[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE HETTINGER FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Hettinger family for 
their commitment to family solidarity. It is evident by their love and 
support shared between parents and children that this family deserves 
to be recognized for its commitment to one another.
  Robert and Thresia Hettinger have been blessed with a large family, 
twelve children in all. The family wasn't always that large; however, 
after Robert's sister passed in 2006, the Hettinger family grew by 
seven. With ten children at home, Robert's sister's husband became 
overwhelmed when they learned of her cancer and Robert and Thresia were 
eager to help.
  Robert works as a district network specialist for the Millard Public 
Schools. Thresia is currently a stay-at-home mother and certainly keeps 
very busy with twelve children at home in Papillion. During the final 
months of her life, Robert and his sister's relationship evolved as 
they struggled to cope with her disease and living arrangements for all 
of the children. Soon after his sister passed, Robert and Thresia, 
along with their five children, made the decision to bring six of their 
nieces and nephews into their family. The four remaining children 
stayed with their father; however, they continue to play a significant 
role in the Hettinger children's lives.
  All in all, the adoption process took three years and was finalized 
in 2009. Recently, the Hettinger's added another nephew to their 
family, bringing the grand total to twelve children. Miraculously, all 
of the children are very loving, respectful, and protective of one 
another and all share a genuine concern for helping others.
  The Hettinger reserves Monday nights for family time. During this 
time they will all get together, which is extremely difficult to do 
with twelve children between ages seven and seventeen, to focus on 
their spiritual lives.
  Robert and Thresia believe that to be good parents they must teach 
and lead by example. It is folks like Robert and Thresia who embody the 
spirit of strong communities. It is an honor to recognize them today.

                          ____________________