End of the Era

Tonight marked the end of an era for me. It was my last night volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House after 10 years of service. I started the summer after I graduated from college.

I worked in the office answering phones, checking in guests, and keeping the house picked up and tidy. I met some great families over the years. I saw and heard some amazing stories and sadly there were times I took keys from families leaving because their child did not make it. I always said volunteering at the House was my way of saying thank you for healthy nieces and nephews and then it became my way of paying back for having a healthy baby myself.

I came to realize that with two little ones, it would just be too hard to make that bi-weekly commitment. Brian has been great about staying with Allison while I volunteer, even during those first few months where she would cry and scream for a long period of time before falling asleep (if she ever did). He realizes that I need my time to get out of the house by myself for a while and will make sure I still get the opportunity to do so.

The House was also making some changes to their volunteer program, so I felt it was great timing to end my regular volunteer commitment. I still would like to be involved in some way, maybe helping out at special events. I think it is a wonderful organization that helps families during a stressful time. Many of these families would be sleeping in the waiting rooms or their children's hospital room if it wasn't for the House or worse yet, their child wouldn't have the comfort of having mom and dad by their side on a daily basis. So if you are ever looking for a charity to support, please do consider them.