I Did It...And I Am So Grateful For It!

Last week, I spoke at a dinner benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana. I had less than a week to prepare my speech and was scared to death to do it! My main assignment was to share Ellie's story and our experience with Riley Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. Secondly, I spoke about the "Share A Night" program and attempted to get others to fund the cost of a room for a week, month or year at the Ronald McDonald House in Indianapolis.

First and foremost, I can't believe that it has been 4 years since our angel passed away. I struggled trying to find the right words to share. After all, we cannot tell our child's story in less than 15 minutes right?!? Of course, Jeff was out of town and in Dallas on business the week of the event. He would have been right up there with me if he was in town. So I asked my dad to go with me in his place. I was so excited to take my dad and knew that he would be touched to get to experience something like this. However, I had boundaries...and knew to not look over at him during my speech b/c he would be emotional. Yep...he was emotional! I was SUPER nervous before I was introduced and ended up in the bathroom twice beforehand. I freaked out even more when I realized that the bathroom had speakers in them too and the whole facility would be able to hear me speak...YIKES! I barely ate my dinner b/c I was speaking in the middle of it and was afraid that I would get stomach cramps or something. Then, just when I thought I was good to go...I looked to my left only to realize that there was a whole other room full of tables and guests on top of the one I was sitting in. Seriously...I thought for sure I was doomed. But, then I took a minute and softly spoke to my Ellie. I asked her to be with her Momma and give her strength to get me through this speech. I wanted so deeply to get our story out and help others by doing this. I remember my legs shaking like crazy behind the podium at first. After a little joke in the beginning and a few laughs from the crowd...I settled down. About 3 minutes into my speech I felt so at ease, calm, comfortable and 100% sure that my Ellie was with me. I even added words and stories into my speech that weren't on my paper when I walked up. I smiled, laughed and about cried when I looked at dad! He had his head down and his lip was quivering. He even snapped the pictures above of me at the podium..thanks Dad!

But, in the end...I DID IT! I was so glad that I committed to do this. I knew that if I had not, I would have regretted that decision for the rest of my life. I hope that I inspired others to give! If not, that is okay because economic times are hard. What I desperately hope that I did though was encourage others around me to not take life for granted and always give back to those who gave to you. That is the most important lesson, in my mind, to learn in life! Thank God for the Ronald McDonald House for all that they gave to us in our time of need. Jeff and I will be forever grateful and continue to give back for as long as we both live!