Angel Unaware

by Dale Evans Rogers

Entertainers Roy and Dale Evans Rogers were thrilled when their little daughter Robin was born. But their excitement turned to concern when they were informed that Robin was born with Down's Syndrome and advised to ''put her away.'' The Rogers ignored such talk and instead kept Robin, and she graced their home for two and a half years. Though Robin's time on earth was short, she changed her parents' lives and even made life better for other children born with special needs in the years to come. Angel Unaware is Robin's account of her life as she looks down from heaven. As she speaks to God about the mission of love she just completed on earth, the reader sees how she brought her parents closer to God and encouraged them to help other children in need. This book, which changed the way America treated children with special needs, is now available to a new generation. It is the perfect gift for parents of special needs children, parents grieving the death of a child, or anyone whose life has been touched by a special child.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Christian, Faith, Biography Memoir, Inspirational

63 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

American writer, film actress, singer, and songwriter. She was the second wife of Roy Rogers.

Reviews

[Dayle Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been several years since I've read this book, but it had a strong impact on me for personal reasons.

My grandmother read this book when she was pregnant with my aunt and decided to name her child Dale after Dale Evans. My aunt was born with Down syndrome. I never knew her because she passed away at 10 years old (when my mom was only 4), but I was named after her and the memory of my aunt that was shared by family members is what guided me to go into special education.

As a former teacher and just as a human being, I am incredibly grateful to Dale Evans and Roy Rogers for the exposure they gave to children with special needs in a time when they were so often locked away.

This book honors their daughter, Robin and is told from her perspective. I only remember a few details from the book, but I remember quite clearly how beautifully Robin's story was told.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a touching book about Roy and Dale Roger's little girl that didn't live past two, but God used her life in amazing way!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in my teens, then when I was in my thirties, I was honored to meet Dale Evans Rogers in person. It was such a privilege to talk with her and to tell her how her book had touched my heart.

[Alison]

In this book, all of Robins life events were chronologically organized and told through a story to the Lord up in heaven. She talked about her experience on earth and the things she was grateful for. She also told the hardships her parents, Roy and Dale, went through having a child with down syndrome. She experienced complications with her heart around 1 year old and they only progressed. Just before her second birthday, Robin passed away from a deathly illness.
I believed Robin's parents influenced American society by going against the standards of down syndromic kids. In the time that this story took place kids with down syndrome were treated like sick dogs, often killed or sent away for someone else to deal with. Roy and Dale defied the odds and kept Robin despite her difference and preached across the country about god and how to love what god has given you. I think they were influential because of this, now we know that anyone with differences can be the same if not better than any other human being despite physical or mental differences.
The theme of this text is "love don't leave". After ignore all advice given to Roy and Dale to get rid of there daughter they kept her and loved her just like any of there other children. The made it through all the tough times with love because they didn't leave her like most others would have at the time.
I reccomend this book to everyone. It is a quick read and it really let's you in to the life of complications and hardships people may experience when having a kid with down syndrome. It's very interesting and emotional, I loved it.

[Gabriellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and sad story! The Rogers have long been favorites of our family-we even met their son, Dusty-and I felt I needed to read this story. God did AMAZING things through their daughter, how mighty He is!

*There were a few bits of theology I didn't agree with here, but still an amazing story. It makes me love Dale, Roy, and their family even more.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans had a baby with Down syndrome in 1950. Instead of hiding her away, as was the norm at the time, they embraced her as part of their family, talked about her to their audiences, and included her in all their celebrity photo shoots. After she died just before her second birthday, Dale Evans wrote this book about all the gifts her daughter brought to their family. It’s a beautiful story.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an avid reader at a young age and stumbled upon an old copy of this at my aunt's house. It was so long ago that I don't know how many years it has been, but the story and the love behind it are indelibly engrained on my heart.

The story is timeless and I believe it can comfort people in many ways. Now that it is in print again I buy copies to give to bereaved friends and family members.

[ClaraBelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who would’ve known that such a wonderful inspiring story was in such a slim volume? Dale and Roy are my favorite celebrities so I was tickled to find this book at a thrift shop! This book tells the sad yet inspiring saga of the life of their only child, Robin, an angel born with heart defects and Down’s syndrome in 1950. The Rogers were faced with the heart wrenching task and test of their newfound faith in God to raise this baby blessing and through their tears and disappointment, came to the realization that Robin was a Messenger from Above sent to teach “us tiny lessons in truth, love and hope that we would’ve never learned otherwise……we are thankful for the wonderful privilege we’ve had in being blessed to be her parents” .
Anyone of any age or walk of life needs to read this book, both to learn about sweet Robin’s life, her parents faith, and to be reminded that all life has meaning, no matter the physical handicaps or skin tone, everyone is an creature of immense worth and value to God and thus, must be to us!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting read, although the style (told through the imagined perspective of Robin Rogers in heaven) was a bit odd. Having a child with down syndrome myself, the outdated terminology ("mongoloid," speaking of people being "afflicted" and "deformed") made me cringe. I'm thankful for how language has evolved to be more person-centered, respectful and dignified. History has been unjust and cruel to those with disabilities, and Robin's story spotlights that -- so many ignorant comments and horrible advice from doctors, medical professionals and others. Her mother, Dale Evans, refused to institutionalize her (although she was encouraged multiple times to do so) and sought to give her the best care available. She was a fierce advocate for her daughter throughout her short life. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans's decision to not hide their daughter, but speak of her proudly and frequently, gave hope to numerous other families facing similar situations.

[Angie Fehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Dale Evans Rogers, wife of "the singing cowboy" Roy Rogers, writes this mini memoir of their third child, daughter Robin Elizabeth. Robin was born with her umbilical chord around her neck, a hole in her heart AND Down Syndrome. Rogers wasn't able to see or hold her daughter for a full two days after the birth!

Surviving all of that and thriving for a time, Robin (while still in her childhood years) eventually succumbed to a mumps outbreak. Dale Rogers wrote Angel Unaware 10 years after Robin's death and donated ALL proceeds to foundations supporting special needs children. The story is presented in a unique way... It is nonfiction as far as content, but Rogers presents it in first person perspective in the voice of her daughter telling of her life from heaven.

Very sweet story that will certainly leave the reader humbled.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember the first time I read this book however it was many years ago. I have read it many time since. It is a precious story that should be told and handed down. I only hope I can have the faith Dale Evans has if I ever face the tragedies she has faced.

Dale Evens Rogers is my HERO!

[Back · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and touching written story from a mother's heart about your child born with a "defect" and how that baby changed the hearts around her. And how their faith in God grew despite being given and a part of difficult circumstances. Gave some good talking points about family life and how life itself is precious.
Age 9+

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Roy Roger's & Dale Evan's daughter, who was born with Down syndrome. She died at the young age of 2 1/2 years old. This heart warming story is told from their little girl's point of view from Heaven. A sweet little book.

[Naomi Starling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching, sweet, but also very short little story that could have used more but I still would recommend to any parent who has felt lost, or anyone who has ever wondered why God allows so much hurt in this cruel, cruel world.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very tender and touching story centered on the short life of Robin Elizabeth Rogers, who was born 26 August 1950, in a day, much like today, when ridding one's life of a problem, or potential problem, "Mongoloid" child was as simple as placing them in an "institution" for their 'well-being' rather than aborting them as is the case today. Fortunately, the racist evolutionists' term "Mongoloid" has been correctly replaced with the more appropriate term "Down's syndrome." Of course, social norms and pressures of any age assist in determining the decisions of those weak enough to be publicly obliged to follow them. But Robin Rogers' parents had a much higher level of morality to answer to. As Dale cried, Roy said, "Don't cry. God will take care of her; she's in His hands, and His hands are big enough to hold her. We will pray and trust Him."
These parents were not ashamed of their child, a child who also possessed a "tricky" heart.

Despite these 'abandon her' style pressures from the medical establishment and others, the Rogers family had a new addition in their home, and one that would, for them, be akin to an "Angel Unaware." "Put the baby in a home... Daddy said, "No! We'll keep her and do all we can for her and take our chances." One learns more about themselves, their friends, society, etc., during the tough times of life which we all face. Sometimes good and loyal... other times not.

