Naomi Trost and her family have been through a lot the past few years.

Her mother's home, where the family lives, was hit by a fire this year. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the blaze. But Trost said much of her family's belongings — including clothes and shoes — were lost and still haven't been fully replaced.

The fire came at a time when the family was already struggling financially and, in some ways, emotionally. A few years ago, her husband was severely injured in a collision with another vehicle while he was driving home from work. Since then, Trost has been taking care of her husband, who spends his days in bed or in a wheelchair and still needs more surgery.

Sometimes, it can all be so overwhelming for the 43-year-old mother of five. Trost said her oldest daughter, 20, gives her a lot of strength.

"She received God in her life, and she just sees all the struggle that I go through," Trost said. "And she tells me, 'Mom, you just cannot give up.' "

The Social Security disability income Trost's husband receives is far less than what the family used to earn, she said. Trost, who has been working part time at her children's school, recently got another job working nights as a salesperson.

"Things happen, and I have to do things to help us," she said.

"We're still struggling, but life's got to go on."

The Trosts' wish list includes a king-size bed with linens and some futon mattresses for the children to sleep on. The family also needs clothes because they haven't been able to replace all the clothing that was lost in the fire.

Trost said her oldest daughter, who has a full scholarship at the University of Hawai'i, takes the younger siblings out on their birthdays and buys them gifts even with a tight budget. Trost said she'd love for her daughter to be treated to some pampering at a salon with a manicure, pedicure and eyebrow wax.

And, if possible, the family would appreciate a stereo to replace the one lost in the fire.

The Trosts' 19-year-old son wears a size large, their 14-year-old son wears a 32 shorts/L shirt, their 9-year-old son wears a 10 youth shorts/L youth shirt, and their 17-year-old daughter wears an 18 pants/XL shirt.

Naomi Trost wears a size 18 pants/XL shirt, and her husband wears a size L pants and shirt.

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Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.