Skip to content
rmhc logo
HOW TO STAY
How To Stay
  • Home
  • Details
    • Mission
    • History
    • Stats & Facts
    • Board of Trustees
    • Our Staff
    • Our Partnerships
    • Red Shoe Society
    • Contact
  • Services
    • Ronald McDonald House
    • How to Request a Room
    • Ronald McDonald Family Room
    • Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
  • Volunteering
    • Meal Program
    • Volunteer At A Special Event
    • Individual Volunteers
  • Giving
    • Event Sponsorship
    • Donate Your Vehicle
    • Everyday Hero
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Planned Giving
    • Host a Fundraiser
    • Team RMHC
    • Wish List
    • Pop Tabs
  • Events
    • Event Sponsorship
    • Upcoming Events
    • Host a Fundraiser
    • Promotions
  • Stories
    • Something’s Missing
    • Videos

Big Inspiration In Small Packages

April 30, 2015

By Vicki Chappelear

Summer reading to her mom, Angie at the Ronald McDonald House

Summer reading to her mom, Angie at the Ronald McDonald House

A bright-eyed four-year-old, little girl walked into my office and gave me a big smile. She looked me straight in the eye, placed her hands on her little head and exclaimed, “I don’t have any hair!” She said it as if I didn’t know, but I did know. Her story is much like that of many of the kids I see daily.

I have the privilege of working with the families of kids who are pretty sick. I have seen all types of illness come into my office—cancer, spina bifida, heart issues or an illness yet to be diagnosed—you name it, chances are good I’ve have met a family dealing with it.

There is something that stands out to me about these kids—their resilient attitude. They do not sit around and feel sorry for themselves. I’ve actually witnessed five and six year olds comforting each other and having conversations about medical procedures I do not understand. Many of these little ones don’t know any different; this is their normal. Few of them know life apart from feeding tubes, wheelchairs or a complex cocktail of daily medicine.

The parents do an amazing job of trying to maintain their childhood innocence; their strength is incredible to me. What is a parent to do when their hopes of what is considered a normal childhood is dashed? When bikes are traded for wheelchairs and playgrounds for exams rooms and ORs? They do their best to keep things as “normal” as possible, all the while feeling the pressures of making wise medical decisions and the never-ending barrage of medical bills that they will never be able to pay. And yet, these moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas put on a brave face for their little ones.

I believe these amazing kids have a gift to see life for what it is, to embrace the life they have, to make the most of every moment. God has given them the strength to handle unimaginable trials with grace and a smile. They are not upset with their situation; they do not compare what they are going through with those who are not going through a life-altering experience.

I no longer see children in wheelchairs or children from whom childhood has been stolen, but rather, I see their smiles. The twinkle in their eyes and their love of life as they know it. It’s not about what happens to you or what you are going through, it’s about the eye through which you see those circumstances. These little ones are far wiser than their years.

So when I hear the squeal of laughter coming from a child in a wheelchair or even see the precious smooth, round head of a bright-eyed little girl, I smile because I am reminded there is joy in being alive. This is the path God has chosen for them and they embrace it.


BLOG CATEGORY

  • VOLUNTEERS
  • UNCATEGORIZED
  • SPECIAL DAYS
  • OUR STAFF
  • OUR PARTNERS
  • OUR IMPACT
  • OUR GARDEN
  • OUR FAMILIES
  • OUR EVENTS
  • Home
  • Details
  • Services
  • Volunteering
  • Giving
  • Events
  • Stories

© RMHC The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald's, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC of Central Ohio is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to RMHC of Central Ohio are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The RMHC EIN is 31-0890152. A copy of the RMHC determination letter is available upon request. Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Ohio 711 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43205 614-227-3700 : rmhccommunications@rmhc-centralohio.org