Caleb's First Christmas

Five days before Christmas, I went into labor, seven and a half weeks early. Caleb William, our third child, was born via emergency C-section weighing 4 pounds, 1 ounce. Six hours after entering into this world on a cold snowy night, he was transported to Maine Medical Center from our small town of Norridgewock. My husband Andy and I worried about where we would stay, soon we learned of the Ronald McDonald House and our worries went away. Our entire family was able to stay at RMH, while Caleb received care just a few blocks away.

Before we knew it, the Christmas holiday was upon us and while Caleb’s spent his first holiday in the hospital, the rest of the family awoke to wonderful smells and gifts for the children. We didn’t have time to go out and buy gifts for our family, but to our surprise the Ronald McDonald had thought of everything. “Santa’s Workshop”, a room where families can “shop” provided the entire family with something special on Christmas morning. I was apprehensive about spending Christmas away from the only home my two children had known, but my worries were put to rest easily as I watched them experience this new adventure. Christmas was everywhere we turned in the House; the spirit of giving was in the air. 

We spent three weeks at the House before Caleb was transferred to a hospital closer to home. We were glad to be going home but sad to be leaving the wonderful people at the House.  After only three weeks, we returned to RMH because Caleb had a respiratory infection. We knew after the first night, we wanted to do everything we could to support the Ronald McDonald House.  Almost a year after Caleb was born; we managed our first weekend at the House. As a family we wanted to give the support that was given to us. We knew we would sign up to cover weekends as often as possible. After three years, we now cover a weekend once a month. Caleb, now four, is filled with joy every time we tell him we are going to the Ronald McDonald House to volunteer. He is beginning to understand his story and the significance of the House. He tells his friends and family members about what he does and how he helps make beds. It does our heart good to see our children involved in something so wonderful.  The House isn’t just a benefit for families, it is a necessity. We will always do what we can to pay it forward, give back, and extend a hand.

Thank you RMH, for giving my family the opportunity to be a part of that LOVE that this House is built on.

                               - The Chase Family