When Kim and I first met Theresa at her home, she
greeted us with a warm smile. She invited us in to talk with her
and for about an hour we heard her story, toured her house, and
learned what she struggles with most. Four years ago Theresa
found the courage to leave an abusive husband with her 7
children. She didn't have much, and still doesn't but she had
enough courage, and enough love to know that no matter how
little she had, she knew she could give a better life to her
kids on her own.
She struggles to get ahead, working a job that
pays very little and with hours that keeps her away from her
kids more than she likes. Her dream is to own her own home, and
to find a job that pays better. All her spare time is spent with
the kids - they are all inseparable, taking care of one another
and finding that home really is where the heart resides.
Her kids are a delight. Lisa, Amber, Alonike are
the 3 youngest and sweetest girls you'll meet. Floyd, 15, loves
drums and playing the keyboard. Jason and Justin, 14, enjoy
basketball and football. Whitley is the oldest, and in college -
hoping to be a good role model to her younger siblings. She
comes home every other weekend when mom has the money to buy gas
to go get her in Orangeburg.
To look at their home it is obvious what is most
important as photos of the family and trophies the boys have won
are the prominent decorations in the family room. But the
reality of life is also obvious, there are very few toys or
signs of the kids because of the simple fact that Mom can't
afford to buy much more after all the necessary things are
bought first. Amber doesn't have a bed and all the others
share - no one has a bed of their own.
When you look at the splintered walls, the gaps
in the windows, the old refrigerator you realize why Theresa is
slapped each month with a utility bill totaling more than $250 a
month. Closet doors that no longer hang, limited dresser space
for the kids, as well as limited clothing.
They have one basketball, and all the kids play -
they even gave me a fair shake and after it was all done, I lost
my bet and had to pay out $10! They laugh a lot, it's a
beautiful sound amidst all the apparent struggle. And even
though Mom laughs a lot, you can see in her eyes the pain and
hurt, and the exhaustion she feels. She only wants a better life
for herself and her kids, and asking for help is not something
Theresa is accustomed to doing.
We could not have picked a better recipient than
the Ravenell family for our Isabelle Project. I hope all of you
feel the same, and are able to share in the joy of being able to
help this family. I have big plans for our project .... I am
going to need all the help I can get to pull this off. Please,
forward this email to everyone you know - lets all make a
difference.
What can you do?
Warmest Regards,
Dakota