30 Nov A Home for the Holidays ❤️

Just a quick trip into the city. That’s what my husband Justin and I were thinking when we left our Campbellsville home on the morning of December 2, 2016. A quick trip for a follow-up visit with my doctor, then we would go to dinner and do some Christmas shopping. Little did we know, that quick trip would last 127 days.

At 23 weeks and 5 days pregnant, I was diagnosed with early-onset severe pre-eclampsia. Four days later, I had an emergency C-section. I woke from surgery with only one question: what about my son? Before I could speak, Justin pulled out his phone to show me a picture of Jon Luke. We were both alive.

Jon Luke was a strong boy, but he had many challenges in front of him. After the hospital discharged me, I knew leaving Jon Luke alone in Louisville was not going to be an option for us. That’s when we turned to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK). During our son’s 120 day NICU journey, RMHCK acted as a “home-away-from-home” for us in so many ways.

We arrived at Ronald McDonald House and immediately felt comfort and relief. The House was decorated throughout for the holidays, and the smell of fresh baked goods greeted us around every corner. While we were unable to be home for the holidays, our families came and celebrated with us at the House. We were able to have a wonderful dinner, open presents, and create memories together.

Ronald McDonald House is more than just a house, it was our home for the holidays.

They gave us the gift of togetherness and happy memories that will last a lifetime.

Sincerely,
Ashley Watson
RMHCK Family