It's typical to ask where people are going for the holidays and what their plans are. Most people love to share their excitement in their holiday plans, while others are just trying to survive the holidays. Families struggle finding the joy while living in the NICU/hospital setting, living away from their home in the Ronald McDonald House, or managing their life in grief without their loved ones.
For some, the holidays are tough…..but together, we can help make them more manageable and maybe even happy for a moment or two.
Our life is forever changed with the amazing perspective our daughter has led us to see. Life is precious. Life is short. While we try to teach our children about life, they truly teach us what life is all about. We spent many days, some holidays, and special life moments in the NICU. What we came to learn was it didn't matter where we were or what we had, we just cared that we were together. We found our own way to celebrate to give our daughter the best of her very first, and only, experiences. Whether you are in good health or terminally ill, none of us know how much time we have left here on earth. We hope to pay it forward in Heather's honor, by sharing Christmas love every year in a new tradition called, "Heather's Gifts".
"Heather's Gifts"is a new Christmas tradition we wanted to create in Heather's honor to remember her, and to teach our future children about the need of special needs children and their families around the holiday time. We did not live in the NICU at Christmas time, but we know the longing for extra love and kindness during difficult times in life. "Heather's Gifts" is all about paying it forward. We decided to do one more NICU Christmas to celebrate where we were last year with Heather. We are excited to pay it forward, but we also know that this is something we particularly need this year in our first year without our girl.
We have been blessed by so many of you who want to give, serve, and help with this new and special tradition. We are humbled to say that the NICU Christmas is fully funded, but we wanted to offer other options to give and/or serve. Anything you do for a family in need is a blessing to them, so let your heart lead you to where you are most passionate.
We have come up with some ideas we plan for the future and also to share with all of you!
Ronald McDonald House:
http://www.rmhc.org/season-of-giving
The Ronald McDonald House helps families who are supporting sick children in hospitals. All RMH houses are located closely to many Children's Hospitals around the country. These houses are similar to hotel accommodations at a very low cost to take financial strains off families. Most rooms start at $20/night, but it still becomes costly when months are spent at these homes. In house kitchens are provided, but families are at the bed side of their children and find little time to care for themselves. Each year, the Ronald McDonald House serves nearly nine MILLION families a year, and is 100% volunteer based.
Many school, citywide, and church organizations participate in providing and serving meals to families during their stay at RMH. Thomas and I were very fortunate to receive many of these meals. If you feel led to serve, contact your local Ronald McDonald House to ask if you can prepare meals, or assist with any other needs they may have.
Children's Hospital:
Many of you know our passion for Children's Hospital Colorado! It's simply the best. The links I have set up are directly towards the Colorado Children's Hospital, but feel free to look into the Children's Hospital or other medical facility you are most passionate about.
There are many amazing ways to donate through gifts, financially, and even donating blood or platelets to these very special kids in need.
Wish Lists:
Wish lists are needed essentials in NICUs, PICUs, play rooms, and many other places throughout the hospital. These toys and activities are not just for play, but for therapy and joy as well. Due to infection control guidelines, used toys CANNOT be accepted. This is a fun thing to do with kids! Let them go shopping off the wish lists!
http://www.childrenscolorado.org/home/search-results?k=wish%20lists&category=all
Give directly to Children's Hospital:
Children's Hospitals are 100% donation based. Simply amazing! They can only do this with people who continue to give!
http://www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/site/c.jfILKSOBJsG/b.4489445/k.BE7B/Home.html
Give Platelets or Blood:
Some screech at the thought of this. It's ok, it's not for everyone. For those who don't get too queasy, please know that blood and platelets are ALWAYS needed. You really are saving a life!
http://www.childrenscolorado.org/donate-volunteer/give-blood
Needed Bereavement Services:
We have been blessed to walk beside many people struggling the loss of a child and see into their raw and wounded hearts. It's an awful journey to walk, but the most real and open hearted experience we have ever faced and seen. We are all in a tough place, but rest assured time makes life more manageable. If you continue to struggle your loss, please seek help. We have and continue to do so. Sometimes the best thing you can do to give, is to give and offer this professional bereavement counseling to yourself.
http://www.childrenscolorado.org/about/family-services/bereavement/resources
The best gifts I have ever received have not been tangible objects. They have been gifts of the heart. True sacrifice, putting others far above your needs, "Tiny Dancer", kind messages from strangers, and the best of all, the gift God gave us in Heather. A true miracle!
So, let's have fun with this! Find a way to incorporate your own version of "Heather's Gifts" into your life, into your children's lives, into your work place, and anywhere else God may lead you. Share your journey, share your experience, and share "Heather's Gifts" by hash-tagging your gift of service: #heathersgifts. Let's encourage others to give not out of pressure or obligation, not by showcasing your heart or "showing off", but by truly being moved by miracles and paying it forward. Let's make giving contagious again!
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