Ronald McDonald House

[Miss Mary]

Hi all. Just volunteered my time this evening with my daughter Nina's HS club, called Pride (drug/alcohol pledge free national club) at our local Ronald McDonald House. 2 adults and 9 HS'ers. We brought dinner (casseroles, real mashed potatoes, fresh steamed brocolli, brownies) and served it to the families staying there.

I always knew the RMH's were wonderful places but I've never been inside one until tonight. I was very impressed. I hope and pray we never need one, but it's so nice to know other families facing cancer have this option.

I think all of the kids were humbled and really enjoyed giving parents and siblings, sometimes the patient, a real home-cooked meal during what is a very sad, sad time for them. All I know is, I feel changed. If any of you have a RM House near your home, they have groups come in daily - serving 3 meals a day. At first I thought it was just a weekend schedule, but no it's every single day. We all said we'll be back and possibly may volunteer once a month there.

Just wanted to suggest this type service project if anyone is interested.

Mary

[Lindaloo]

This is great Miss Mary. When my best friends daughter was ill and in the hospital in Jackson, MS they let Sherry and me stay at the Ronald McDonald house. Stephanie had encephylitus and died at the young age of two. They were very hospitable to us and I will never forget that.

So glad you got to experience how great a place it is.

[Miss Mary]

Me too Linda. Here I was sort of grumbling a little, in my usual - we are too busy - kind of way. School has barely been out a week and we haven't slowed down a bit. I was saying to Nina the other day she picked a very busy time to do this and Laura told me - oh mom quit your bellyaching, it's a wonderful thing you're doing! I quit complaining, b/c I knew she was right of course. The other parent was the club advisor, who just held a HS graduation party for her daughter, had out of town relatives in town and just got her broken arm out of a cast. I kept saying to her - YOU shouldn't even be here tonight. Honestly though, at the end we were all a very good tired. And we just knew we did a good thing.

Both my girls love to donate and help out. I need to encourage this more often.

You do come home and appreciate your life and family more than you ever did before. Knowing it can be turned completely upside down in the blink of an eye.

I'm so sorry your friend's daughter died Linda. It is nice that she had a compassionate and caring place to help at that very sad time.

Mary

[Stephanie]

I think that that places like the Ronald McDonald house are wonderful. They tend to bring out the best in people. Great job Miss Mary and I'm sorry to hear about your friend's daughter Lindaloo!

[Guest]

What a wonderful thing you did for those people Miss Mary! My best friend stayed there just last year when her daughter was born 2 months early. If it hadn't been for the Ronald McDonald House, she wouldn't have been able to spend much time with her daughter (2 hour drive each way). It meant the world to her. Thanks for helping out. I know it must feel good.
...Jennifer...