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Jun201015

made in china

We have kept something from a lot of people for a long time because we weren’t ready to talk about it until the i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed. But quite a few of you know I’ve been very, very ill for months. I quit shooting in April and recently had to cancel all of my shoots for May and June. My processing is currently backed up through February. I have clients who are more understanding than they should possibly ever have to be. Every month I continued to be worse and no one could explain why. The ER became my second residence. The doctor’s office my vacation home. The migraines were blinding. The vomiting and nausea made me drop two sizes in a matter of days. My heartbeat became irregular. I had ghostwriters doing a lot of my “time” online to keep appearances. Then…my children got sick. One developed vomiting. The other a cough that sounded like a creature from Sea World and rashes.

Wait a minute. My kids.

So we talked with friends. Did more Googling that we’d previously done before. And bingo. We found out our home has Chinese drywall. This time when we researched it, our builder had homes with it, unlike the last time. Not only did our builder’s homes have it, WE. HAD. IT. The Florida Department of Health Environmental Health inspector said to get us and our children out…NOW. (CDC .pdf on symptoms and physical damage from the toxic chemicals.) So we did. We walked. Our dream house it took us 11 years to get into. We’re no longer in it. All our furniture. Toxic and can’t come with us. My beautiful office I designed from scratch. Crickets chirping. We’re starting over and I’m typing this from the floor on a TV tray.

We do not need sympathy. We are in a gorgeous house in the Orlando metro (NOT built during the Chinese drywall phase) right now and we have each other. This was not a fire, hurricane, flood, tornado, or earthquake. We walked out with more than the clothes on our back. Unlike families in Arkansas last weekend, we have each other. We’re hard workers and we believe in working for what we have.

(edit: paragraph deletion on 06.26.10 – thank you for the response, support, and well-wishes regarding the moving promo that was here!)

I never thought in all those years protecting our boys from Chinese toys, the very walls of their bedroom would end up being the thing that poisoned them! If you ask me how we’re doing, I’m not sure I can answer that. We’ve got each other. So I guess in shock, but thankful, pretty much covers it for now. Thank you for getting this far!

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58 Responses to “Made in China.”

1
Gabi on June 15th, 2010

Don’t you worry about a thing, This will be back to normal faster than you think. You keep doing what you do and stay fabulous. Cheers for you and your family.
2
JennyAnn on June 15th, 2010

I just recently found you online and love your blog!! I was so sad to open this post today and read about what you’ve been living through. Thank goodness you and your family figured out what the issues was. Positive thoughts and I hope you and your family begin to feel better soon!
3
Tina R. on June 15th, 2010

Oh Robyn! I am so so sorry to hear what you and your family is going through. Thank god you figured out what was going on and now have an answer. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I had something to sell to buy an ad Is there anything else we can do?
4
Heather James on June 15th, 2010

Oh Robyn, I hope and pray that this is the answers to all of your health problems over these past several months and years. Here’s to a happy and HEALTHY fresh start to you and your family
5
Jayme on June 15th, 2010

I don’t know you, but I know that something like that has to be terrible to go thru. I hope your health is all good now and that you are able to regroup and get things back to normal soon.
6
jaya on June 15th, 2010

I’m glad you guys are safe and you know the cause of your health issues. Here’s hoping your new house brings you nothing but health and happiness.
7
Monica on June 15th, 2010

I’m glad you found out what was causing it! That is horrible, last year was totally horrible for us, I thought we’d never get out of it, but sure enough the sun did shine and blessings are abound. Try to find the lesson in all of it and keep your chin up!
8
Justyna on June 15th, 2010

OMG I’m so so sorry to hear about this, Robyn! I don’t know what to say… You’ve been through so much and now this? I remember how much you went through just to move into this house… You are strong and you’ll come out of this strong. I’m hoping for your quick return to health, for you and your family!
9
Sarah on June 15th, 2010

Oh my goodness!! My thoughts and prayers are with you guys, how horrible! I will see if I know anyone that would be interested in advertising…that is an awesome deal!!! I hope you get to feeling better soon.
10
Fizzah on June 15th, 2010

Wow…I didn’t even know that was something that could happen. I’m so sorry to hear how difficult this situation has been for and your family. But I’m glad you found out what was going on.
11
Kathleen on June 15th, 2010

Goodness Robyn!! My heart dropped when I read this and then looked at the date thinking ‘Maybe this is old news and they are doing better…’ NO! TODAY! Today you wrote this. I am so sorry that you and your family had to undergo such a stressful and scary ordeal. Thank God you have one another. What is the Chinese Drywall era? Scary…
12
robyn on June 15th, 2010

Uusually homes built from 2004-2007 (some 2008) after the ’04 hurricanes and Hurricane Katrina:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_drywall
13
DestinyG on June 15th, 2010

I’m so so so so sorry! I hope you and your family are feeling better soon and that your new house starts to feel like a home. =/
14
heidi @ indy photography on June 15th, 2010

Wow, Robyn. Just…wow.

