October 4th, 2009, is a day that has forever changed our lives. Our daughter Danielle was born that day, 3 ½ months early due to unforeseen complications. Weighing in at 1 lb 11 oz, the outlook was grim at best with every pass-ing moment resulting in waning optimism. In many ways we were in unfamiliar territory; 50 miles from home, and inundated with medical terminology that we desperately were trying to understand.
We quickly became overwhelmed. One thing that was clear was that we were in for the long haul. We had no idea how we would negotiate a 100-mile daily commute with 3 other children in school. A social worker mentioned the Ronald McDonald House as a possibil-ity to help alleviate some of our travel. I had heard the name several times but had no familiarity with the organization. Providence was leading us there.
We arrived at the Ronald McDonald House not knowing what to expect. What we found was a house not for the ill and the hopeless, but rather a gathering place of hope, empathy, and courage. Even the spook of Halloween décor could not mask the warming sense of love emanating from everywhere. In the volunteers and staff, we found selfless devotion and care. In the fellow houseguests, we found infectious courage and strength.
It has been 15 weeks and counting since we‘ve been staying off and on at the House. At a time where so much of our attention is focused on one child, the volunteers and staff members have engaged our other children at a time when neglect seemed inevitable. With all sincerity we can say that the Ronald McDonald House provides so much more than a place to stay. The House provides a gathering place for healing and encouragement. Families become tied by an eternal bond as we cry together, we share together, and we root with heart-felt compassion for each other. All this is made possible by the love that founded and sustains the House. Even in the midst of sorrow and despair, we long to even in a small way give back to the Ronald McDonald House. For all that this place does and for all that it has meant to the countless lives that have been touched, it must remain. From the very depths of our hearts, thank you.
