Ronald McDonald House of Long Island
Our upcoming medical trip to New York has morphed into a 6 person circus. One of our twins will have his brain/spine surgery after some testing, then 3 more kids will have post-op appointments, testing and discussions about their future big surgeries. I will have my 4th brain surgery, so off with the hair again. Gulp.
It's been an intense week of making arrangements, appointments, pre-registering with the hospital and getting the myriad of pre-surgical clearances needed for Steven and I. It is daunting. It is a bit emotional. It is also familiar as it will be our 16th trip.
We are 2 weeks out and the lists are looooong. So much to do since I will be relatively out of commission when I get back so I must have things "cleaned up" around here as far as paperwork, medical billing, odds and ends of To Do lists, etc. Then there's packing for a large group! Oh boy.
Mercy Medical Flights has come through in an amazing way, flying all of us at no expense across country. They are such a great group of folks allowing families to have the critical care they need.
When we arrive, we stay at our Home~Away~From~Home, Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. The most wonderful place for all of us. We could not do what we do without them. Not only does it provide a beautiful place to stay, it is like home, with a huge glass living room, games, toys, movies, a kitchen supplied with 2 pantries of food. Every night a different local group cooks dinner and serves it. It is a chance to talk to others outside our medical world and thank them for helping us take care of our children. Every time we arrive the staff has hugs and smiles for us. I really cannot convey in words how lovely it is to have them when you are faced with the kinds of medical things we are. It balances everything out beautifully.
Each room is lovely, spacious, and has handmade quilts on the beds. There is usually a game or stuffed toy for the kids as well as either a homemade pillowcase or blanket. Amazing.
The Great Room
Geri the Giraffe
Steven's new bike given to him by RMcDH
The spacious and beautiful kitchen/dining room
The boys with their medals on from the Walk to raise money
Beautiful front yard
Play Room
What's really wonderful is we stay with families who are doing what we do. We do not have to be on guard, there's no staring after surgeries when someone is bald, everyone pulls for everyone, asks how the child is doing when the parents return from the hospital. One spring we were there for 6 weeks for 2 brain surgeries on Steven. There was this great gal Leena who had a 1 yr old with Leukemia and she herself had cancer. She had the best attitude, smile, and laugh! And best of all she loved Jane Austin :) Everytime I walked in the door from the hospital she demanded an update! One day was particularly hard and she could tell. She waltzed up and told me if I didn't knock on her door even at 3 AM if I needed to talk she would hunt me down :) It still makes me tear up thinking about it. She was such a huge part of that trip and all of our memories. She made a huge effort to befriend Steven who was so shy and having such a hard time. He loves her to this day. She and her son still hang on our fridge and photo board. THAT'S what the house is about in spirit.
Then there's Barb, Lisa, Jen......love them all. And Mike keeps Ed going with his politics, news and sports chats!
A year ago we spent 2 months there for multiple surgeries for the kids and we literally had a RMcDH family consisting of a huge group of us from all over the U.S., Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia ! We all lived there for months and shared everything. It was quite the experience for Ed and I and especially the kids. If we have to do hard things we are so thankful God gives us these huge blessings to balance it all. We keep in contact with many of those folks!
In practical ways it is also so important. Since I have medical limitations myself, to have washers and dryers right there, kitchens with everything needed to cook for my family, a place to rest when needed, a homey atmosphere, people who care. It really makes these trips do-able without losing your mind! Can you imagine bringing a child just out of brain surgery to a hotel and giving them restaurant food ? Yuk. At RMcDH we cook nutritious meals that they like so they will regain their strength. There is a beautiful backyard to sit in and rest and enjoy the sun while healing.
If you ever are just hunting for a charity to give away your money this is one of our favorite places!! You are helping families in ways you cannot imagine.
~Blessings~
Lisa
No comments:
Post a Comment