As Thanksgiving approaches, I realize how extremely lucky I am to have had three very healthy children. I do not know what it is like to have to sit beside my child in the NICU while watching them struggle to survive. I do not know what it is like to watch a child go through chemo/radiation and wonder if they will grow to an adult.
I am extremely thankful and blessed. However, everyday there are families who struggle with these things and more. Illness, cancer, preemies.... Families like Jessieleigh and the birth of her baby girl at 24 weeks...
I do know that the Ronald McDonald (RMDH) houses all over the country help take care of these families by providing a place for the families to stay other than a hotel. What a blessing it must be to walk into an environment where everyone is going through a similar struggle and you can share and be uplifted by someone who truly knows what you are going through. What a blessing to not step into a cold lobby.
So, I have an idea. If you feel similarly blessed, make a donation to a Ronald McDonald house for Christmas. I contacted our local house (located near RMH) and asked what they need:
Items for preemies
Development toys for infants
Small adult gifts
Nothing elaborate. Nothing fancy. I was told by the representative that on Christmas Eve the RMDH opens a small "store" for the families staying so that they can pick out Christmas presents for their child/spouses. So small items that could fill this store would be appreciated.
I know that at this time of year there are literally charities all around the county that need help. I know that there are very, very worthy charities that you might already be helping. But, this is one that I also feel should be helped.
RMDH did not solicit this post. I am in no way benefiting from this post. These are my honest opinions and thoughts.
This is definitely one of my favorite charities. My daughter had nothing serious, but she taken to a children's hospital because of a scalding accident when she was a baby. Because they had space, the RMDH next to the hospital offered us a room for 3 of the days we were there. It was so wonderful to be able to have the whole family there. Even though our situation wasn't serious and we were there only a few days, I saw first-hand what a pleasant home-like place it was for the other families.
ReplyDeleteI honestly had to brush away the tears as I read this post... I could not be more touched or delighted to hear how you've reached out to your local Ronald McDonald House! We spent Christmas at the Indianapolis RMH in 2005... I will never forget how special they managed to make it and I know that it was only possible because people stepped up to help. Bless you for being one of them!
ReplyDeleteRMH is awesome! My Dad and some people from his work go there to make breakfast every month. He really enjoys doing it and everyone is always so happy to not have to eat hospital food!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a good charity. I do feel blessed for my healthy children. My uncle has spent some time at a Ronald McDonald House with his step-grandaughter. She's doing great now. He's mentioned donating to me before. Thanks for the extra push. I'll contact our local house and find out what they need. It will be a good charity to get my children involved in.
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