Praise the Lord you determined the cause of your illnesses, but….wow. I can’t even imagine what you must be going through. But you’re right….you DO have each other.
15
Catherine Amiss on June 15th, 2010

So sorry to hear this. I will be praying for you and your family – for health, peace and all the million details of life that you surely must be trying to work out.
16
marina on June 15th, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. May God continue to bless you and may you keep faith.
17
Ning on June 15th, 2010

So sorry to hear what happened! I’m glad you finally found out what caused your illness and got out of it! I hope you and your family get better soon!
18
Renae on June 15th, 2010

How horrible. But how good – You know what was causing you to feel ill, but it’s too bad there was nothing you could do more than move and leave many of your belongings. Praying for you guys! You’ll be back and better than ever soon.
19
gina b on June 15th, 2010

Robyn I am so sorry to hear that. How on earth did you figure out that the drywall was what was causing you and your families sickness? I never heard of that and I am furious of what had happened, and relieved to know you found out what was causing you all this pain. This will be over soon, stay strong and it will only bring your family closer. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gina B
20
Chris S. on June 15th, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about your health, your children’s health, and your home. I wish you and your family all the best as you heal and move on from this. Many prayers for you and your family.
21
Cathy Crawley on June 15th, 2010

Oh my gosh! That is just awful. I really hope that your country and my country begin to wake up to the fact that the influx of Chinese food and products is doing us harm not just financially and economically but physically. Don’t even get me started on what they use as fertiliser for fruits and vegies. I hope you get some sort of compensation for your financial loss, and that you make a fully recovery
22
bluebombphotography on June 15th, 2010

Oh wow, that’s crazy! Being forced to leave your home is sad, but hopefully that means no long-term effects on your health. Please keep us updated!!!
23
Christine on June 16th, 2010

I’ve seen you go through good times & bad, and I know you’ll come out ok in the end – but the end doesn’t matter when you’re in the here & now. Say the word if you need anything! I’m just so glad you’re out and somewhere physically safe where you can heal. Sending lots of love to you & the family.
24
courtney jade on June 16th, 2010

Oh my goodness!!! I am SO sorry to hear that Robyn I am praying and thinking good thoughts for you and your family. I am thankful that you figured out what was causing the illnesses, and that you were able to get out of there. I hope that you will be compensated for your loss of health, and the loss of your dream home. <3
25
Tasha on June 16th, 2010

Unreal. But it’s good to hear that you’ve found out what the cause was and it’s fixable. I hope there’s no long term effects because of this. It makes me sad to hear that you have to leave everything though. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from your stream, it’s that you’re a strong woman and you will bounce back. Good luck and please keep us updated!
26
susan on June 16th, 2010

Wow…. how wonderful that you figured it out!! Will you be able to move back in after they re-drywall it, or are you moved out for good?? I hope you recover quickly!!
27
susan on June 16th, 2010

Still thinking about your situation… that is so scary! Won’t your builder replace the drywall for you? I remember hearing that Lennar did that in a lot of their Florida homes…
28
shannon on June 16th, 2010

Robyn, I am sorry to hear of your family’s troubles, but glad you found the source! I hope you continue to improve and get your life back on track. May God bless you and always know that your community of fans will do anything we can to help. Please let those of us who have nothing to advertise through you know if there is something we can do to help you in your time of need.
29
Heather on June 16th, 2010

Oh my god. I am so sorry… what your family must be going through. That’s just terrible. I know you’re not asking for pity, and you don’t have it from me, but what you do have is my deepest, most sincere sympathies and hope that your family gets through this time quickly and without permanent scars (either physical health, or emotional weight).

Also, thank you for posting it here so that others have access to the information. Maybe it’ll save someone’s life. I never knew about this phenomenon and haven’t even heard of “Chinese drywall”… so I appreciate you putting your family’s story out there.

Love and light.
30
jodie on June 16th, 2010

Holy crap! Sorry but HOLY CRAP! I’ve never heard of Chinese drywall and am now thankful for our forever old plaster walls and lead paint!

I couldn’t send much, but do you have a paypal account? When my daughter was sick in April I had my internet world surround us with love AND support and I would love to pay it forward. Please email me if you don’t mind me helping a bit!
31
Cindy Irene on June 16th, 2010

Oh Robyn! My <3 cries out for you and your family!! Please, please, please contact me if you need ANYTHING?! Help with your work, writing on your blog, uploading, photos, anything! If I lived closer to you I'd be there in an instant to help you with your new home! Please remember, God will be there for you and there's ALWAYS a positive to a negative and I'm so glad you figured out what it was and your family is out! Please keep in touch

Cindy Irene
32
Valerie Gay on June 16th, 2010

WOW! I’m so glad y’all figured out what the problem was and very sorry to hear about your dream home being ruined by this crud. I hope everyone recovers swiftly! I’ll be praying for y’all!

