A hospital is not exactly the best place for non-patients to get sleep. We found that Ellie and I were having a hard time getting enough sleep, with Chase being up multiple times every night (and especially worrying that he’ll start scratching his incision in his sleep).
One of the nurses in the PICU told us about the Ronald McDonald House, which has been such a blessing to both of us over the last few days. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the donation slots at McDonald’s over the years, and never thought about what they do.
Ronald McDonald Houses are all over the country near major hospitals. People that bring their children to a hospital for medical treatment often need a place to stay. It’s their “home away from home.”
I was amazed when I walked into the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Childrens. It is an amazing place. When the new Children’s Hospital opened up, Ronald McDonald also moved to a new location. They have 60 rooms where families can stay, and it feels like a 5-star hotel. They encourage families to mingle with each other by not having TVs in each room, but they have a common room on each floor where people can be together. There’s also a kitchen where a family can make their own meals together, and a commercial kitchen where volunteer groups come in to prepare meals for the families that are there.
David and the staff and volunteers at RMH have been so loving and caring for us over the last few days. It has been such a blessing. I’ve slept multiple times over there (sometimes just to nap for a few hours), and when I can pry Ellie away from Chase’s room, I’ve sent her there as well.
I know that now that I’ve been the recipient of this wonderful organization, I won’t be able to pass by the little donation slots at McDonald’s without remembering what I’ve been given.
That’s great Bob! We stayed at the old one which was very nice as well. I think the way you wrote about RMH was a wonderful summary. We pray for you guys very often and I was glad to get to talk with Ellie today. I hope I can be some form of “been there, done (some of) that” which you can bounce questions off of. Try and get some sleep.
Tricia for DeJongs
I’m so glad you were told about RMH. My mom and I have been collecting the pull tabs from soda cans for a few years now. Those tabs are the most expensive part of the can and the RMH collects them for money for that particular location. Keep that in mind the next time you drink a Coke or other type of soda. 🙂 Still praying for Chase (and you and Ellie). Stay strong.