Facunda Arenas remembers all too well her childhood. She, along with her sister, Margaret, were typical teenagers, and both of their lives could have turned out the way some of their peers did.

But, Ms. Arenas knew her life had to be different, especially after she found herself alone raising six children.

“Of my six children, five of them are boys, so my focus as a parent was strong. I saw how the other young men they grew up with were turning out, and I just couldn’t see my children going through that.

“I prayed a lot and sacrificed even more to make sure my children at least had a chance to be successful.”

Ms. Arenas is proud of all of her children, especially her son, Javier.

After a successful football career at Robinson High School, Javier went on to be a star at Alabama, where they captured a National Championship. After completing his senior year, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2010 draft.

Ms. Arenas said Javier was a very funny kid growing up and helped her out a lot at her day care business. “I remember being in the hospital with him when he was 5 or 6 and hearing the doctors say he was a special kid.

“All of my children got along great with each other. All of the boys were athletes and challenged each other to stay in top shape. They loved to fish together and just generally hang out.”

Javier said that his journey wouldn’t have been successful without the values instilled in him by his mother.

“Being where I am now, I’m just living for the moment. I enjoyed high school football, and to this date, I’ve managed to keep the fun in the game.
“I worked out more than others, because I just enjoy it. I’ve managed to be with successful programs along the way, and I’ve had great coaches.”

Javier said he occasionally works out with his older brother, Armondo, and when it comes to life after football, he’ll lean on his degree in Public Relations.
“As far as my brothers are concerned, we all feel the same for each other. We always played together, and they are also my biggest critics.

“As far as my mom is concerned, she is very special. She’s always been a hard worker, and instilled in me great values, and the need to achieve to get to where I need to be. Because of her, if I weren’t playing football, I know I’d still be successful.”

Reporter Leon B. Crews can be reached at (813) 248-0724, or e-mailed at  lcrews@flsentinel.com.