I grew up in a family of 10 children - my twin brother, Dominic, and I were the second oldest. I never knew my biological father, but when I was eight years old, my step-father, Tracy, came into our lives. I will always be thankful for God placing him in my life. He worked very hard to support our family, but he was unable to give us the attention we needed. My parents were not physically abusive, but they have been on and off drugs most of my life. My mother even sold drugs out of our house. We moved around quite a bit, and life was hectic at times.
We started out in San Jose, California, but my step-father’s job relocated us to Birmingham in 1995. Moving to Alabama turned out to the best thing and changed our lives forever. We did not grow up going to church until we got to Alabama, where my mother started taking us to South Roebuck Baptist Church. My oldest sister, Ashley, helped take care of us, but she moved back to California to finish school when I was in 5th grade. At that point, I became very rebellious, had an issue with authority and was acting out. I was failing my classes, and by 7th grade I was pretty much out of control. I was 13 years old and headed down a destructive path and would have probably dragged my brother, Dominic, down with me - if it hadn't been for Donna and Charlie Bailey, a couple at church who helped our family. They were supporters of Big Oak Ranch and introduced my mother to the Ranch. Dominic and I moved to the Boys' Ranch in the spring of 1999... and our second chance began.
The first year at the Ranch was very rough for me. I had a major authority issue because I had never had any real structure in my life. My houseparents made me go to school, do homework and chores, go to church, and follow rules -- all of which was new to me. I spent a lot of time on D level (restriction). I was a nightmare for the staff. I cussed, cried and fought against them at every turn. I tried so hard to throw away the chance and opportunity God had given me, but they never gave up. They fought for me every step of the way. When I was 14, I found Jesus, and with the Ranch’s relentlessness efforts, my life changed. I decided to stop fighting and give the Ranch a real chance. Big Oak showed me what it was to be a real man, to set the foundation for my future and to live my best life. 
I met Ashley, the beautiful woman who is now my wife, while I was living at the Ranch and we were both working at a small-town grocery store. We now have a wonderful family with 3 beautiful children. Rylee is 10 years old going into 5th grade. She is on the swim team and plays volleyball. She is funny and has my sense of humor. Eleanor is 8 years old and going into 3rd grade. She loves drawing and plays softball. She is confident and a natural leader. Jaxon is 5 and started kindergarten this year. He plays baseball and soccer. He has a sweet heart. He loves sports and helping me. He also is our talker! Each of our kids has a very different personality, and they are so much fun. Nothing can really prepare you for three kids, but Ashley says that I don’t let the chaos phase me and tells everyone that I am the fun side. 
It is important to us that our kids understand what blessings are in life, no matter how they appear. The Ranch taught me that through hard work and determination, life could be whatever I wanted. Thanks to Big Oak, I graduated high school in 2004 and college in 2010 with a BSN in Nursing at Jacksonville State. I live in a nice house and have a great job as an Emergency Room Nurse. I will raise my family with the same values and morals instilled in me during my time at the Ranch. We love having opportunities to go back and serve at the Ranch at weddings and other events. The reunions mean something deeper for me because I get to reconnect with the current Big Oak family, meet the kids, and have closure on my past. Thanks to the Ranch, I know my family will not have to grow up with the hardships I faced!
My family and I will always be thankful to Big Oak Ranch and all of the men and women who impacted my life while I was there. Thank you to the Croyle family for dedicating their lives to giving kids a chance. Thank you to the houseparents who put up with me, and for all those there now who answered the calling. Thank you men of the Ranch for showing me what a Godly, hard-working, and loving man looks like. Thank you to everyone who supports the Ranch. Thanks to all of you, I can be the father, husband and friend God intended me to be. Thank you for helping me break the cycle and for giving me a chance!
Anthony McMath
Anthony and his family
Anthony and his brother Dominic speaking at Appreciation Day
Anthony and Ashley, Christmas 2008
Anthony and Ashley's wedding
Anthony playing football at Westbrook
Anthony at work as an Emergency Room Nurse
Anthony & Ashley's children
Anthony's senior photo at Westbrook
Anthony fishing at the Boys' Ranch
