All over the world, the stories of mothers and their strength overcoming situations and obstacles in life prove that they are real-life heroes that walk amongst us. The responsibility of being a mother is an extensive list and one that leaves little time for personal time or relaxation to try a new hobby. Mother’s often learning the lessons of patience and sacrifice repeatedly as they take care of their children and try to find balance with their own lives. This is not even half of what mothers learn and go through as they take care of their families which makes them true heroes amongst us. For all the times they comfort their children and loved ones it is imperative to note that sometimes they may be struggling behind closed doors.
One thing led to another…
Officers Reneeshia McIntyre (pictured right below) and Delia Pesina (pictured left below) were answering a call to an apartment complex in Dallas when a cute 2-year-old captured their attention. After walking over to the little one to say hello they started talking to the mother. Which after a few moments of chatting they came to learn that this family was in desperate need of help.
Everything was not what it seemed to be.
The officers had come to learn that this cute and cheerful 2-year-olds mother had just recently gotten out of an abusive relationship with her ex-partner and was taking care of six children, all under the age of 11, all by herself. The mother and daughter then led the two officers through their apartment complex and the conditions of the place they call home left the officers speechless and wanting to do more to help this family. Officer Delia Pesina recalls the moment going up to the mother and daughter and then going through the apartment to the CBS stating,
“That 2-year old invited us over and mom started talking to us and one thing led to another…I asked mom how long they had been living there and she stated ‘a few months’ my first instinct was they had just moved in because there was literally nothing in the apartment.”
Barely getting by…
Officer Reneeshia McIntyre recalls walking into the home and seeing the environment this family had been surviving in day to day stating,
“She literally was washing styrofoam plates…”
Protecting and taking care of the community.
Officer Reneeshia McIntyre continues remembering the second she knew her and her partner were going to do something to help this family stating,
“We kind of read each other‘s minds. You’re partners after so long and when we were leaving I immediately said to her ‘o we’re coming back, aren’t we? We were going to take care of it’.”
Coming together to help the people they protect.
So the partners went back to their base and decided to try and collect money from their fellow officers to be able to afford purchasing beds, cribs, mattresses, sheets, pillows, furniture, and organizers to furnish the family’s apartment.
Immediately they were shown support from fellow officers.
Without hesitation fellow officers immediately gave money and their time to help this family.
Time for a much-deserved home makeover!
So the trips to the store began and the officers began to start purchasing, moving, and transforming this family’s home.
So began the transformation of the home and the lives of this family.
Although the mother wasn’t there for the interview CBS 11 had gotten to hear her over the phone to express her gratitude for the officers stating,
“I can’t see everybody, but I thank y’all so much. I love y’all so much from the bottom of my heart,”
Holding back tears.
Officer McIntyre recalls the time when they showed the family where they would be sleeping from now on and it was just as emotional as we could imagine,
“We told the children ‘this is where you’re going to be sleeping.’ The excitement on their face was so heartfelt we had to fight back tears”
Going above and beyond.
Not only did the officers collect enough money to furnish the apartment and assemble everything for the family but they also collected enough money to buy $250 worth of food and snacks as well.
Helping and impacting one another from one generation to the next.
Both Officers know what it is like to be in a situation similar to this one and escape family violence. Officer Pesina even shared just how much this situation hit home for her,
“I can relate to the kids and I had officers impact me when I was little.”
Showing up to work with their badges and hearts on their sleeves.
When asked about her job Officer McIntyre stated,
“For me, it’s part of my job description. It’s part of my heart.”
Taking a moment to hear one another’s stories.
If these two officers hadn’t taken a moment to go over to say hi to the little girl and her mother who knows what conditions this family would’ve continued to live their day to day lives through. Now they have beds, people in their area who they can trust, and support to get themselves back on their feet.
Just goes to show how much some mothers go through to take care of their families, as well as, the impact we can have on one another by simply smiling at each other and taking a moment to listen to each other’s stories. Even going further to show the impact of what can happen when we lend a helping hand to one another without expecting anything in return.
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