I left my house at 6:00am this morning to head up to Brainerd to watch Peter, Ellie and Kate because Ty and Erika had a committment this afternoon. This is something I’ve done many times in the last four years but for the first time I was a little nervous. This would be the first time I would be alone with the kids since Peter was diagnosed. Well my nerves were calmed about 20 minutes after I arrived when Peter came downstairs from his bedroom and said “Boo” really loud – I turned to see him all dressed and a big smile on his face. I knew things would be OK when he said “Gramma Mary you’re going down in hockey today! As soon as I eat my breakfast, flush my central line and take my medicine I’m going to beat you BAD!!” And he did – not once, not twice but five times – outscoring me by at least 20 goals. And I’m sad to say I was trying. But I did win one game of Dino Dominos so I’m not a complete loser.
Peter and I watched the Twins game this afternoon while the girls napped. Watching the game with him is like watching a game with Ty. He knows all the players, their positions and the batting order. He noticed right away that Joe Mauer wasn’t catching and said “They must be resting him today so he doesn’t get sore knees.” He was disappointed with the lose but was more disappointed that he’d have to “break it” to Mom and Dad when they got home. He also said the Twins will win the next one.
Pete, Ellie, Kate and I had a great day. Ellie is Ellie! Full of smiles and mischief. And Kate is a crawling, jabbering nine month old that smiles all the time. I have a new appreciation for a four year old boy jumping from the coffee table to the couch, standing in the kitchen when a black olive stuck to his thumb and giving me the thumbs up sign, and slapping and old lady in the shines during a heated hockey game. The real appreciation of Peter came when Ty called to say it was time for him to swoosh some medicine in his mouth and when I told him that he said “Bring it on Gramma.”
My only scare of the day came when he excused himself to go to the bathroom and a few minutes later he was yelling my name. I rushed into the bathroom to find that Peter just wanted me to witness the product of his fine efforts on the toilet. {I will never understand the male fascination with Poop.} He also told me to be sure and “write this one down.”
Thanks to all of my family and friends, to Erika’s family and friends, to the Brainerd community, to the hockey world, to the doctors and nurses and to the strangers who have been so kind to all of us. If we all continue to pray God will listen and this time will be looked back on as a chance to grow closer and learn the true meaning of love, friendship and faith. Mary
I am so glad you had such a wonderful day with your 3 lively grandchildren and that Peter is having such good days too and handling his medicine routine and all so well.
Maybe you could attend a week or so of Minnesota Hockey Camp to get better brushed up on your hockey skills or even attend one of your brother Chucks hockey skills for tots classes to at least give Peter a challenge !!!!
You all are in our thoughts and prayers that Round 2 will go as well next week. Thanks for the update and news.
Lots of Love
Mary,
I think about Peter everyday. I check the website daily as well. I’m so glad to hear that things are going well. Sounds like you had a great day with them even though you got shut out by Peter. Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you and your family and all my prayers are going your way! Hang in there, say hi to Peter and tell him to keep up the good work.
Theresa Reyer
Dear Grandma Mary and All of the Eigner Clan-
You are lucky to have had the day all alone with Peter, Ellie and Kate!…. They are truly beautiful little souls… both inside and out. Because of their young age, we must believe that it is their remarkable family who has taught them the values that they have. I know how enjoyable my times is when I spend it with those adorable children – so I can only imagine what great fun you had yesterday! (and I must say, my time is coming….. we have a play date lined up at the Eigner’s on Saturday morning! WE ARE EXCITED!!!) Grandma Mary – those little ones are lucky to have you!
Peter- good job in the bathroom! Yes, you males do have a fascination with poop! Baden often times likes to have me take a look at the surprises he leaves in the toilet! Interesting….. 🙂
Hey, Pete – I thought maybe I would play a game of air hockey with you on Saturday, but I think I am a bit scared now. Sounds like you will whip my butt!
We pray that you continue to feel healthy and that your attitude and laughter remain infectious. You are a truly fascintaing young man, Peter……
See you Saturday! Be ready for some FUN… we have lots of treats!
