I realized when I was answering e-mails today that it borders on the bizarre when I write: "Erin has had a pretty good day and is eating a little soup right now. It's a pitifully small amount but better than nothing." I'd rather report that she was scarfing down ribeye like a tiger cub, but she's not. Some days she doesn't eat anything.
I look at Erin and see a weak child, but I don't really compare her mentally to the strapping fireball that was running around here just weeks ago. We are really in the moment. We finished The Amber Spyglass yesterday and started The Last Treasure first thing this morning. She is watching America's Funniest Video right now, which explains why I'm at the computer (1. I don't get much out of AFV; and 2. Erin does so my tether to her is a bit longer for the moment.). We spotted a hawk feeding in the field across the road from the house yesterday and watched her for over a minute with the binoculars.
Here's a photo from last Thursday:
Here are a couple of images from the weekend that I grabbed off my niece's facebook (I guess that's why they are small). Please don't notice that Erin is wearing the same shirt. George and Carmella sent it to her from Oxford, and she refused to take it off for days and days. The second shot is what we see from our back porch every evening.
Anyway, we appreciate the waves of comments and e-mails that have flowed in. We may not respond immediately (though I promise we read and re-read them all hungrily). Thank you.
oh good, i'm glad that y'all don't mind that i pop in many times a day to check on you. it's the same mantra over and over - y'all are in my prayers. and even more - i so LOVE that erin is a kid who sits and watches rachel maddow. i tend to stay away from political shows - because i don't need any fuel for my own political fire, but with y'alls - well, vickie and erin's - recommendation, i may just have to watch her show. i've heard good things.
ReplyDeletehere's to continuing to be kind to yourselves and knowing that you really are surrounded by lots of love, caring, and prayers.
The Community of Hope, which has chapters all over, is praying for Erin and all of you, along with the Prayer Circle at St. Francis.
ReplyDeletePlease tell Erin how much we'll miss her at TSHA this week.
Mary Lenn
Vickie,
ReplyDeleteI check in to your blog everyday to see how Erin is doing. We are thinking positive thoughts and prayers all day and all night for you all (and I demanded my family and friends do the same!)
Tamiko
We love you Erin!! Hannah says hi and
ReplyDeletewishes she could write and
illustrate stories of peril with you!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You continue to be a inspiration to us.
ReplyDeleteTell Erin that they are missing her at Jane Long.
Lots of love,
Anja, Walter, Sandy, Tommy
Thinking of you. Glad to read that Erin is ripping through books. Sending strength and love.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Margot and TeamSam
Just read about your beautiful daughter and her struggles (we are friends of Sam in San Diego). Just want to let you know that we're praying for your daughter, all the way from Sweden.
ReplyDeleteAll our love,
Victoria
As alwyas, sending gentle hugs and praying for you guys. I'm also sending more picture for our Erin Project entry :)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kimberly Reeves
and special hi's and hugs from the girls!
So nice to see your pictures!!! Prayers and Prayers for you!!
ReplyDeleteLurker here!
ReplyDeleteI was flying out of Austin yesterday and the woman handling my bags had what i think was an erin lanyard. I didnt ask, but her name tag read "diana w."... works for continental. possible?
Anyway, I check in often and hope erin has a great day today full of food and good books!
I am thinking of you all and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope Erin has a good day today. She is a true hero. Her strength is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI've been virtually checking in on you every day, and wanted to let you know that Sean and I are thinking of all of you here in London. My mom said she made lanyards with Erin yesterday - if only I was in Texas, I'd be there too!
ReplyDeleteIf you're still looking for funny movies, one of my all-time favorites is Elf. As a bonus, it's not only hilarious but also has a great message. Sure it's a Christmas movie, but no reason you can't watch it in March.
Sending you strength, hope and love,
Sarah
Tell Erin that Scarlet and Maddie say hello.
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking about all the Buengers!
Carla
Sending love from up north. Erin's smile is as bright as ever!! She is a beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteWe love and miss you Erin! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how we can help, and may God give you strength and peace.
ReplyDeleteErin, your smile is beautiful, even when you're feeling low. Mike and I check in on you daily, when soccer season starts he's going to try to get a goal in the first game, just for you. I know your lanyard orders are sky-high, but if you find yourself with a surplus at some point, I'll happily buy some for my artisan gallery. Sending prayers your way - the Milanos
ReplyDeleteErin - we're all thinking of you and praying for the very best!
ReplyDeleteGig 'em!
-Coach G and the Aggies
Praying for more strength for all of you! Love, Missy
ReplyDeleteLove Erin's smile - I imagine it lights up a room! Continuing to think about you all and pray for strength. I always loved when my kids, Anthony and Carlie, watched AFV together - their laugh was so loud and continuous it just put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Charon Edgington
It sounds like all the books are so cool and interesting!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love, hugs, and prayers!
Mrs. Lilie, Colton, and Weston
Vickie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that Erin is feeling so low right now. I am glad to hear she is managing to have some fun. Perspective is a funny thing. Our yardstick we use to measure a good day for our child can vary quite a bit. I remember thinking similar thoughts we Nathan when trying to answer how is was doing.
I hope things start swinging in a better direction soon.
p.s. you are the LAST mom I was thinking of when I wrote my post about being in-patient. You and Erin have such a good attitude about going inpatient - better than I ever did.
Well I am always happy to see such a beautiful smile. We are friends of the DeAtley's have been and are still praying for all of you guys! We get updates from your cheerleader D'Anna and look forward to hearing good news about your family and what all you have been up to. We are praying for you!
ReplyDeleteDawn Tye, & Milo Bratton from Athens, Texas
Erin,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful view from your back porch...you know God says that He reveals Himself to man through His Word and through His creation...when I saw the picture of your backyard, I thought of how comforting it would be to sit on your back porch and know that God, the creator of our universe, wants you to see Him through what He made for you...my Erin prayed so sweetly for you...we know our precious Savior hears...
We love you,
Sarah
What a gorgeous view you have at the end of every day! Certainly not anything we're used to seeing in Houston. Also love the AFV. John used to love watching those from the hospital, and I can just picture Erin laughing and chuckling with her beautiful smile. Erin is always in our prayers. Keep on reading and beading!
ReplyDeleteSarah Thweatt
The pictures of Erin are just precious! Thanks for posting them.
ReplyDeleteLots of Love,
Lots of Prayers!
Lara and fam
Erin and all, I just got back from TSHA where you were all mightily missed. At the Presidential Banquet, which was an East Texas Supper, we had pot roast, potatoes, collards, black-eyed peas and peach cobbler. Mike Campbell, that Virginian, told me I had better tell them what they were eating, so I did. They all laughed. They know about collards and black-eyed peas. The main reason for this writing, though, is to congratulate you, Erin, on having a wonderful book dedicated to you. I bought The Seventh Star of the Confederacy: Texas during the Civil War, edited by Kenneth W. Howell. I opened it to start reading and saw in big print "To Erin Buenger, who is an inspiration to those who know her." How cool is that?
ReplyDeleteWe are all thinking of you constantly. Love to you all,
Fran