We see the Rogers family growing in their awareness for children like their own, leading to involvement with charitable causes that reflected this.

Written from the perspective of little Robin Elizabeth.

Little Robin Elizabeth Evans passed away just two days prior to her second birthday on 24 August 1952. She was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park's 'Great Mausoleum' in Glendale California. The Rogers losses did not end with Robin's death, two other adopted children also passed on unexpectedly. Their 12-year-old daughter, Deborah Lee “Debbie” Rogers, was killed in a traffic accident while riding on a bus in 1964 and their 18-year-old son, PFC John David “Sandy” Rogers, died in 1965 shortly after being admitted to a military hospital. Roy and Dale lived into their upper eighties. See: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6... for additional details.

Excerpts:

- "Mommy named me Elizabeth-after John the Baptist's mother-and Robin, after a pretty little Chinese singer they met once."

- "Mommy heard once that some doctor had said that babies who came into the world in my condition should be lined up in a row and "machine-gunned," because they were DO good to themselves or to anybody else."

- "God will call her hen He's ready. we've just got to trust Him." The doctor came out and told them that I might go in a matter of seconds now. My kind of heart gave no warning, and they must be ready... He told Mommy that she and Daddy had done the right thing in keeping me at home loving me like they had. His own wife was going to have a little baby soon, he said, and if it were baby like me, he would do the same thing."

"Daddy was part Choctaw Indian, too!"

- "Mrs. Rogers is contributing all royalties from the sale of this book to the National Association for Retarded Children, 565 Hale Avenue, Cincinnati 29, Ohio."


This family definitely walked "The Road Not Taken" - at least by many other folks of her day:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

-by Robert Frost

[F · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to say anything bad about this book because of its subject matter and my deep respect for the author and her husband. They were genuinely kind people, thoughtful, and I believe, from their own testimonies, Bible Christians.

I am not bothered by the premise of the book [a monologue between the recently departed, at the time of the writing, child of the Rogers's and God]. The book is compelling, warm, heart-breaking and encouraging all at the same time.


My "cons" could be considered somewhat minor and yet are important enough to mention: [1] The forward is by Norman Vincent Peale, a friend of the Rogers family and a well-known churchmen of the era in which the book was written. Peale was not exactly a Bible preacher- preferring psychology "the Power of Positive Thinking" and warm-fuzzies over the Word of God. [2] the idea that people used to be angels and become angels again at death is NOT Biblical. The verse used [Heb. 13:2] is never applied in Scripture to one born of earthly parents but speaks of heavenly visitors appearing as men [not born of humans]- the Bible has numerous examples of this. Angels are a totally different class of beings than humans and humans do not become angels... ever.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son was born in 1986 and we did not realize he was special needs until he was almost a year old. He has a generalized brain disorder and Lenox-Gastaut seizures. I didn’t have the belief of God’s will when he was young. Often I was angry and couldn’t figure out why God allowed this to happen. I know otherwise now. They said he wouldn’t live. They said he would not walk. He is alive with good health. He’s walked since the age of four.

He has been in a group home since he turned 22. He is now 30. He has an amazing tenderness. And often I have felt that angels surround him and soften the hearts of those he touches. We learned so much in our home as did this family. Having the book written from Robin’s perspective helped have her personality shine through. Grateful for how their family did so much to share God’s Word and made life easier for many with special needs children.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started and finished this very short book today, loaned to me from Hedlun's mom Susie. Just finished googling Dale Evans, Roy was her fourth husband, who she married at 35 and remained with until his death in 1998. This book written in 1953 was interesting to me for many reasons, including the terminology that was used to describe children with disablilities--ie. Mongoloid...and the nurses and or doctors that were involved and offering advice. It was interesting especially thinking of the coaching model of Early On. This little girl Robin Elizabeth died before her 2nd birthday, but appeared to have a profound effect on their work and lives. Glad to have read it and gain a different perspective of the many challenges--and impressed that they both adopted children after this time and had a significant belief in Jesus and God's Plan in their lives.

