A Home Away From Home

The Ronald McDonald House of the Bluegrass has a special place in our hearts.  Although we didn't stay at the house itself, we used their Family Room at the Kentucky Children's Hospital on a daily basis after Gianna was born.  The Family Room is a quiet, comfortable place for families of hospitalized children to get a few minutes of respite, a snack, cup of coffee, or make a phone call.  It's staffed and supplied entirely by volunteers. 
To say "thank you" during this time of celebration of Gianna's birthday, guests at her party brought donations for the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room to give in her honor. 

We took the kids to deliver the "goods" this weekend.  I'm pretty sure at first they thought there was going to be a Happy Meal involved in this trip, but it gave us a great opportunity to talk to them about giving.  They still remember Matt and I being away from home and Gianna being in the hospital.  We talked about other families who live far away and stay at the Ronald McDonald house while their child is in the hospital, and how they make this comfortable place their home while they child recovers.  We've been given so much with Gianna's life - her birthday is a perfect time to show our thankfulness by giving back. 

This statue sits in front of the house and is a beautiful tribute to my friend Elizabeth's mother,
who dedicated countless hours in service to the Ronald McDonald House.