Love- Jenni, Emily, Lily, Parker and Ryan
Hi Mary,
You are so fortunate to have such an amazing grandson. It sounds like you had your hands full with the 3 little ones but wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re so happy that Peter is doing well and being his active self. Our love to you all.
Mary,
Thanks for the gramma update. The tears started from the get go.
I thought this grand parent thing was supposed to be all fun and games. I don’t know if I could be as strong as it sounds like you all are.
It’s amazing what we can do when faced with such a challenge. It
sounds like Peter is one tough guy, and has his mind made up to
beat this “bad guy”. WOW, tears again!!!!!
Thinking and praying for you all.
Love,
Jan
Thanks, Mary, for the wonderful message!!! The Z’s
Hi Mary –
I can’t tell you how hard I laughed when I pictured Peter with an olive on his thumb giving you the “thumbs up”! tee hee – what a character. It sounds like he has a sparkling personality.
I can’t wait to meet up with you for dinner soon. Let us know.
My best to your family – Nancy
Hello again!
Good to hear “semi-normal” has returned!!
It’s been so great to hear how you all are doing!
Peter – the kids at St. Francis said a special
prayer for you to get better this morning at
Children’s Mass.
Take care, little buddy!
The Browns
Mary and the entire Eigner family,
We will continue praying for Peter and family. It sounds like thing are looking up for Peter. Tell Peter, Joe Mauer is our favorite baseball player also.
The Demesko
Pete-man,
Good to hear that you were able to take it to Grandma Mary in Hockey, and great to hear you’re kicking that path thing’s butt. Congrat’s on the big poop too, way to go. How many nurses down?
Love Uncle Troy
Thanks Mary for the grandma report….Through all of this it has been so amazing to have so much support for Peter. It does remind us what is important, and Peter has an additude that keeps us all strong.I loved hearing you kicked mary’s butt in hockey, and the poop, well no comment. I love you Pete…..keep fighting that path thing.
love Trent,Melissa,buzz,Cole,Quinn, and Van
From 1 Grandma to another – THANK YOU for the wonderful entry!! I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to deal with this situation!!! Peter – I told Jenni to give all 3 of you a big squeeze for me when she comes on Saturday, so you better remind her if she forgets. I know they are all very excited to come and visit and play with you for a while!! I am glad you have been feeling good, and we will be thinking of you BIG time when you go start Round #2!! Take care little sweetie.
Peg and Ron (Papa and Monga)
Pete:
I am @ Training Camp in Pittsburgh, Pete and the first thing that comes to mind is “Adults and management have a way of stripping young people of opportunity; if only by a rating system.” For some, you may get that “one chance” and you better be ready to make the most of it. For others, they can do no wrong. Right or wrong, the pros have less of a support system for their players than the amateurs. This comes at a time when the support system could be the most important thing in your life.
None of us can say we’ve done it by ourselves, no matter what we accomplish in our lives. Supports systems are crucial to our success; whether amateur or pro. We’ve been witness to over twenty-five (25) training camps during our professional career. Sometimes it is the high risk chance we don’t take that gets the attention of management, then there are the times it is the expression of our unique talents.
Every athlete has to take the approach, “If it can happen, I am going to make it happen.”
With your support system, you will make it happen, Pete!
Keep it going, Pete, and enjoy those speciial moments wth your precious Gramma!
Your friend,
ole gringo
Hey peter,
Thanks for the card, I really liked the stickers you put on it.
Carl
Hi Peter!
It sounds like you have the wind in your sails! Good job beating anybody who will face you in Hockey. You maybe could have gone a little easier on your Grandma but who knows? Those Grandmas can be sneaky. You never know. If you let your guard down, that is when they’ll slip one by you. Keep up your fight big guy. We’re so proud of you and saying oodles of prayers for you all! Hey good job on the poop. Baden is always amazed with it too. I think it’s because a little boy’s body is full of poop and miracles. Here’s to more poop and way more miracles.
Love,
The Bastians
I am so happy to hear that Peter is so lively and ready to beat this thing. I think you may have heard that we (60 people) here in Wisconsin participated in a walk benefiting Children’s Hospital of WI. Well, today was the day and it was an awesome day – sun shining, bands were playing and God was watching from above. I am proud to say that we as the ZACH ATTACH team raised $3195 and donated it in honor of Peter to the Hemetology and Oncology department.
