(Seguin) – Imagine going from zero to eight kids overnight. That’s the journey being blessed this year by the KWED Christmas Angel.
In a letter received by the KWED Christmas Angel, Sherryl Woodward explained why she felt that her son Garland Collins and his fiancé Rose Reina were deserving of the Angel’s blessing of $500 cash.
The cash prize was awarded this week to the couple who was named the winner of the 2022 KWED Christmas Angel contest.
As part of the contest, both the winner(s) and the person who nominated them were asked to stop by KWED Radio so that the letter could be read live on the air.
This would also mark the first time that the couple, in this case, Garland and Rose, would get to hear the winning words as submitted by Garland’s mother Sherryl.
Sharing with radio listeners, Sherryl reads…
“I believe my son Garland and his fiancé Rose deserve to be chosen for the $500 cash. My son and his fiancé Rose do not have any children of their own but due to the hardships and unforeseen circumstances, Garland and Rose adopted 8 of Rose’s grandchildren ages 2 years to 13 years. It has been difficult for them. They have been going through hard times, but they have faith and love for the children. Due to the love they have for the children, they know they are truly loved. The children are doing good in school, and they are involved with their church. The children love to sing for the Lord. The $500 cash would help them a lot and also to have a Merry Christmas that I know they all deserve.”
Left with tears, Rose couldn’t help but share how much this meant for her family and expressed her gratitude to her future mother-in-law.
“It’s very unexpected. I’m blessed to have a great mother-in-law and for her to be by our side, but we do love the grandkids and I would do it over again if I needed,” said Rose.
It was at that point that Rose turned to Sherryl who was sitting next to her in the studio and said, “I love you!”
“I love you too!” added Sherryl.
Garland was also touched by his mother’s efforts of sharing the Christmas spirit with his new family.
“It really means a lot to me and Rosemary and I’m sure the kids would love the letter also. Thank you, mom, and thank you KWED!” said Garland.
“Thank you for being my son!” replied Sherryl.
Rose says the generosity of the KWED Christmas Angel will no doubt go unnoticed as they prepare for the holidays and a new year with their five girls and three boys.
“Well, the 13-year-old thinks she’s an adult already of course,” laughs Rose. “But they are wonderful from 13 to 2. They all have a special unique personality. They all have their little mood swings, but they have been really good with all this situation. They are doing as good as they can in school, their friends – most of all, they are great. We are trying to involve them in church. They love it so that’s a good thing and a blessing because we are trying to teach them the right way – a second go around for them. They have been through a lot.”
The real blessing, however, for Garland might just come in the realization of his new family.
“It’s a blessing for sure but there is never a dull moment in the house. That’s for sure. These kids are wonderful. They are a blessing,” said Garland.
These newly added members of the family are exactly why Sherryl says she didn’t hesitate in submitting a letter to the contest. She says in the end, family is what it’s all about.
“They’ve endured a lot and adopting eight – I have two children, him, and a daughter, and two grandchildren but I love them like if they were my own. They call me grandma. It just amazes me that they could do that and take them in – being her grandchildren and them stepping up to the plate and being the role model that they have been to them. I’m very proud of them,” said Sherryl.
Photos as well as the entire Christmas Angel letter will be available in Thursday’s holiday edition of the Seguin Daily News. The online SDN can be found at SeguinToday.com.
The KWED Christmas Angel again thanks all those who submitted entries in this year’s contest and looks forward to spreading even more Christmas spirit in 2023.