“I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket.” – Kellie Elmore
Summer – what a wonderful season of memories and celebrations.
Summer includes outdoor festivals and concerts, wilderness hikes and bonfires, farmer’s markets and evening walks, celebrations with sparklers and camping under the stars, dancing in sprinklers and cannon balls in the neighborhood pool, beach trips and family outings – it is a reminder of the simple pleasures that come with slowing down and doing as little as possible to just “take it all in”.
Quite simply put – summer is life. And we all know how quickly summer goes – and so does life. The precious time we have – and it moves too fast.
The families of the Ronald McDonald House understand too much the concept of precious time and how we must value each moment big and small. Unfortunately, for the families of Ronald McDonald House childhood illness doesn’t take a break during the summer. The memories and celebrations these families have are a bit different. Their celebrations come when that last chemo treatment has been administered, their baby can breathe without a machine, and when they are told it is time to go home.
Ronald McDonald House helps with the memories – the birthday celebration that takes place away from home, the cookout on the patio on a nice evening, the “Magic Room” visit for a special toy, the friendship made on the playground, big brother being there for a photo opportunity.
Everyone’s summers may vary but everyone’s season will come and go quickly so it is important that no matter what road your summer leads you enjoy the full season – enjoy the feeling of the sun and wind on your arms and legs, enjoy the longer days and warm waters, and enjoy the memories and celebrations no matter how big or small.
If you would like to help RMHC-SWVA give our families some big and small memories this summer, please consider donating today!