Inside the Houses is a monthly online feature written by RMHC staff – sharing special moments from the Ronald McDonald House. Rylee O’Brien, Events Manager, contributes this month’s column.
“Why do they keep hugging you?” whispered my sister-in-law Amy. It was the beginning of February, I had brought her as my plus-one to an overnight experience at Spirit Mountain for local event planners, and I had just received, at least, my fifth hug of the night. “It comes with the job” I responded.
Six months earlier, when I began my position as Events Manager, I began to see for myself the emotional impact just saying the words Ronald McDonald House Charities had on groups of people. It didn’t matter if I was giving a presentation to the employees of a local business, or socializing with friends, there is almost always someone in the crowd who has been affected by RMHC and there is almost always someone who wants to thank me, for the work I do, with a hug.
We see a lot of hugs around our Houses: Among family members, volunteers, staff, and everyone else in between. Such a wonderfully simple gesture that can replace, those sometimes hard to express, words of gratitude, comfort and support.
“Why do they keep hugging you?” Because I am lucky enough work for an amazing organization like RMHC . . . and because I love a good hug.