Happy Halloween from all of us at RMHC!

I’ll admit it. I read the obituaries. I like the obituaries. I’m fascinated by life stories and appreciate the kindly ways families remember their loved ones.

Last week, one stopped me. The photo was outdated, but I recognized the woman. She worked at our East House when I arrived in 1999. Her death caught me by surprise for two reasons. First, because she was only a few years older than me; second, because her passing leaves just six living members of the eight-person staff I inherited 13 years ago.

Many writers allude to a “circle of life.” I prefer the image of a spiral, proposed by French theologian, Pierre Tielhard de Chardin.  In that context, life’s seasons and passages—rather than closing loops—gently draw us toward the divine.

While marked in part by loss, last week was also colored by a brighter passage. One of our past guests—a patient less than two years ago—returned to begin training as a volunteer. Despite enduring several months of treatment thousands of miles from home, Kelly loved Portland and decided to apply for college here. Now a freshman at the University of Portland, she’ll spend 300 hours helping out at the East House as part of the AmeriCorps service program.

Two different people, two distinct passages—totally unrelated save for their intersection here. That intersection—where my path crossed both of theirs—vividly reinforces the wondrous and fleeting nature of life.  Likewise, it magnifies my gratitude for everyone I encounter in this special place—with whom I have the privilege, however briefly, of spiraling toward the divine.

Tom Soma, Executive Director

Students from the Physician’s Assistant’s program at OHSU visited the West House with family and friends to decorate the house for Halloween with pumpkins that they had hand painted with all sorts of designs and funny faces. You’ll see their pumpkins lining the front walk way to the house!

Ronald McDonald House Charities thanked Tanner Society members during a special event at Nike headquarters on October 18. Guests took tours of the Nike campus, and enjoyed dinner with special presentations from leading figures at Nike, including legendary designer Tinker Hatfield. The Tanner Society recognizes and inspires donors who make annual unrestricted gifts of at least $2,500 to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Thank you to everyone who took part!

A curved row of maple trees lines the west side of our East House. Based on this catalog description, I think they’re called “Red Sunsets”:

The Red Sunset is one of the most unique red maple trees you’ll find. It’s not a typical “red maple.” Instead of displaying only red fall foliage, you also get a unique shade of crimson orange. In fact, that’s why they call it the “Red Sunset” maple. You get a beautiful mix of red, orange—even yellow.

This time of year, the trees are spectacular—so bright they seem to glow. While visible to guests in all eight rooms of our “Nelson Wing,” the trees are especially vibrant from 227, where they’re framed by a pumpkin orange alcove—making them feel part of the room.

Such lovely views are one of many consolations families enjoy here. Interestingly, more than a third of our guests are repeat visitors—their returns necessitated by conditions that require extended treatment (sometimes over years).  So we try to offer variety. Unlike the accommodations at many Ronald McDonald Houses around the world, each of our rooms is unique. Thus, as a family’s hospital trips become increasingly monotonous, they can count on a different experience each time they visit—unless they’re assigned the same room twice (which rarely happens).

For the next few weeks, the best room in either House is 227 East. And while leaving as soon as possible is every family’s goal, staying in 227 for a few days isn’t so bad—especially when the child’s recovery is progressing steadily and a departure imminent.

Being partial to Autumn, I wouldn’t mind that Red Sunset glow in every one of our rooms, every day of the year. Then again, perhaps the pleasure is more special because it’s fleeting. In any case, for guests looking out their windows, Mother Nature offers many other pleasant views throughout the year. Likewise, we continue trying to ensure the most comfortable experience inside. You can see that by the way we glow…

Tom Soma, Executive Director

The October Newsletter went out today, with all the latest information and updates from Ronald McDonald House Charities. Click here to read the newsletter online.

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Ronald McDonald House volunteers from the East House got a special inside look at the Kartini Clinic yesterday as part of a continuing education tour intended to broaden their knowledge of the special treatment families receive at the North Portland clinic. Kartini offers renowned programs to treat a variety of food-related disorders. The Clinic receives patients from across the country, who go through an extended treatment schedule that frequently involves Kartini families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Learning about the Kartini program allows our volunteers to provide more sensitive support to families receiving treatment at the clinic. Thank you to  everyone at Kartini for welcoming RMHC’s volunteers!

The ornaments of a house, wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson, are the friends who frequent it. Last week, I found the decor especially striking.

One day, I watched a man stare meditatively out a window, while another—just 15 feet away—intently typed messages on his cell phone—each totally unaware of the other’s (or my) presence… Later, I was greeted gaily by an eleven-year-old girl (here nearly three months), who was bounding down the hallway in conspicuously un-matched socks… And I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of four clearly unrelated children, all under the age of three, romping about the kitchen—one toting helium-filled balloons, two others chasing eagerly behind, and the fourth alternating between the impromptu parade and a pile of dry cereal at a nearby table…

These three guest vignettes contrasted with three others involving volunteers. On Tuesday morning, I was surprised by our regular Friday morning volunteer; she was covering the reception desk for a vacationing staff member while simultaneously orienting a new volunteer… That afternoon, I enjoyed listening to the board’s 10-member executive committee (squeezed around four library tables with five senior staff) passionately discussing a statement of values we’ve been crafting for six months… And the next afternoon, I was invited to “judge” a 20-member team of McDonald’s restaurant managers, who had broken themselves into two competing groups to prepare the House for Halloween…

The last group was actually decorating—which I found ironic, since I—thanks to Emerson—was seeing them as the decorations! By the time they finished, the place sure looked festive.

But even when the Houses are adorned in their cheeriest seasonal attire, I’m most captivated by our “human ornaments.” The best thing about people here—whether first-time guests or long-time volunteers—is that they’re different every day. Even familiar faces take on new features as circumstances change. That’s especially true of the parents, whose expressions are a constant barometer of their children’s healing progress.

If Emerson was right, we’re pretty lucky. Our Houses are ever adorned by wonderful friends. And that makes them nice places to visit—whether you enter by necessity or choice…

Tom Soma, Executive Director

Surfer Shawn Paulson and Rip Curl invite you to the Portland premiere screening of the surf film Float, with proceeds benefting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Reserve your spot now:

Text Surf to 27299
Call 503-221-1226
Email surf@shawnpaulson.com
Visit www.shawnpaulson.com

$15 entry includes two raffle tickets

Friday, November 11, 6 pm
The Ardea
3720 SW Bond AVE
Portland, OR 97239

Thank you to the McDonald’s staff from Greentree Enterprises, who visited the East House Wednesday, and decorated the lobby and the living room for Halloween. The house is ready for trick or treating!