Today we’d like to introduce you to Edgar and Rosa Rodriguez.
Edgar and Rosa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The year was 2010, I started to fill up the bathtub with cold water then layed down inside. My head throbbing and the world spinning was just another indication that I had successfully reached my intoxication goal and I knew it was going to be a long night. As the water continued to rise, I felt my eyelids heavy and my body shivering cold and getting weaker. It was time to say good night. My wife woke up around 4:00 a.m. and noticed I wasn’t in bed. She could faintly hear the sound of the water starts to overflow from the tub and onto the floor. She ran to see what the noise was, opened the door and saw me lying lifelessly in the tub. My face turning blue from being submerged underwater. She immediately shut off the water and was able to wake me up out of my “alcohol coma.” I had let alcohol take over my life and had to do something about it if I wanted to change.
The Letter
Shortly after this incident, my wife wrote me a letter that changed my life forever. She mentioned the fact that I had let alcohol take over my life and it was destroying our family. I was addicted to alcohol and smoking and I never wanted to admit it or thought I had a problem. She mentioned if I didn’t change or get the help that she could no longer be a part of my world and her and our kids would have to move on without me. This was devastating to read and I felt hopeless. I had failed at my marriage and was close to losing it all. I went down on my knees and started to pray.
Last Chance
For the next four years, I started by making small changes, but there were still days where I would go overboard and end up in the same place. On August 31, 2014, I went out drinking to the bar with some friends. That night I got so intoxicated and that morning I woke up with one of the worst hangovers ever. I noticed my wife as she stood in silence and I knew I had hurt her again. I had let my family down and I felt my life crumbling right in front so I had to do something quickly.
The Commitment
The next morning on September 1, 2014, I decided this is it. I need to make a drastic move or risk losing it all. This time it was real and I had a lot to prove not only to myself but to my loved ones. I would always say I was going to change but not mean it. This time, I didn’t say anything I just did it. I began waking up early every morning to go workout and started eating healthier. Then one day, my brother and his wife invited us on a hike to Potato Chip Rock in Poway, CA and I felt so stress-free and courageous. Although it was very challenging it felt very therapeutic and I immediately fell in love with the outdoors. I knew that I had found a new, healthier lifestyle to climb mountains and something that I could enjoy together with my family.
Reflection
Fast forward to July 7, 2018 – This is the day I decided to have my last beer. I had already learned to manage my drinking and only have one or two drinks every few weeks or so, but this day I decided to go all in and let it go for good. When I look back at my past, I am not regretful, but instead thankful. If it had not been for those bumps in the road, I would not be who I am today. I want to be able to share the life lessons I have learned and inspire others that are also trying to overcome their own adversity. It is not easy in the beginning but if you stick with it it is a very rewarding journey. In order to make a change, you need to have a why in your life. Take a good look at your life right now and ask yourself what is your why? What is your reason for living and what are you doing to protect that? I found my why — and it was right in front of me the whole time, my beautiful family. My lovely wife and guardian angel, Rosa Maria. My two healthy and talented children Eddie (16) and Carissa (14). Love you forever, ever, ever, ever. They have always been by my side and been my strongest support system. Thank you for not giving up on me! — I’ll see you all at the top!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the most difficult parts of this journey was letting go of old friends. I needed to find new friends with similar goals and ones that can help guide me to where I want to be. Sometimes, the road might get a bit lonely, but I know God is always with me so I never feel alone. He has truly blessed me to allow me to be here today to share my story.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a lifestyle apparel brand focusing on fitness and hiking. We host monthly group hikes around San Diego and surrounding counties. We attend local schools to share our stories of resiliency and give these teens a new sense of hope. We have also become personal trainers and are helping others reach their fitness goals.
We are most proud of the people that we impact. When someone says because of Resilient Squad I didn’t give up, that’s what our mission is all about.
What were you like growing up?
Edgar: I grew up in Downtown LA and lived there until I was 14. I loved basketball, but my parents couldn’t afford to buy me a court so I made one! I got an old bucket and cut off the top to make a rim and nailed it to a piece of wood. Then I bought a net to add on and would just hang it on some iron bars outside our apartments and would play with a soccer ball since I didn’t have a basketball.
I loved drawing, but especially hand lettering. I played the trumpet for a few years and also had my own rap group with my brothers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.resilientsquad.com
- Phone: 7605831157
- Email: info@resilientsquad.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientsquad/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientsquad/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/resilientsquad/
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