Most of us lose sight of the pillars that our parents are until they're lost forever.
The Rodriguez family sadly found this out when, within a couple of short years, sickness snatched away theirs. First, cervical cancer took mother Lisa Smith. Shortly after, father Alexander Rodriguez lost his battle with lymphoma.
Devastated
When the smoke cleared, 20-year-old Samantha Rodriguez was thrust into the role of mom, dad, and sister for her siblings Destiny, Bella, Michael, Brenda, and Milagros, aged 7 to 16.
She supported them by working as a server at Disney Springs at Disney World.
Having to grow up fast, Rodriguez confided to CNNthat it was a struggle.
It can be tough knowing when to be like a parent and when to be their sister. Sometimes it can feel like I'm alone.
Samantha Rodriguez
Little did she know, the determined Rodriguez was far from alone.
A secret set of keys
Rodriguez told PEOPLEthat she was daunted but ready to take on this responsibility.
No one in our family could take us all in, [so] I decided that I had to do everything I possibly could to help these kids. There was no way that I was going to let us be split up.
Samantha Rodriguez
The Orange County Sheriff's Office agreed. And so, to lift their spirits, they invited the Rodriguez's over for a tour of the station and showered them with toys and clothing.
However, when the family came in an Uber as they didn't have a car, the Office sent out an APD for generosity. Sure enough, the search landed a few hits.
Several anonymous donors stepped up and, inviting the family back a few months later, the Sheriff's office presented them with a brand new car.
Rodriguez was floored.
"I was so in shock!" she said. "This is so crazy!"
It really didn't sink in until a couple of days after. Everything I plan now for the kids is so much easier. I don't have to call for a ride. I'm very grateful for it. All these people reminded me I'm not alone.
Samantha Rodriguez
Samantha would need to keep her energy reserved because the best was yet to come.
Community Love
As the Rodriguez story- and their new car- made airwaves, many felt that it was not enough. So, a GoFundMe page in their name was started.
"There is still a long road ahead for this family," the post read.
Donors didn't disappoint. Thousands of donations poured in. As of this writing, they've raised over $180,000 for the Rodriguez family.
Comments from inspired donors flooded the page.
"I have to tell you what a REMARKABLE human being you are.. your siblings are so very blessed to have you and you are truly an inspiration to everyone," wrote one.
Another said to keep the faith.
You are an amazing young woman and all of your siblings are such precious kids. There will be tough days ahead, but if you all continue to rely on each other then you can all accomplish anything! Best of luck!
Anonymous Donor
There's enough love to go around
Rodriguez says that she's forever changed after the outpour of kindness.
It gave me so much inspiration to do better for other people. Other amazing people came into our life like this and they didn't have to. We are so grateful.
Samantha Rodriguez
Rodriguez does have one other special angel who has given her strength.
"I learned so much from my mom. I was like her sidekick. I learned what it meant to raise a family," she said.
For Samantha and her siblings, there's no regaining their parents or their innocence that was lost. But, thanks to open hearts, you can bet that Lisa and Alex can rest easy knowing that they'll be just fine.
More uplifting stories:
- Police Officer Adopts Severely Abused 8-Year-Old Boy After Rescuing Him From Captors
- Woman Gets Accused Of Trafficking Adoptive Little Sister, What Happens Next Is Shocking
- Detective Adopts 9-Year-Old Boy Who Survived Family Massacre He Investigated
- Onlookers Stunned At Dad’s Surprising Reaction After Driver Hit His 10-Year-Old Daughter With Car
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.