Page 85 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING J.T. & MARGARET

T ALKINGT ON

Making a

House a

Home

BY COURTNEY RODRIGUEZ

“Keeping Families Close” is an essential value of our
organization. It is our experience that children heal faster
with their loved ones close by. Nobody ever expects tragedy
to occur, but it happens every day. Families find themselves
dealing with unimaginable situations, as their child receives
treatment in local hospitals or rehab centers.
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the
Southwest is “To create, find and support programs that
directly improve the health and well-being of children and
their families”. We serve over 450 families each year at the
Ronald McDonald House. They may stay as long as it takes
their child to heal, which is a tremendous comfort.
The J.T. and Margaret Talkington Foundation have been such
wonderful and loyal friends to the many families that are
served by the programs of Ronald McDonald House Charities
of the Southwest. Most recently, our organization received a
very generous grant from the J.T. and Margaret Talkington
Foundation to construct our Hopeful Healing Hearts Garden.
The Garden is a peaceful area that inspires hope and offers
something for everyone, no matter where they are on their
journey. Throughout the garden, you will see sculptures of
wondrous animals that inspire hope and encouragement.
The animal characters from Dr. Michael P. Hardin’s Jungle
of Grief: A Spirit of Hope help children and adults begin the and inspiration for those seeking understanding and balance
conversations that are sometimes difficult to discuss. This during vulnerable times. The room is used by individuals,
beautiful space is available for mindful reflection to former families and support groups, as a means of connection and
and current families. Family members of all ages can collect healing.
their thoughts and spend a few minutes recovering from the The Family Courtyard is a beautifully designed space that is
stress of having a seriously ill or injured child. intended to resemble a backyard. It is a place where families
The most special part of the Hopeful Healing Hearts Garden is can gather for fun and fellowship. Strength in numbers often
the River of Peace. It is a memorial feature located in a private gives families who are struggling with the stress of having a
corner of the garden. Families may choose to etch their child’s seriously ill or injured child the support they need to carry on.
name on a river rock and have it placed in the River of Peace These additions to the Ronald McDonald House have helped
as a way to honor the child who has passed. The family is also make our house a home. Ronald McDonald House Charities
given a replica rock to keep as their own and are encouraged of the Southwest takes pride in providing families with care
to visit the River of Peace at any time in remembrance of their and comfort when they need it the most. It is important to us
child. that families who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House
The generosity of the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Foundation have access to all the same comforts of their own home. The
also allowed Ronald McDonald House Charities to construct Family Courtyard has become a space where families turn to
the Reflection Room and Family Courtyard. relax, BBQ, and gather as they would in their own backyards.
The Reflection Room is a tranquil and quiet space, located The Hopeful Healing Hearts Garden and Reflection Room will
forever have an impact on the families who stay at the Ronald
inside the Ronald McDonald House, that offers comfort, hope McDonald House.

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