My heart is literally bursting with gratitude! Tears flowing with thankfulness! I cannot begin to explain the emotions I am experiencing – but I am going to try.
Back story: In conjuction with my onsite volunteering at Ronald McDonald House I coordinated a “families helping families, wish list fundraiser”. This charity is so important to me because of the connection it has with Robby Rosmann and his family. Remember his name, it is important later in the story. Robby was only 10 when he lost his battle with non hodkins lymphoma. His family was provided services thru RMHC during his stay at Children’s Hospital. I am volunteering and coordinated this fundraiser in his memory.
SUCCESS! Last night I drove into Kenosha from my apartment in Mayville to pick up the donation boxes that had been collected through the Mahone Middle School Generosity Club. What a fitting name. Generous doesn’t even begin to describe what transpired through their efforts! Thru the commitment of their teacher and club advisor, the school faculty, the parents and the students, they filled 25+ boxes and raised $105 in cash donations! When I showed up yesterday in my 4 door sedan, it became immediately obvious that they weren’t all going to fit (brilliant conclusion right?) Invoke plan B.
The local rental company had no vans or trucks available for today so Marsha Rosmann and her husband Bob (YES Robby’s parents) loaned me their van to make the trip.
So, this morning I picked up the van and returned to Mahone. The students once again helped me stuff the van, stacking boxes 2-3 levels high in places, leaving just enough room for my co-pilot, my dog lacie. I drove up to Milwaukee and thankfully had called ahead so they knew to have volunteers ready to help unload.
As I drove up to the facility, I was overcome with emotion; I could feel Robby’s presence with me. How fitting that I was in his parent’s van, delivery hundreds of items in his memory, bringing it all full circle. I’m glad the rental service had no options, I think it was meant to be, I’m glad he was with me!
The story does not stop there. Tonight, I met with the grandma of one of the students (Jaelyn) and received 2 additional boxes! This 6th grader wanted to do something more. She and her grandma Kathy got permission to put collection boxes at the senior housing complex where Kathy lives. I admit, I panicked after seeing the 25+ so boxes at the school and although I wasn’t scheduled to pick up the senior boxes til next week, I picked up what they had tonight and will return as scheduled next Saturday for any additional donations.
Thank you Brenda for being so committed to the success. Thank you Mahone Middle School for your true generosity. Thank you Bob and Marshafor allowing me to share your story and for sharing Robby with me! He has had such an impact in my life and continues to touch others through his legacy!