I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City with my friends Suzy and Anne. We made monster cookie bars for families staying at the House. I never got to meet anyone staying in the House, but it felt good to do something for others who would be very appreciative. Thankfully I’ve never had to use the services the Ronald McDonald House offers, but my good friend Suzy has. I asked her to write a little bit about her experience. The reasons behind why people stay at the House typically aren’t reasons to smile, but the House itself is a reason to SMILE. The following paragraphs are written by Suzy.
Eating a home-cooked meal makes me smile. Eating a home-cooked meal that someone else cooked, makes me smile even bigger! When life is turned upside-down with the illness or hospitalization of a family member and someone provides a home-cooked meal, that is the biggest smile maker of all!
When my daughter was hospitalized for several weeks earlier this year, I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Denver and was treated to a home-cooked meal almost every evening. Each night a different organization lovingly prepared a meal for the families staying at the House. It was such a relief to not have to worry about grocery shopping, cooking, or even cleaning up after dinner.
Now that I am back home, preparing and serving dinner to the families staying at one of the Kansas City Ronald McDonald Houses makes me smile. It is such a joy to be able to provide comfort and convenience to other families who are under the stress of having a child in the hospital. The House itself also makes me smile – colorful walls, beautiful windows, and a wall of hearts in “the House that love built.”
This is such a great organization! I’d love to help cook a meal ANY time, so if anyone gets the opportunity to do so, please let me know. I would be happy to help.
I had the opportunity to help Suzy too this summer and it was such an amazing experience. I would highly recommend it and I’m ready to help again anytime.