bedrooms too. In one bedroom, drawer fronts fall off the dresser, while the other bedroom makes do with plastic storage bins.
Regardless of what they can give the kids this year, Robin and Julio know that what they can give them is far more important than material things.
“We try to give them that solid foundation,” Robin said. “No matter what is given to you, you can always overcome it, whether for good or for evil. You can always change your habits and continue a process of growth.
HOW TO MAKE A DONATION
Here are three ways to help:
*Complete the donation form on page 2A. Make check or money order payable to Children’s Christmas Appeal and send to: United Way of Coastal Bend, 4659 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX, 78411 (direct funds to Children’s Christmas Appeal)
*Go online to www.uwcb.org and click on the DONATE button.
*Text ChristmasAppeal (without spaces) to 41444 to donate.
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