Nicole Story page 11

We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for her previous testing and her surgery. We were treated with warm care. Everyone knew the doctors and procedures and helped us with paperwork. There were volunteers at that time that brought food in some days and we were fortunate enough to be there for that event. It was a delicious Mexican buffet. We had a lovely room, but it was the common rooms that really added the charm. The whole atmosphere was nurturing. That was especially nice because we needed nurturing. It was difficult to stay calm and not let the fear rule.   

 
After the pre-op we went back to the house to decide what to do with the rest of our day. We went to the Cheesecake Factory for a late lunch. That became another favorite place and we celebrated her birthdays there. After taking the leftovers back to the house, we went shopping. Then we went to a late movie. We got back to the house after midnight. Being in and out of the house all day, it began to feel like home. It was quiet, familiar and comforting.
 

The next morning we went to the hospital around 9:30. When the anesthesiologist asked if she wanted some valium, she said, “What for?” She was absolutely calm. The surgery went smoothly and I was able to make the call to Julie and report that all was well

When I try to verbalize why the Ronald McDonald House was so special, the words are hard to find. It wasn’t a hotel room. It was an extension of home, complete with caring people. By the time we left, it had a very special place in Nicole’s heart and always would.