Recently, I took a trip to Ronald McDonald House. For those who do not know what RMHC is, it is a “home away from home” for families with a child that is sick and receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. Families from all over the world come to stay at various RMH locations and the awesome part is, they can stay here for little to no cost.
“The girls from Alpha Delta Pi are here to do a fall craft,” we heard over the loud speaker.
A couple of shy kids shuffle in to investigate the craft we have brought for them. Quickly, their timid fronts start to melt away and huge smiles spread across their faces. We are learning names, sharing stories and cracking jokes amongst one another. The morale among these children is amazing.
I had the honor of spending time with a young girl whose family traveled about five-hundred miles to stay at RMH. I was under the impression that she was just a sibling of an ill child but I was wrong. However, this little ray of sunshine was ill herself. You would NEVER be able to tell that she was at less than hundred percent health. Her enthusiasm, charisma and charm kept me hanging on to her every word as she told me about her life.
I have never met a ten-year-old that knew so much. She taught me various facts about snakes, Pokémon and her hometown. For example, did you know that you can communicate with snakes through your eyes? Or that you should back away slowly if you see a snake that has slitted eyes? Yeah…me either. She even taught me about chemistry…something I struggle with as a college student. Overall, I’ve never met a cooler kid.
We spent an hour chatting away as she colored and cut and I glued. It seemed very normal. Her mother then joined us at the table. In a surprised tone she asked her daughter if she was the one actually doing the cutting. Her mother looked at me and said, recently she was not able to control scissors enough to cut and about three months ago was the first time her daughter had gained enough muscle strength to ride a bike. I was in awe. I then realized I had definitely taken for granted simple things like running around with friends or riding a bike. Next, the mother made a small comment that walking even proved to be a difficult task at times but “we’re getting there,” she said. My new friend looked at her mom and replied with such radiance, “YUP, we ARE getting there.” I could not help but smile at the confidence in her voice.
Even though I spent just an hour with this sweet young girl, I was sad to leave. She drew me a picture of her favorite Pokémon and reassured me that I must come back to see her in February when she visits again. She thanked me for hanging out with her. As she walked away I still found myself smiling.
You go there expecting to make a child’s life better for a few hours but I never expected it to be the other way around. This little girl’s joy spilled into my life and changed my way of thinking in the following days. I was not able to tell that she had been affected by an illness without her mother telling me. She was living her life to the fullest without letting anything get in her way. I think we could learn a lot from kids if we just took the time to sit down and listen. Her life is nowhere near easy, but she is beyond determined in making it the best. Even as a ten-year-old, I would consider her a role model to my nineteen-year-old self. I am thankful she was placed into my life if even if for just a short time. I cannot wait to make more visits to Ronald McDonald House and I hope to make a difference in a child’s life while they simultaneously make a difference in mine!