We took a picture to send to you- I am not sure how to post it, even if it is possible, so I will send it to Uncle Matt. Since we could not get Pray for Peter on the shirts, so we put it on our balloon. Everyone at the walk- 15,000 people will be praying for you. Keep on rockin’
Love,
The Solomon’s
Hey Peter, I miss you, Ellie and Kate. I developed some pictures of the three of you. You are pretty darn cute kids. I especially like the picture of Ellie with one of your rain boots on and one of hers. Too bad I didn’t take pictures of you losing to me in the wrestling match????? I tricked you!!!
I am babysitting for your cousins Grace and Lily tonight. They sure are silly little girls.
Sleep tight and I’ll see you Monday.
Love Gramma Mary
Good morning, Eigner Family-
Peter- it sure was nice visiting with you yesterday! I can’t believe how handsome you look…. I think your “newest” hair-do is the coolest I’ve seen! You pull it off pretty good – I am not so sure that I would look half as cute as you do! Did you get a chance to use your new bath foam or your “Super-Hero Shiney Head” shampoo yet? How about racing your Spiderman 4-wheeler?
Emily and Lily enjoyed playing air-hockey with you … and Emily likes your “traffic jam” game. She has been working on a birthday list and has now added that game to her list!
Your strength and spirit continue to amaze me. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw you yesterday…. but you look absolutely wonderful!
Your smiles are infectious…. your eyes are as beautiful as they have always been… and the way you are taking this whole situation in such stride is truly amazing! Peter- you are one heck of a kid!
It’s off to the hospital to begin round #2 tomorrow! We will continue to pray really hard for you… it is our hope that you handle this round as good as the first! Something tells me you will!
Keep fighting… LIVESTRONG… and always remember that you have a SUPER GIGANTIC MASSIVE LARGE team of people praying for you and fighting right along with you!!!!!!!!
When mommy & daddy drop the girls off in the morning – can I come out and rub your soft head? I love how it feels!
Love you forever-
Jenni and family
Ty and Erika,
We just want to wish you all well as you head back down to the hospital tomorrow. Lots of prayer coming from everywhere – that’s for sure!!! Got to see the pictures Jen took of the kids – they are such beautiful children. Hope all goes will this coming week. And Peter, stay strong for round #2 of your medicine. Did Jenni remember to give you a big hug for me yesterday???
We will continue to keep you in thought and prayer.
With loving thoughts,
The Allords
Hi Peter,
As I look through all your comments, I see you are heading down for round two. I hope you and Capt. Chemo do just as good of job as you did the first time. I like to check and see how you are doing. Sounds like you know just what to do. Keep up the good work Peter. You can do it! We all believe in you.
Lots of good thought and prayers are being sent your way,
The Musielewiczs’
It’s such a small world. Peter I knew your dad, your uncle’s and I even had your gramma Mary for a teacher way back when. We all even lived near each other in the townhouses in Apple Valley. I now live in Brainerd and I am a teacher at the high school. You have an amazing support network in Brainerd, the hockey community and the high school. We have been watching your website since the very beginning. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Keep on fighting!!!!!
Jessica and Wade Haapajoki
Hello,
My name is Holly. My Gramma Mary passed away today and for some reason, I simply typed in Gramma Mary in my browser and hit enter.
This is what popped up. God does work in mysterious ways.
I was enraptured by the beauty of this family. It was a testiment to the “Gramma Mary’s” of the world.
My Gramma worked hard and loved even harder. She taught her children the way’s of love and her kids passed it on to theirs.
We have had the security of knowing that our place in this world reaches generations into the past and were anything to happen to any one of us, there is a multitude of people we could count on in a time of need. I see that your family shares that.
Thank you for putting all of this in print. I was moved and comforted in knowing that the cirlcle goes on and on.
I’ll miss my Gramma Mary but it warms my heart to know that Gramma Mary still lives. Probably in a thousand more homes.
It is obvious that your family knows the true secret…embrace every moment. The love your family shares touched deeply, a total stranger today. Thank you Gramma Mary.
Holly