Family Spotlight: Daniel’s Story

As I took my shoes off on the evening of November 25, 1999, I never knew my life would change forever. My six-year-old son, Daniel, had been sick for a couple of days. My husband had also been sick with the flu, so we had dismissed Daniel’s symptoms as also being the flu. When in actuality his symptoms were something much worse. Daniel had an ulcer in his stomach which had ruptured and he was bleeding internally. My medical knowledge as a nurse allowed me to realize the severity of what was happening. When he started vomiting blood, I knew we needed help and we needed it fast!! Toxins from the ruptured ulcer were attacking Daniel’s body, which could lead to multiple organ failure.

When we arrived at Children’s Hospital, I literally threw my son into the doctor’s arms. From there, things moved very quickly. He was immediately taken into surgery and spent the next few hours fighting for his life. Daniel was this healthy six year old little boy, who had always brought sunshine into my life, and now all I could see was darkness! Oh, how I wished he’d only had the flu!!!

We spent the next few hours waiting, waiting and more waiting. When the surgeon came out to give us a report, his outlook was that of uncertainty. He didn’t know what would happen next. In my mind, Daniel was going to recover within a few days and go home. That couldn’t have been further from reality. The next few days were a blur. I was exhausted, mentally, emotionally, and physically as well.

Being in the PICU lobby with other families, everybody coming and going, the constant ringing of the phone, along with the worry and waiting for news, left me with little time for sleep. After a few days, a social worker at the hospital, recognizing my exhaustion, suggested that I stay at the Ronald McDonald House, which was two blocks away. Several nurses had also tried to convince me to go, but I was reluctant for several reasons.

First, I didn’t want to leave the hospital, even if it was just two blocks away. What if I missed something? What if Daniel woke up, afraid and needed me? But most importantly, I needed to be close to him.

Secondly, I knew nothing about the Ronald McDonald House or what to even expect. The image I had in my mind was a cheap, dirty hotel or a homeless shelter, sharing a room with strangers. What else could I expect from a FREE place to stay?

Lastly, I felt so out of control of everything in my life at that moment. My son was sick and I couldn't do anything to make him better. The only thing I did have control over was where I slept.

It was at this time that the nurses convinced me to go and take a tour of the House. If nothing else, I could go there and take a hot shower, or have a quiet place to rest for a couple of hours. I decided to take their advice and went to the House.

I was met at the door by a volunteer, eager to make me feel welcome. As we made our way through the House, I could smell cookies baking in the oven and I began to notice all the Christmas decorations. This was nothing like I had pictured!! She showed me to my room, a nicely decorated, private room. As I walked into the room and looked around, I realized that this was more than just a place to sleep, this was a place to sit and gather my thoughts. It was then that I knew this was as close to home as I could get.

The staff took me in and adopted me. My husband had to work and could not stay with me 24/7. After all, bills still had to be paid. They always made sure that I had what I needed, whether it was a phone card, food, or clean linens. But most importantly, they provided a shoulder to cry on, a friend to lean on and hugs in my worst of times.

For those 75 days, the Ronald McDonald House became more to me than just a place to sleep. It was my home. It was filled with love, compassion and comfort. From the small things, such as encouraging words, to the visit from Santa and recognition of Daniel’s birthday, both of which included gifts. My experience showed me that the Ronald McDonald House is truly a “house that love built”!