“This is Ryan House”

By Nurse Jo

The past two days have been rather busy here at Ryan House.  Four of the “cabins” have children here for respite stays.  The fifth one is occupied by “R”, an 11-year-old girl with cancer who is here for end of life care.  All three family suites have been occupied as well.

There have been many visitors today – family and friends as well as a doctor from PCH have come to say good-bye to the young girl.  I was told that a volunteer, who is also a chef, had offered to cook for everyone and would arrive around noon.

As the staff went about the day giving baths, doing feeds, administering meds and breathing treatments, the smells from the kitchen began wafting through the house.  There were children everywhere.  Some were outside on the playground, respite kids playing ball with siblings and cousins of “R” with family and staff in the mix.

Toys were scattered in the great room and a Wii soccer game was in play.  There were little ones in the music room and older kids in the computer room.  Others were in the art room making bracelets and posters.  The sensory room, which is across from R’s room, was visited often by children and adults alike as a place to just be.

Soon it was time to feed everyone. I entered the kitchen, amazed and awed by the sight before me.  The tables were beautifully set.  There were platters of chicken and tamales, tortillas, rice and beans, bowls of salsa, soup and salad.  Folks began to gather.  With our backs to the stove, the volunteer and I stood there gazing in amazement at the scene unfolding before us.

The soft laughter of adults and the delighted shrieks from the children filled the air.  Amidst a hum of conversation and the partaking of food, tears were shared, an arm surrounded a shoulder, a hand caressed another hand, prayers and blessings were offered.

A wave of gratitude washed over me and I wished that those who envisioned Ryan House could witness this day.  As I turned to the volunteer, I saw that her face was aglow and there were tears in her eyes.  Through my own tears, I said to her quietly, “This is the best of Ryan House.”