The first time my daughter was hospitalized, it was suggested to us that we contact the RMHC in Grand Rapids. Although I had of course heard of Ronald McDonald houses, I didn't know what they actually did. Well, let me tell you what they do - they do EVERYTHING! It was the place I (and many other parents) needed to be during such a difficult and stressful time in my life. I had everything I needed - a nice room, kitchen area, and a beautiful, peaceful lawn for when I needed to destress. Food was made for us every day, and I thought it rather humorous that many of us would show up in the kitchen at 2 a.m. because we couldn't sleep, and there we would be - eating leftovers and discussing our children. We were all busy being with our children during the day, so it was late at night when we saw each other.
I ended up having to come back to Grand Rapids several weeks later for my daughter, but by then, the house was filled up. But the RMHC got me in with a local hotel for an extremely cheap rate that actually gave us free dinners (I've heard of free breakfast, but free dinners??), and although it wasn't quite like staying at the Ronald McDonald House, I greatly appreciated their efforts in getting me a very affordable place to stay during my time of need.
I can't recommend the RMHC enough to people. It's a wonderful charity. I've stayed at 2 different ones in 2 states, and they were both wonderful. And so many thank yous to all the people who donate their time at these places - they truly wouldn't be the wonderful places they are without the many, many volunteers they have!!
I had just come home from work, and shortly after my 3 year old son began to shiver, and shake as he feel to the floor. He was always full of humor, and could act very well at this age. He loved the attention. It did not take long for us to realize he was actually having a seizure. I found a washcloth and stuffed it in his mouth. I could feel his bite even though it was wrapped tightly around my two fingers. We called 911, and he was rushed to the hospital. They discovered he had been given the wrong medication, and did not understand how it got confused with his prescription. It was not long after that when the helicopter arrived and he was airlifted to Grand Rapids from Muskegon. I will always remember that empty feeling as they would not allow me to ride. To this day it is just like it happened yesterday when I think about how separated we were so instantly, and not knowing how his status was. Apparently the local hospital had contacted the Ronald McDonald House in Grand Rapids, and made arrangements for our stay. We were taken to the hospital by cab which the hospital arranged for the Ronald McDonald House stay, and the taxi. We were not allowed to visit my son, me or his mother, and it was not long before the shuttle from the Ronald McDonald House arrived to pick us up. They provided housing and food, and gave us a private room away from the other guests. They also provided a minister to come in and comfort us. We though our son was going to be coming home within 3 days, but the length of stay ended up being a bout 3 weeks. Neither of us wanted to return home for fear of something going wrong because he was having convulsions expectantly. I will always remember the hospitality of the Ronald McDonald staff. They were always courteous and when out of their way in many areas they did not normally do on behalf of the local hospital we arrived there from, and also on behalf of us. This is very difficult to do, but the professional staff made us right at home, and welcomed us to stay until we were sure our son had recovered. I will always keep The Ronald McDonald House held in my memory because of the outstanding hospitality they served us during our stay. Thank you! Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan. This is not the only thanks I give.