The Minneapolis Ronald McDonald House is HUGE. It is also a bright, cheery and extremely lively home away from home for families from all over the world when their child needs lengthy medical treatment. This particular house has the longest average stay of any of the Ronald McDonald houses worldwide. The nearby children's hospital provides top notch treatment for some critically ill children and having family near by is an important part of the healing process.
Some children were there as patients who no longer had to stay in the hospital, others were siblings of children who still required acute hospital care. Memorial blocks ringing the gardens were bittersweet reminders of children who are no longer with us, and hopefully, of children who recovered and have returned home after recovering. Everyone who wanted a ride got one, and quite a few children rode repeatedly until a strong thunderstorm called an end after three hours of fun. Our ears were treated to giggles and squeals, plus plenty of loud screams of delight. One charming young lady from Saudi Arabia told us that she loves to scream--she was telling the truth, and she does it VERY well! Screams of delight like hers are always music to our ears. We also met children and their families from all over the US and from Argentina, Honduras and numerous other countries. Watching them play together was pure delight, and we were also struck by how they all took care of each other. Braver children offered to ride with the more timid, and all of them provided encouragement to each of the others. We can learn life lessons from these children, because they truly treat each other as family, are patient and kind and look after each other. Their courage and bravery are utterly inspiring.
Some children were there as patients who no longer had to stay in the hospital, others were siblings of children who still required acute hospital care. Memorial blocks ringing the gardens were bittersweet reminders of children who are no longer with us, and hopefully, of children who recovered and have returned home after recovering. Everyone who wanted a ride got one, and quite a few children rode repeatedly until a strong thunderstorm called an end after three hours of fun. Our ears were treated to giggles and squeals, plus plenty of loud screams of delight. One charming young lady from Saudi Arabia told us that she loves to scream--she was telling the truth, and she does it VERY well! Screams of delight like hers are always music to our ears. We also met children and their families from all over the US and from Argentina, Honduras and numerous other countries. Watching them play together was pure delight, and we were also struck by how they all took care of each other. Braver children offered to ride with the more timid, and all of them provided encouragement to each of the others. We can learn life lessons from these children, because they truly treat each other as family, are patient and kind and look after each other. Their courage and bravery are utterly inspiring.
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