RMH

My journey begins with the birth of my quadruplets. Born at 25 weeks and 5 days, they were considered micro-preemies. They were tiny, fragile and weak and would need extensive intervention to stay alive. To ensure they received the best possible care, we had to leave our home in Angus, Ontario and travel to Toronto.

At birth, three of our babies were doing well and one was struggling. Watching helplessly as your child battles for their life is a pain that no parent should have to bear. The first week of being a mom to preemie quadruplets and their two and a half year old sibling, was overwhelming. I was not prepared for the unexpected complications that would arise.

I knew this journey would require strength and so my husband and I mustered up every last ounce of energy to fight for our children.

No matter how hard we fought, our precious daughter Alyssa passed away when she was only five days old. Listening to the only sounds she had ever known, my voice and my heartbeat, she passed in the arms of her mother’s loving embrace. Losing my daughter was the hardest day of my life.

I needed courage to get through the coming days.

After being discharged from the hospital later that week we were told our son required surgery. I thought the surgery was minor, however when we arrived at the hospital it was clear that this was not a simple procedure. The surgery went "well” however our son’s recovery required further intervention and a longer stay at the hospital than anticipated. I made arrangements to stay at a hotel down the street from the hospital, we had no where else to stay and I needed to be close to my children.

At this point, I was beyond exhausted. I was not sleeping, eating or taking care of myself. Every ounce of energy was consumed with taking care of my children. It was in this moment of pure exhaustion as I was leaving to check on my son, we got a call from RMH Toronto.
This phone call provided new Hope for my family.

Staying at the House our family found a place of peace amidst the most difficult time of our lives, a place to restore our weary bodies when we were exhausted and a place to call home when we were so far away from all that was familiar.

The House is a place filled with Heart. The support of staff, volunteers and other families meant so much to us.

Our family has so much love for RMH Toronto. Thank you for providing a “home away from home” for families like mine so that we could heal better together.

Glenda