Last week when we were in Phoenix we stayed at the Ronald McDonald House Charities. It’s like a second home, we’ve been going since it opened in the 80′s and I can’t tell you how many of my childhood pictures were taken there.
We saw one of the volunteers, who has been there since before I can remember. We told her about Joey, gave her a picture and his obituary, and after tears and hugs, she told us that another family that has been coming for many years is close to losing their son. Nathan is in his teens and has mitochondrial disease and other complications. They were staying at RMH when I was there Joey, and I visited with Nathan for a bit. (You can read about this sweet young man on the RMHC of Phoenix website.)
It made me think of how fortunate we are. Even though this has been horribly devastating to us, God has blessed us. When you have a child with a disability, you enter a new world. Dr’s, hospitals, medical supplies, medications, wheelchairs, ect, it all becomes your life. Disability is your life. And then your child dies. Suddenly you no longer see half the people who had been a part of your life. Not only have you lost your child, but your lifestyle.
I still have four siblings with disabilities. We’re still seeing our neurologist, urologist, orthopedic surgeon, ect. We’re still going to the hospital, staying at RMH. In a way it’s been hard, as it all brings back memories of Joey, seeing all the people who knew and loved him. But it’s a blessing too. We’re still a part of the community, the family.
My heart reaches out to those who don’t have that luxury.
Six of us kids at Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix, right after our first Christmas with Joey.
