Visting the Ronald McDonald Houses, going to Gildas Club to deliver books, meeting families – why do I do it? It is not just about raising money for charity. Although when I send my checks to CHOP to help make hospital stays more comfortable for the familes, it does give me great pride and pleasure to do so. The other side of what I do – visiting families, listening, smiling with them, cooking them dinner, and helping to serve them keeps me grounded. It reminds me I am only, or shall I say we are only, one step away of being in their situation. It only takes a moment to have an accident, become ill, and then you need help, need a shoulder to lean on, need someone to help, and/or understand what is happening to you. I reflect on that – I was there, I have walked that mile in their shoes, I know first hand how it feels. It is a natural thing for me to understand all of this. I may not have what their child had, or maybe suffered in a different way, but my family, my parents, and I all went through it. I just want them to know – I am there. By reading my book, touching my hand, looking into my eyes, or even an email from them that I answer personally, I can change their world in a moment. I like that!
Menu
