Parents hope for the gift of speech for twin daughters — and repairs to their trailer
It sure sounds like Christmas is coming inside the household of Elizabeth Rosario and Joey Puente and their three daughters. Holiday music accented by the sound of sleigh bells is buzzing from the TV. Luna, age 4, laughs as she lists the Paw Patrol toys she hopes Santa will deliver, and her parents discuss how they’re going to decorate the exterior of their Homestead trailer with blinking lights.
But 2-year-old twins Lilith and Lilah remain silent. Born premature and diagnosed as autistic, they have not started talking yet. The family hopes this Christmas or the New Year will bring a breakthrough.
“We’d love to hear ‘Mama’ or ‘Daddy’ or ‘Luna,’” Rosario said. “They are making some sounds and trying to say words and names.”
Puente is optimistic that the sisters, who are developmentally delayed cognitively and physically, will soon be able to express themselves.
“They may not speak but they understand,” he said. “They’re showing us more affection. They’re improving every month.”
It’s been a struggle since Lilith and Lilah were born at 28 weeks, weighing 2.5 and 2.4 pounds, but Rosario and Puente are determined to provide the best care despite their own setbacks and limited means.
The girls stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit for 45 days, and within two weeks of their homecoming they stopped breathing during a sleep apnea episode and had to be revived by their parents. The girls wore heart monitors for a year.
“At first we were not sure they would make it out of the hospital,” Rosario said. “It was a very scary and depressing time.”
Two and a half years later, the girls enjoy going to the neighborhood park, playing games and cooking pretend meals in their play kitchen, which takes up most of the space in the small family room.
“They’re big foodies,” Rosario said.
They’ve made significant progress since enrolling in the Arc of South Florida’s Project Thrive preschool program in Florida City, where they receive speech, occupational and physical therapy.
“Early intervention is the key,” said Maria Barros, Arc’s education director. “When they started here they were having temper tantrums all day long, were in danger of hurting themselves, could not focus, had a hard time eating and had severe eczema. Now they are able to listen to their therapists and follow a routine.
“There is no magic cure. But the family is learning how to cope. They love their children so much and have more hope today. We tell them, ‘If life throws you lemons, make lemonade. Nothing is impossible.’”
Rosario, 31, works long hours on the phone as a call center employee. She has a cosmetology license and her goal is to work in a dermatologist’s office or open a skin-care spa. She suffers from chronic back and leg pain since she was injured in a car accident three years ago. She also has two sons who live in Fort Myers with their father.
Puente, 33, used to work at a plant nursery and as a delivery driver. Now he’s a stay-at-home dad who feeds and bathes the girls, and does the family’s laundry by hand. They don’t have a washer or dryer. He helps take care of his mother, who lives with them. Rosario takes care of her mother, who lives nearby in Leisure City.
“I had my me time when I was younger,” Puente said. “Now I’m all about being the best father I can be.”
Added Rosario: “The girls and I are really lucky to have a guy like Joey.”
The gift of speech for the twins would be the greatest gift, but they also have tangible needs that could be fulfilled this holiday season.
Lilath and Lilah are still sleeping together in a crib. They need twin beds.
A weighted blanket would help the girls feel secure and relaxed. Ankle weights would help improve their tip-toed gait. An electronic communication board would help them express their desires and feelings.
Luna would love a bike with training wheels. All three girls need shoes.
The family could use a small dining room table and a TV stand. They need repairs to their bathroom and roof. The trailer was damaged during Hurricane Irma when a tree fell on top of it. They also need a tuneup for their 2005 Ford Taurus.
“It’s been tough but we are seeing more light on the horizon,” Rosario said. “We want to keep our kids happy and healthy and give them a chance for a good life.”
How to help
To help this nominee and 150 other nominees who are in need this year:
▪ To donate, use the coupon found in the newspaper or pay securely online through www.MiamiHerald.com/wishbook
▪ For more information, call 305-376-2906 or emailWishbook@MiamiHerald.com
▪ The most requested items are often laptops and tablets for school, furniture, and accessible vans
▪ Read all Wish Book stories on www.MiamiHerald.com/wishbook
