From the outside looking in: St. Jude is an amazing place! From the well-manicured campus to the colorfully painted walls--it is all very inviting. There is hopscotch on the floors, artwork designed by children on the walls, games, movies, books, playground equipment, a juke box--almost like a magical vacation spot. Except...there is also germ-x dispensers, reminders to wash your hands and children undergoing treatment for cancer everywhere. Tiny bald heads, IV poles and face masks are a stark reminder that its definitely NOT a vacation spot! I am humbled every time I walk through the door at St. Jude. I am reminded of how blessed I am as a mother. And I am thankful to the Lord above that I am just a visitor. But I look at Danny and his family and I am eternally grateful that a place like St. Jude exists!!! The Ronald McDonald House opened my eyes to a world Id only ever heard of...a place that existed on TV...a place I never thought Id find myself. When I visited Danny at the RMH, Big Danny took us on a tour. It is truly amazing! Families share a kitchen but there is a food pantry stocked with donated food available to the families. There is a game room, a basketball court, playground equipment. Different organizations cater meals throughout the week. There are activities for the guests. The rooms are much like a hotel room--2 double beds and a restroom. But there is also a TV and refrigerator in each room, as well as a recliner. It was very accommodating. We visited the Target House yesterday. I didnt get to take an official tour but what I saw was breathtaking! According to the St. Jude website: This house features 96 fully-furnished, two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment is equipped with a full kitchen (including cookware, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, etc.), one queen and two twin beds, bath and bed linens, sofa, and an entertainment center. Other features include: Free Laundry Facilities Library with Selection of Books and Movies Playground Small Child and Teenager Designated Playrooms Music Room Workout Facilities Arts and Crafts Room Large Communal Dining Room and Kitchen I cant wait to go back to visit The Goodmans and take an official tour! I felt compelled to share my experiences with you to encourage you to take a tour, see for yourself...but most of all to encourage you to DONATE...even if its just the loose change you get back next time you go through the drive-thru window at McDonalds. I saw for myself how the money is used. I have friends (like family) that benefit from it every day...and so do you--The Goodman Family! ~Angie Hutching
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 20:22:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015