When Gary was a little boy, he had a surgery to correct his Pectus Excavatum (his chest was curved in from birth) at a hospital in Virginia. While they were there, he and his Mom stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. During their stay, families came to bring dinner and visit with the guests each night. Their kindness and generosity made such an impact on him that he decided when he had a family of his own he wanted to give back to Ronald McDonald House. So, about 6 months ago, Gary and I began taking dinner to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House near Arkansas Children's Hospital once a month. This month we brought Elliott with us for the first time. The families and workers enjoyed meeting him over a dinner of fried chicken, beans, and potato salad. It's our prayer that Elliott will grow up serving the families at the Ronald McDonald House as far back as he can remember, and that this will instill in him a heart for serving others.
If you're looking for a way to serve others as a family, check into finding a
Ronald McDonald House nearby. The families staying there have children who are often fighting for their lives, and something as small as bringing dinner to their parents can truly make a difference. It did in Gary's life.
What an awesome way to serve others! Such a cool testimony and way to give back. Elliott will learn so much from seeing his parents helping people in need. God bless you guys! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the great story about your experience giving back at your local Ronald McDonald House. Providing home cooked meals to families staying at Houses is invaluable and helps make a stressful time easier. All the best to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteLauren from Ronald McDonald House Charities :)
My son and his family have been using Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix for the past year because their oldest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, and my middle son and his wife had to stay at Ronald McDonald house in Las Vegas when their daughter had a crisis due to her cleft palate. What a wonderful idea you have.
ReplyDeleteForrest Phelps-Cook
~Families Can Be Forever~
www.lds.org
My daughter was in Pittsburgh Childrens hospital and Philadelphia Childrens hospital when she was 6 months old. Me and husband stayed at the Ronald McDonald houses in both areas at night just to rest and return to the hospital early morning. I always said that when we returned home that someday I would like to prepare a meal and go back. When I was a little girl my second grade children was collecting pop tabs and I would collect them and take them into her, now I am teaching my daughter to collect them to so far we have over 25,ooo and when we return someday we will be able to turn them in.
ReplyDeleteInstead of asking for presents for my children's birthday party (they had a joint 3 and 5 year old party...their birthdays are only 10 days apart!) we asked each family to do a "random act of kindness" and bring supplies for the Ronald McDonald House (toilet paper and wipes). Their grandparents still spoiled them rotten with presents AND they got to learn the importance of giving...the best of both worlds! Together we dropped the supplies off at the Ronald McDonald House and it was such a great teaching time! (we live in Roanoke, VA so we donated to the Roanoke location!)
ReplyDeletethurm~~ I had no clue you and Gare were doing that. Totally awesome. What a cool story; proud to know you kids!
ReplyDeleteOh Katherine, this is so great. A girl I work with at the Walmart Home Office in Bentonville is at the Ronald McDonald House in Little Rock now. Her baby was born with leukemia. Her name is Ashley Westmoreland and her daughter's name is Macy. Thank you for doing all that you do!
ReplyDeleteAli