F A M I L Y
P R O F I L E
Short Family HOME: Highlandville, MO (Christian County)
Fear: a negative feeling about what is to come. That is what we felt when we discovered at 35 weeks that our sweet baby girl had IUGR – intrauterine growth restriction. We worried about the complications that can accompany preterm birth and low birth weight.
Surprise: a pleasant, unexpected feeling. Our tiny little one surprised us all by coming on her own at 35 weeks, 5 days. Although she weighed only 3lbs, 9oz, she was healthy and vibrant.
Relief: the feeling that occurs just after anxiety is removed; see “joy” and “rest”.
While our daughter had no major health issues, she needed time to grow and learn to eat in the NICU. In order to bond with her as a new family, we needed the closeness of home. The Ronald McDonald House provided that home for us. We had the freedom to come and go as needed, the space to rest our weary bodies, the meals to keep us nourished, and the laundry facilities to keep us clothed. RMHC relieved our burden for 18 days while our daughter grew.
Gratitude: the feeling of immense thankfulness. It is impossible to fully express how grateful we are to have experienced the blessing that is RMHC. Our miracle girl is now a precious two-year-old who dotes on her baby brother, spends her days running everywhere, and loves to “help” with the dishes. We look forward to the time when we can show her the place where we lived while she was getting the best hospital care. RMHC is forever in our hearts!
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