Family stays positive after losing their home in a fire

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- They lost everything to a fire but Monday night some holiday angels are showing the spirit of giving.

The Rodriguez family will never be able to go back to their home. Sunday, an electrical fire engulfed the house. All of their belongings, including the Christmas tree and the presents underneath were destroyed.

Despite his home being gutted by flames, Cubita Rodriguez said he's grateful he, his wife, his 13-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter weren't injured.

All day donations have been pouring in from the church and school the kids attend. Their neighbors have dropped off bags of clothes, and boxes of toys. "Today is a great day for us," said Rodriguez. "It's a great day because even though we don't have a house to live in, we have a new beginning."

The 7-year-old is having a tough time looking at her charred home, but her father stressed to her it will be OK. He said this is the perfect way to teach his kids about the real meaning of Christmas. "What are we gonna do tomorrow papi?" Rodriguez asks his son. "Tell them what we're gonna do." Rodriguez's son replied, "We're gonna get food and give it to the needy and to the homeless. To whoever needs it."

The family said there are people with less than them. They're so moved by the people who brought them cash and essentials, they want to pay it forward. "We have to you know, live in the moment and be more grateful," said Rodriguez. "We need to thank God everyday and whenever we have time to hug each other you know, we're going to hug each other even more than what we do everyday."

The family spent the night moving in with a relative. They said they look forward to waking up tomorrow, finding a shelter that is open, and spending a few hours volunteering.

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