Single father from Edcouch does all he can to provide for his five children

2 weeks ago 60

EDCOUCH — Each morning in the Rodriguez home is a hectic one.

With one restroom and shower for three brothers and two sisters, Alfonso Rodriguez, who is raising them all on his own, said he has mastered the art of getting everyone ready on time but that doesn’t stop the chaos from time to time.

Trying to stick to a schedule every morning, Alfonso has to drop off his children at three different schools.

Between dropping them off and picking them all up, Alfonso, a carpenter, picks up whatever work he can between those limited hours to provide for his family. However, raising them by himself has been a struggle financially and mentally.

“This coming March, it’ll be seven years that I’ve had my kids,” he said. “Struggling, but my role is for them is the needs first, and then the wants. Like the bills or whatever needs like clothing for school and then wants.”

Always feeling stressed, Alfonso admits it was harder to raise five kids when they were younger, but now that his children are older, they always look to give a helping hand.

“It’s not as hard as it was in 2018 and 19, because, for the simple fact, I don’t gotta worry about diapers or car seats or bottles,” he said. “So now they’re all grown up. They help me cut the grass or the girls wash the clothes or sweep or mop or clean the restroom, that’s a lot of help.”

The five children are Israel, 16, Makayla, 14, Belinda, 12, Alfonso, 10, and Xavier, 7, who all attend Edcouch-Elsa ISD.

“I went through all that and at one time, you know, I wanted to give up,” Alfonso said. “I didn’t expect to be a single parent.”

Also taking care of his disabled mother before she died, the family celebrated their first Thanksgiving in over three years since her death.

With the help of a neighbor heating up their turkey, the family members each made a side for their meal.

It felt great, he said as he recalled the emotional turn of events when his mother died.

“I told my kids we’re all going to get to that stage eventually,” he said. “It’s a teaching for them too. Everything’s a teaching for the kids, like school.”

Receiving food stamps for the children each month, the family still finds themselves struggling at the end of the month, often relying on donations from food banks and support from family and friends.

“It’s not as easy as anybody could think,” he said. “There was a time when I thought, well, she’s a single parent and now I get to where I’m at the point where I say, ‘pobre señora,’ because it’s harder for women.”

With the oldest child Israel, who is on the football team, planning to pursue a welding career right out of high school, Alfonso places an emphasis on education for all of his children since he never graduated.

“My main goal is for them to graduate,” Alfonso said. “My mindset is getting to that point, once I cross the finish line, I’ll be happy.”

Grateful to spend another Christmas together, he tells his children to be humble and appreciative of the things they do have, and also have respect for people less fortunate than them.

“I just want to complete this journey that I’m on,” Alfonso said. “It was hard. Now it’s getting easier, hopefully, as they grow older and they learn how to be humble and respectful … I think I’m planting good seeds.”

With the rising price of groceries and just overall needs like clothing and things around the house like heaters for each room, AC units and possibly the construction of another restroom, Alfonso said any help is a blessing for his family.

“Don’t give up if you’re a single parent,” he said. “Because there are always obstacles, the devil don’t sleep. Don’t give up on any kid. Whether you’re a father or mother, it’s not right. You gotta do what’s right for them.”

The United Way of South Texas is collecting contributions for the family, which will receive 100% of all donations. You can help them by calling the United Way of South Texas at (956) 686-6331 and ask about the Spirit of Christmas campaign.

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