Share a Meal

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I have recently become a volunteer at Ronald McDonald Houses here in Central Florida.

Having three teenagers, it’s become increasingly important to me to expose them to opportunities to give back through various acts of kindness. I have been purposefully doing things independent of them, and because it has now become inherent in me, I felt ready for them to get involved and to witness my actions rather than just preaching the gospel or telling them stories of events focused on being a good doer during my days.

My daughter, 15 years old, and I along with a dear friend and her now adult daughter participated in a “Share a Meal” dinner last night.

While I am sure my fellow good doers may be familiar with what this event entails and the purpose of the House…in summary, the Houses are located on the hospital campuses, they are fully equipped to accommodate the needs of families with children hospitalized due to life-threatening illness. From sleeping quarters, showering and laundry facilities, providing lunch and dinner to all of the families residing in the houses, most of this is entirely volunteer-based. Regardless of financial situation, families are close at hand, ongoing, which is paramount to the healing and unfortunately sometimes end of life coping process.

We prepared the dinner meal yesterday, and the welcome and thank you’s we received were fulfilling alone.

There were two sweet ladies that we interacted with directly. Both, could hardly speak as their eyes pooled with tears. Other than the meal the only comfort I could offer them was a warm, big heartfelt hug. As I hugged them I could feel some relief (energy) transfer to me, which only made my hug longer, stronger…

After the second woman went off to her room to attempt to rest, my daughter commented on my hugging them, and commented further that I must know their back story…which I really did not. Although I could see their pain and feel their burden was heavy.

I explained to her briefly that back story isn’t necessary…I had nothing to offer but a hug, which alone, can be very powerful, both for the giver and receiver. Everyone deserves the compassion conveyed by a hug.

I hugged her, see…

As a mother, I hope that I have many more opportunities to involve her in these experiences, the story is simple, nothing heroic, but for the two ladies, for a moment anyway, I provided some comfort where it was very much needed. For me, I walked away feeling blessed and inspired to continue down this new path of good… – Anon ♥