As has been mentioned numerous times in recent days, today represents the 1 year anniversary of Peter’s orginal diagnosis. I can remember Erika’s trembling voice on my cell phone telling me they saw “something” and we had to get to the University of Minnesota right away. That night was the first time Erika and I were told Peter “likely has cancer”. Up until last Wednesday, August 17, 2006 was far and away the worst night of both our lives. You are all very much aware of what the last year has been like for all of us. We have experienced every emotion know to man, sometimes over weeks and months, sometimes over minutes and hours. Erika and I have often spoke about “what does this all mean, or what have we learned during the last year”?
I am not sure if these questions will every fully be answered, and I am not sure I am proficient(big word huh Holmsey) enough on the computer to even attempt answers. However, during the past year there are some things that we definately know the answers to.
One, we are certain that we have the most incredible support system in the world. Our family, friends, co-workers, the hockey community, fellow cancer families, and total strangers have been there for us from day one. We have said this many times and we mean it from the bottom of our hearts, “THANK YOU.” We will never be able to repay you, nor will you ever fully realize how HUGE of a role you all played in helping us get to today.
Two, the power of prayer is greater than we ever imagined. Erika and I would not have been able to survive without all of the prayers we have recieved from you all during the past year. The prayers you have given to God on our families behalf are the greatest gift of all. I know that Peter would not be where he is today without all of the prayers he has gotten over the past year. Please, keep them coming God is listening!
Three, Peter has been afforded unbelievable healthcare. The Doctors and Nurses etc. who have been involved with Peter have been nothing short of remarkable. From the early detection at Brainerd Medical Center. To the months of treatment at the University of Minnesota and the current care he has gotten at Memorial Sloan Kettering and New York Presbyterian Hospitals. All of the Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, Child Family Life Specialists and countless others have all given of themselves to help Peter.
Finally, this website. It is just as important to us as it is to you. We draw strength from it and would be lost without it. As you all already know, “Uncle Matt is a SAINT” Everyone who has come in contact with this site is a better person for reading it.
My intention was not to make this too terribly long, so I will end by saying that Erika and I consider ourselves the luckiest parents in the world. We have 3 wonderful gifts in Peter, Ellie and Kate. We have wonderful families and incredible friends. We know that we have seen numerous times over the past year where we have seen others in a similar situation who were not as fortunate as we are. They may be a single parent, they may be a child who rarely has visitors, or perhaps a family who has no insurance. Or a patient who’s treatment has not gone according to plan. There have been countless times we have walked silently down the halls of a hospital and held hands knowing how truly blessed we are.
Please have a great weekend and God Bless all of you,
Erika and Ty
Ty and Erika, Peter, Ellie and Kate…what a journey you’ve been on, one you doubtless could have guessed at. Your willingness to accept the love and support of so many, family, strangers, friends, is a gift to all of us. Even though it’s tempting to believe I know what’s best, like for instance having a magic wand to spare you, Peter and your family the pain of this last year, it’s clear that you, all of you, have a strength, beauty and vulnerability that is clearly inspiring. Thank you. By the way, Peter, keep soaking up all the love and prayers coming your way. It seems there’s a ton of it , enought for you and your whole family. I’m looking forward to meeting you. Oh, and showing you a great photo of your Great-Grampa Art when he was a few years older than you, all spiffy. I think you’ll like it.
Keep fighting Peter- miracles happen everyday! You really do have an amazing family-as well as an amazing child should!
We look forward to more good news as the weeks pass!
Two old friends from BG want to say that we think of you and pray for you constantly.
Peter – you and your familiy are an inspiration to us all….
XO,
Bonesy and Tiggy Hall
P.S. Thank you for this website…we check it everyday:)
Oh how the Eigner’s have touched our lives!!!
We are with you to the finish line. Hoping that is soon, and this will be a history journal.
We love you all – keep all the news coming.
Thanks for sharing an update about the girls Grandma Barb. I had two little girls of my own and am happy they have a Grandma like you~~
Peace and Love and Healing to you ALL in New York.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
– Jackie Robinson
Peter, you give this quote new meaning.
Ty and Erika, thank you for sharing Peter’s journey with us. The sacrifices you’ve made in the past year have touched so many lives. It is an honor to know you. May you always feel loved.