Valerie
33
Sarah Lough on June 16th, 2010

My goodness, Robyn! Praise the Lord that you were able to 1. figure out what it was, 2. start to feel better, 3. find a place to live, & 4. find relief for your family! What a trial – but you will get through! Praying for you and your family -
34
Susan on June 16th, 2010

Being in Colorado – I feel helpless, but please know that I am thinking of you and your family. When I noticed you had not posted lately on flickr, I knew something was up and I whispered a quick prayer to you that all was ok… little did we know.
35
Zenia on June 16th, 2010

Robyn ~ hope everything turns out okay, positive thoughts are being sent your way
36
Lori on June 17th, 2010

I’m sad to hear that you’ve been sick for a long while, but I’m happy to hear that you found out what’s causing it and that y’all are doing okay now. I and others will be praying for you and your family.
37
Nicole Schmaltz on June 17th, 2010

Robyn, what a difficult time for you and your family. I am so sorry to hear what you are all going through. I know that you are one of the most talented gals out there. Your talent and your ability to achieve all you have will have you and your family right back where you want to be very soon I am sure. Know that many of us who follow and admire your work and creativity are thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
38
Laura on June 17th, 2010

Oh, Robyn! I am so, so sorry to hear about this. How absolutely devastating, and just so shocking! I just cannot believe it!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
39
Tabitha on June 18th, 2010

Robyn! OMG … I am SO sorry to read this! This is just terribly scary! My thoughts are with you & your family!
40
Steph on June 19th, 2010

That. is. TERRIBLE. And scary. I hope your recovery (physical and financial) is quick.
41
SquareApple on June 21st, 2010

I just recently learned of the whole Chinese drywall debacle when I had to convince my sister not to buy a house that had it. So glad I did!

I am so so so sorry your family is going through this. It has to be absolutely devastating. I hope you can find some sort of recourse that will be a solution for your family, but mostly, I hope that you and your children’s health continue to improve and that you all make a full recovery.

Hugs and best wishes to all of you!
42
tangie on June 22nd, 2010

oh my… so sorry to hear about all of this!! and that you have been so ill and your kids started getting sick — how scary!! what a terrible thing to go through… so glad to hear the answer is found and you have a positive attitude about moving forward.
43
Erin on June 22nd, 2010

Omg I am so sorry to hear about this! I hope that you and your kids’ health are improving now that you are out. I know you already know the most important thing is family but it still doesn’t make the loss of your house any less painful.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
44
Billie on June 22nd, 2010

Holy crap! This sucks! I’m sorry that you’ve had to go through this, but thank goodness you were able to figure out what was causing it. What happens now? Do you ever get to go back or reclaim your things? At lease with your “stuff” is it a matter of airing out your things, like with Radon or is it a “once it’s contaminated, it’s always contaminated”? I can understand the drywall would have to come out of the house, but will that fix it. Sorry, guess I’m being too nosy, just seems so devastating that you are losing all of your livelihood and “stuff” and it’s still all right there where you can see it if that makes sense. Anyway, I’m sorry you’re having to go through this…it truly sucks. Keep the faith though, it will get better.
45
Joanie on June 22nd, 2010

I’m glad you’ve figured out what was going on and are now in a safer environment. I’m also sorry you had to go through all this.

I’m praying you all quickly return to feeling and BEING healthy!
46
Shawna on June 22nd, 2010

Robyn,

I am so sorry to hear this!! I hope you all recover and jump back up on your feet. That is just horrible, and I hope there is something that you can do?

I have received 2 referrals from you, Thank you! Very nice people. They were the ones who informed me that there was something up with you, so I decided to check your blog, and discovered this.

Get better soon!!!
Shawna
47
Renee Bell on June 23rd, 2010

oh wow – how scary!!
I have no idea what chinese drywall is but gee I hope you guys pull through. Take care & I hope your health has improved since you moved out – the rest you can eventually buy again
48
shalonda on June 23rd, 2010

i am speechless robyn….but i am proud of your for your optimistuc outlook.
49
Stacy Krager on June 24th, 2010

Oh Robyn! Michele gave you a shout out on PT4P and I had to come see what was up. My heart is breaking for you! I cannot imagine how terrified you must have been for you, but then to watch your kids begin to get sick! Dear Lord! When I can help out I will ~ until then you’ve got all of my mental support .
50
Patti Brown on June 24th, 2010

Oh no! Robyn, hang in there. Your positive attitude is awesome, and take good care of yourself & your family! Blessings – PB