Reading this story has humbled me, made me realize how blessed and fortunate I am and how my worries pales in comparison to what this family endured.
God bless this courageous family.

i love that this family shared their story and for many reasons. We never know what is going on in EVERYONE else's backyard. It is a great survival story and kudos to the mom for always keeping the BIG PICTURE in tact. Through good times and bad times - a united family can overcome most hardships and by putting your story out there it allows people to come into your life and maybe make a difference. Amen to this wonderful family.

GOOD JOB FRED REMOVING FATMANS VOMIT !!!

Tommy. I agree that the Withem story is a great one of triumph. I am glad that this story has a great end. Please tell me what that has to do with calling plays for a team of men who are working their ass off to be succesful as well and he let them down. He is the only one who calls the plays and therefore he has to stand up for his lack of leading them into victory. So again Tommy, the Withem story is a great story that needs to be told and appreciated. I think the best thing for San Dimas is for Coach Z to give up being the offensive coordinator.
Take care

Tommy. I agree that the Withem story is a great one of triumph. I am glad that this story has a great end. Please tell me what that has to do with calling plays for a team of men who are working their ass off to be succesful as well and he let them down. He is the only one who calls the plays and therefore he has to stand up for his lack of leading them into victory. So again Tommy, the Withem story is a great story that needs to be told and appreciated. I think the best thing for San Dimas is for Coach Z to give up being the offensive coordinator.
Take care

What a remarkable story of Courage, Perseverance, Triumph, and most importantly a mother LOVE for her children! Mrs. Withem you are the glue that held that family together and you so be so proud.

Big thanks also to your Dad, Coach Z and Coach Dane. Just think where this family would or could have been if they gave up!
You don’t bring hope into kids,a football program without special players, parents, and Mom’s like Mrs. Withem..

Reminds me of the movie:

The Pursuit of Happyness

I agree with others...great article. We need to see more positive stories like these. I'm sure there were some choices and decisions that this mom would have done differently in her younger years that may have made her life more of a challange, but her character shows through in the way that she (unlike the man in these kids life apparently) stuck it out, was willing to receive help and worked or tail off to do what ever they had to do to get through a rough stretch. A great lesson for us all and for younger kids out there as well. Also coach and staff at the school getting involved along with their church, that is way cool. That is the best "call" you can make for your team and kids and makes any criticism of your game last week a JOKE. Nice work Fred.

Upset Fan and others, what do you have to say about the remarkable things coach Z has done for his players such as the Withem brothers. When you put things into perspective, calling the right play at the one yard line does not compare to helping young men the way Z and his staff has for the Withems

If have spoke to Tina, and if any of you would like her email address, email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com and I will forward it to you.

Count me in. If there is anything I can do to make the Withems Thanksgiving or Christmas better let know what I can do to help.

Fred,

This article was both inspiring and poignant. It proves that there a good people in this world that do care for others in need. Nothing to be ashamed of for a single mother caring for a family of six and never giving up on hope on her kids. We can all learn from this story and be better humans and citizens. I would also like to make a contribution if possible.

Help is on the way....that is so generous of you. I know this blog has lots of critics, and deservedly so, but your post and the others so far are moving. It's nice hear all of you offering so many kind words to the Withem family. As far as donations, I obviously would need to speak to her about it, but just the suggestion says a lot about you too. Thanks, email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com, and I'll see what I can do.

Fred I don't mean to embarass anyone but is there somewhere I can offer some help to this family. Last year my family faced some of the toughest times in our lives. The gas was repeatedly shut off, our electricity was shut down for days,our cars were being repossed, we owed 6 months of back rent, and our marriage was one day away from over. It is in the worst of times when family learn the greatest lesson of all. We have each other's back. Tina's courage and generousity is obvious and remarkable. Her story, and her family's willingness to come forward, prove there is no shame in adversity. The shame is when people turn their back. I've been blessed with a second lease on life and wish to help in any way I can. Coach Z is a what every coach should be...a steading force in a player's life...when needed.

Fantastic job on the story and the photographer captures the pride and struggle of Tina Withem and her family. Tina, know there are people who will come into your life who care. Some may be total strangers who undersatnd your pain and others who are humbled by your strenght. You are not only a hero to your family but an inspiration to mine. I was moved to tears reading how you offered that women your van and her children your already crowded room. May God continue to bless you and yours. Remember, God never gives us more than we can handle. Although at times it does seem impossible to imagine an end to our struggle.

Tina make out your Christmas list. I'm sure your family could use a Christmas for all those they have missed out on. It's on me. I know what it's like to have nothing but a hug to give your children on Christmas Day. Your story reminded me of my children's Christmas Day words of encouragement. (Thier present to me.) "Daddy we have each other." This Christmas Tina you will not go without.... you have my word on it.

I have been associated with the Whitems through sports for many years. They are a wonderful family and a great example of some of the things that sports can do for our kids. As Tina said, when things got tough she kept all the kids playing and it kept them strong and on the right track. All of you parents should remember why you got your kids in sports. For me it was to build character, learn life lessons, and become a team player. I hope we all can look back on our kids high school years and be proud of them and ourselves. I know Tina can. . . .

It was a great story and I am glad for all of them that they are together and remained strong thru it all. I can relate to this allot as far as living in a hotel with my family after a fire destroyed my house , same feeling of crowdedness and no home cooked meals. This brought back memories of my ordeal, altho their ordeal is allot more painful, what I learned from mine in relation to theirs is that it does make you stronger and really brings the word of family to a stronger meaning. I am really glad for their family and I am very glad that friends and coaches stepped up for them. That was a tear jerker for me. What a strong Woman she is.

That is a seriously inspiring and humbling story...

Joe Colt

I read this story in the paper this morning and I am in awe of what this family has done. I myself have gone through some very hard times but what this mom did for her children and what they did to survive as a family is amazing. What a blessing it must have been to have friends and family there to help them. I'm happy they are on their feet again and living as normal a life as everyone else. To Tina Withem and family, it must have been hard reliving this ordeal, Thank you for sharing it with us.

WOW ! Just when you think YOU HAVE IT BAD ! The COURAGE of this WOMAN IS SOMETHING . What a WONDERFUL EXAMPLE ! Best wishes to all of you .

FIGHT ON

TM