Kevin, Sara, Marley, Ty & Kaia
Ty & Erika,
A happy anniversary it is! I simply have to reiterate what Sara wrote in her last two posts. She always seems to be able to write what is in my heart, and obviously hers. Unfortunately, only one of us got the superb writing genes! You are a wonderful family and it has truly been an honor to follow your journey. You have impacted our lives forever, and for that, we thank you.
Peter,
Jake and Callie will be racing tomorrow in the MiracleKids Triathlon in honor of you. It would be so cool if you could do that triathlon some day, and prove to other cancer kids that “Yes, miracles do happen!”
May God bless you all,
Amy, Rich, Jake, Callie & Kira
Your family is heroic to us. You teach us every day how to count our blessings, how to demonstrate faith, and how to live and love in the moment. We are humbled by participating in your journey from afar.
Thank you for your generous spirits. Continued strength to all of you.
Thanks for reflecting back on the last year with us. It really is quite a vivid memory – I can totally hear Erika’s trembling voice as she managed to tell me “Jenni, Peter has cancer.” What a total blow. I remember thinking, “Don’t joke around with me like this….” It just didn’t seem possible – it couldn’t be.
The answers to the big “Why??” question may never really be found. But, yes – there is alot that has been answered. Peter does have a tremendous support system, the power of prayer is magnificent, Peter is very lucky to have the superb healthcare that he does —- and, oh my, what would we do without this website! 🙂
I can only assume that at this point Peter is continuing with his baby steps forward. We pray that he is feeling as good as he can – and we pray that tomorrow brings more happy news as he starts “year 2” of healing and recovery.
With much love~
Jenni, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker
Eigner/Hanson Clan,
You are all truly remarkable and have shown such strength through all of this. What an inspiration it is to witness! Like always we send our love and thoughts your way.
Amy, Robert and Emerson Gordon
WE BELIEVE. OUR PRAYERS OUR WITH YOU. KEEP FIGHTING.
LOTS OF LOVE ,BMC PEDIATRICS.
Pete man, i have been thinking and praying for you. I am taking good care of Barron, he enjoys playing with my dogs. Keep fighting Pete, i will see you when you get home!
Erika and Ty –
You two have already started to show in many ways how to show your “thanks”. My husband I were witness to at least one….the Tousignant family needed prayers for their father, Donald in February. You both were there for them! This is the proof of you have shown your way to pay back.
I am so very proud to say that I was friends with Erika during middle school and high school. Ty, you married into the dearest family I know!
My brother (Eric), my mom (Mary), and myself check this website that Matt created multiple times a day. We are all proud of each and every one of you!
With all of our love!
Jennifer, Bill, Mary, Stu, and Eric
P.S. We would like an address to send a quick note or card to while you are in NY!?!?!? Please let us know!
Dear Ty, Peter, Erika, Eleanor and Katherine
Your words within today’s posting Ty are a genuine reflection of what is within your hearts and minds and very well said. Your message is; sensitive, real, tender, grateful, humble and frankly, overwhelmingly heartfelt. Each of you and those within your immediate and extended support framework are amazing, to say the least. Not a day goes by without our giving a lot of thought about this.
I am grateful to know you; even though I do not know you well. I am grateful for everything I have learned from each of you. Your journey has made me a better person. You each are in our hearts and in our thoughts all the time.
Thank you all for the “Heartprints”.
“Heartprints”
Whatever our hands touch –
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture
On doorknobs, dishes, books.
There’s no escape.
As we touch we leave our identity.
Wherever I go today
Help me leave heartprints!
Heartprints of compassion
Of understanding and love.
Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter
Or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.
Send me out today
To leave heartprints.
And if someone should say,
“I felt your touch,”
May they also sense the love
that is deep within my heart.
~ Unknown ~
As we head to the rink this morning, we will once again be greeted by”Keep Fighting, Pete”. Always in our hearts & prayers. “Keep fighting, Eigner family!!”
Love to you all,
Kyle, Eric & Renae
Love, respect, support and loyalty can never be demanded. All four are earned. Peter and his family have earned every bit of the love, respect, loyalty and support you have received. The prayer is a gift and it all seems to work. -ole gringo fm Amsterdam airport
Eigner’s,
The power of love and prayer truely is amazing. Our support will contiune until this particular journey in your life has ended and you and Peter are off to the next.
Take care and continue to reflect upon what has been accomplished in this past year, not many have such an incredible story to tell, and I think I speak for many people when I say that it has been an “HONOR” to have been a part of it.
Continue to gain strength from all that surrounds you,
Love from the Olsons
Lisa Ty Paige Drew & Hallsey