(Video Above: Curtis Saucier shares his story with Alabama Bright Lights by the Alabama NewsCenter)
At 12:21 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2015, Curtis Saucier woke up to his phone ringing. When he heard his daughter’s voice, he knew it wasn’t good. She told him that her 8-year-old daughter, Madison, was not breathing. His two sons who worked as paramedics rushed to help, but the girl’s heart had given up.
Madison was born in Mobile eight years before with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. She was completely disabled, but brought the entire Saucier family together.
“We have 15 other grandchildren.” Saucier said. “They all knew she was our special one. All of our lives were changed through little Madison.”
Saucier became familiar with the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile when the family stayed there after the birth of Madison in 2007. He loved it and connected with the people and their sick babies at University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital next door.
“We got close to the people and started volunteering. God opened doors, and they brought us on as weekend managers. Later, I was hired full time as the maintenance manager.” Saucier said.
Saucier is not only the maintenance manager. He is the smiling and welcoming face for all the parents staying at the gracious home. The Facebook page is full of comments about how much Saucier’s disposition eases the pain for the parents. To Saucier, he was put on Earth to work at Mobile’s Ronald McDonald House.
“I am helping people. Our eyes were opened to hurting people because we were hurting with Madison,” Saucier said. “I am not an educated man. What I have God has given me. I feel people, I can feel their hurt. I don’t know how to explain it, some people understand, some don’t.”
Saucier took a pay cut from his welding shop job to work at the Ronald McDonald House, but he considers it a blessing.
“People love on me. Some come back with money, I put in an envelope. And when I see a family down on their luck, I give it to them.” Saucier said.
Alabama Power volunteers visit often and help prepare meals at the house.
“The Saturday that Madison passed, Stacy Simmons, who works at the Alabama Power Barry Steam Plant, came to our house and loved on us. I never expected to see her. She was a blessing,” Saucier said.
Saucier is the perfect example of someone who does not hold on to the love he receives, but turns around and sends it right back out.
Maybe God gives special people to special kids.
Alabama Bright Lights captures the stories, through words, pictures and video, of some of our state’s brightest lights who are working to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and play. Award-winning photojournalist Karim Shamsi-Basha tells their inspiring stories. Email him comments, as well as suggestions on people to profile, at karimshamsibasha@gmail.com.
