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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Reading, Beading, and Weeding

March 22, 2009

We made it to Washington-on-the-Brazos last Wednesday for perhaps the most perfect day of the spring. Erin fed the hogs and Jackson used old-fashioned tools to carve a wooden spoon. The oxen population had tripled since our last visit and now Erin is friends with Bud and Abe (the old guys), Skinny and Shorty (the four-year-olds), and Tex and Tippy (the babies). Thursday was even better. Jimmie Homburg brought the fused-glass jewelry making stuff out to the house since there was no School for Christian Living this Wednesday (spring break), and we caught Clayton Sue on her way back from Corpus to Fort Worth. The girls made jewelry and lanyards and because they can multi-task (something I can't do) also watched the DVD of The Spiderwick Chronicles.

Unfortunately things screeched to a halt on Friday. I think Erin must have some tumor progression on her skull (no, I can't actually see bumps or anything) but she has a very persistent headache and dizziness when she sits up. Being vertically challenged really limits what you can do. These days we spend most of our time reading out loud to Erin (she is an enthusiastic listener). We also had the great luxury of having Walter's sisters and nieces in, so it was an entire lanyardfest weekend. Erin appreciates people hanging out and chatting (and working. She is really a bit of a task master, approving designs and making sure everyone has something to do.). Walter and I have also gotten a little yard work done, especially outside Erin's window where she can appreciate the spring flowers and the many cardinals and other songbirds that congregate by the front yard feeder.

I wish there was something that each of you could do to help Erin feel better. If you are around and want to read, bead, or weed you can. Otherwise, prayers work wonders.

27 comments:

  1. I continue to keep her and all of you in my prayers. You write with such energy, honesty and a deep peace that I really admire. Wish I could be closer to Texas and make some necklaces with Erin. After two summers as a camp counselor at Mo, I'm pretty good with a lanyard, and I'm sure Erin is too!

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  2. How I wish Erik and I could do some of all three with you and Erin...

    Thinking of you all the time, praying fervently for better days ahead...

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  3. I'll be praying for the amazing Erin. Sending love and prayers from NY
    -Kim

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  4. Hey there...

    Usually a lurker, but decided to come out of the woodwork to wish Erin and your family the very best. Wish I could spend some time with Erin working on her projects, but alas, that would be hard to do from Schenectady, NY! Fighting with chemo myself...and I think Erin and I have about the same amount of hair now...

    If she needs a penpal, feel free to email me at navigatorjen@yahoo.com



    Sincerely,

    Jen

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  5. Erin-
    Sorry to hear that you are having some pretty tough days right now. I wish I could find some way to cheer you up and make you feel better. I would like to put in a request for an Erin original lanyard with all sorts bright colors esp pink if I may. Let me know what I need to do to get it from you all. Miss you all bunches and am here if you need me.

    Love
    Shari

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  6. Hey Buengers,
    Just wanted to let you know that all your friends at Branch send their good wishes and prayers.
    Praying,
    Ginger Freeze

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  7. your biggest fan in logan, ut sends her prayers and wishes that erin would feel better! i'd love to be there reading or beading (weeding isn't my thing, i'm not a gardener).

    here's something to help erin laugh:
    http://albertandelvis.blogspot.com/2009/03/privacy-is-vastly-underrated-in-this.html

    and here:
    http://www.theittybittykittycommittee.com/2009/03/getting-to-know-drew-getting-to-know.html

    and anything here:
    http://www.cuteoverload.com/

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  8. Sounds like Erin had a nice day at Washington-on-the Brazos. Praying for you all.

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  9. When the appetite is negative and chewing comes to seem a tedious chore, sometimes this works: a saltine cracker spread with a thin, thin layer (so thin you can see through it) of peanut butter on top. A bite of this nuttery cracker can dissolve easily in the mouth, and without a change of mouth temperature, or being too mushy, too tasty, or too textury the cracker can often slip by without stirring up the constant low-level nausea.

    I am praying for all of you, and hoping the tiny steps continue, however slowly, to round the corner. Every response you make to the slings and arrows is inspired and leaves me in wonder and awe.

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  10. Vickie,

    I think about Erin so often and am always glad to see one of your fabulously written updates, even when the news isn't always so fabulous.

    Erin is an inspiration to me and you are too.

    Becky
    caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

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  11. PRAYING and PRAYING...

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  12. Such an honor to spend time with y'all!! Thanks for letting us be present with you. Pretty sure I have only taken my beads off to shower! Wish I was still there!!

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  13. HI guys we are praying or your family. Erin is so loved and so charished she is such an inspiration to us. I would love to come bead for a little while just let me know when she is up to it. I will also bring Gina if she is up for it.
    Tracy

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  14. I would love to come read to Erin one evening, just tell me when! I will be there for as long as she would like to see me!

    Jennifer Steen

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  15. Erin,
    We miss you and your beautiful smile! Let us know if we can do anything!!

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  16. Hey Buengers,

    It just so happens that we have readers, beaders and weeders here at your disposal. We'll be in touch.

    Keep the faith.

    Patti

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  17. praying really hard for your amazing girl....

    rhonda dudley


    www.carepages.com

    sydneymarie

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  18. I am back from El Salvador. Ready to come over with pictures and stories. Always up for reading.

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  19. Wishing you the best from San Diego

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  20. Erin,

    My oldest little girl's name is Erin...she just turned 4. She's asleep already with her little sister, Brooke, who's soon to turn 3...but when they get up in the morning I'm going to ask them to pray for you...that you will feel comfort, peace, hope and joy...I tell my little girls that Jesus always walks with them, they just have to acknowledge that He's there...I pray that you will feel His BIG arms around you and know His deep, deep love for you.

    We've never met, we're just lurkers, but we love you.

    Goodnight,
    Sarah (Erin's mom)

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  21. I love you all! And, as always, HUGS to all Buengers....near and far.

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  22. Praying, praying, praying, and loving you guys very much!

    Kimberly Reeves

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  23. Your sister loves you very much! Hugs and kisses to all the Buengers, as well as your mother. Hope to see you this weekend.

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  24. Love you, love you, love you!

    the Sahms

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  25. hi erin and vickie!
    my office moved a few weeks ago and i just found out that we will now have ID badges. i suddenly have a need for a lanyard! my favorite color is turquoise... do you have any in inventory? the new office is at the very lower tip of manhattan, and if i contort myself i can see the statue of liberty from my window.
    thinking of you,
    mooki
    toby's mom

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  26. I read Erin's site daily - have for quite awhile. I am constantly amazed at your family's ability to keep Erin's life rich and interesting and always filled with positive forward motion. Having been down the path of an NB child some time ago, I pray daily for all of you. God's grace and peace be with you.

    H.Brees

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  27. Hi Erin and Vickie,

    You guys are always in my thoughts and prayers.

    No new news. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.

    Kristi

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