[Ken K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a first-person narrative written by Dale Evans (the actress wife of Roy Rogers) from the perspective of their severely handicapped Down Syndrome daughter Robin. Robin lived less than two years and could only speak some monosyllabic words, but made a big impact on her family. The Rogers family was much more well-off than most families, so was able to keep Robin at home with the help of full-time nurses.
This book tugged at my heartstrings, and it is a mother's imagining how her child would have spoken if not having the disabilities. My reason for not rating the book higher is because of the archaic language used in describing brain-damaged people. It was clinically accurate in 1953, but the terms have degenerated over time into insults.
My parents had this book in their home 70 years ago. It gave them comfort. I am glad I finally had the chance to read it.

[Sophie Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dear Down syndrome mom sent this book to me after the loss of my seven year old with Down syndrome.
I believe that God knew it was time for me to understand why he took my girl so quickly.

The gentleness of the diagnosis in a time when our babies were simply thrown away is moving in and of itself. But to give them such purpose and cause over all other people is something that simply didn’t exist back then.

I’m grateful for this book, seventy years after it was published, in that it has brought me a peace and comfort that nothing else has been able to do.

My little girls mission was a seven year masterpiece and how honored I am to have been chosen to escort her through her task.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This classic is written from the perspective of a Mongoloid child of Dale and Roy Rogers who lived only under two years. Dale wrote the book after her daughter, Robin, died. In its time, it was a well-received book, giving hope to parents who faced similar parenting issues (in a time when these children were institutionalized rather than raised at home).

There are aspects of the book which would not be printed in these days. My purpose in reading it was to remember what this classic tale told in the time it was told.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trrue and tragic story about Robin, Dale and Roy's beautiful baby daughter born in 1950 moved me to tears as Dale told the story from Robin's view point of her short life on earth.

There was a lot more stigma to keeping babies born with Down's syndrome back in the 50's and some doctor said that they should all be shot at birth so sad.

Robin touched her parent's heart so much with her short time on earth and they both grew closer to God thus helping other children with special needs too.

Robin got her angel wings after only surviving for two and a half years so sad.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book long before I went into nursing, and believe that it still has great value today. While we have made great strides in repairing many congenital heart defects, and in immunization, there are still problems in giving some children the best education for the individual. And some people continue to fail in recognizing the incredible value of people who are alternatively abled. This is a marvelous book for parents and others who need reassurance.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a reminder to me that everyone grieves differently and everyone has a different spiritual path they are walking down. This was written as if their little girl who passed had written it. It made me feel uncomfortable and I'm usually very open to talking about my child loss and hearing an it others' loss. I understand it was the parents way of grieving and processing, and I can't discount that. The style of writing was not my "cup of tea."

[Shayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

First if you are going to read this story you have to place it in its timeframe. People were very ignorant of those with disabilities. I believe that the Rogers loved their daughter very much and I hope that the money that they raised help many other children with disabilities but the concept that disabled children and people are sent by God to help others become better Christians is just disgusting. It completely dehumanizes and objectifies them.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd heard the story behind this book from my mother, so I decided to read it. It wasvery short, and I loved the concept of the main character, Robin, telling God her story. I had a difficult time getting through the last 5 pages because I was crying so hard (I'm crying even now as I'm typing this), so tissues are definitely a must.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book, written from the perspective of Robin, Roy Rivers and Dale Evans' daughter who had Downs Syndrome. You have to get over some of the vocabulary because it was simply the terminology used at the time. It is a loving, wonderful story of her short life and the love of her parents and a select few.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this so long ago, that I don't remember much about it; however, since I had a sister with Down Syndrome, the story meant a lot to me, and helped me to have more compassion towards my own sister.

[Charlene R. Antonelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

I read this book back in the 50' s; as I was a big fan of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in those days. I loved this book then and enjoyed it even more now. It spoke clearly of God's love for all mankind.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sad, but beautiful story of how a little girl impacted a family's life in the short time she was alive. A very special aunt gave me this book when I was a young girl. I read it then and I had to re-read it now.