Thursday, January 17, 2008
1/17 1 p.m.
Dear Friends, Today is day 14 since we started chemo, one nurse told her it would be the worst day and so far that's true. Erin is miserable, she has waves of stomach pain and lots of nausea. She still has only had a cup of smoothie and some water for nutrition. She asked for ramen noodles, go figure, so we brought them in, but she hasn't attempted to eat them yet. My sister and mother (Erin's grandmother) continue to sit with us at Erin's bedside for moral support. They tell stories and help rub her back. As Emily Powell said, we are cozying up. Erin still does not want visitors since she can't talk comfortably. Our prayer requests continue to be her mouth and GI tract, and her hands. Also her nausea and pain. We pray that this is the lowest day so we can see some improvement tomorrow. We enjoyed the snow last night and the symbolism of the white covering on earth, a fresh start, a clean slate. Please Lord, let it be so. Thanks as always for the prayers and encouragement. Love to all, janet
24 comments:
Dearest Erin…Good Morning Sunshine…We hope that you are prepared to be our sunshine this morning…the day has found us with the leftovers of last nights snow on the ground…..the snow was beautiful…We wish you could have been here at the Campground last night to see it….The sun had started going down…the dusk was settling in ..and then it began to snow in little wisps…and the flakes then got larger and larger….I love snow at the Campground…It always makes me think of what the manna must have looked like to the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness….to see God’s provision in such a tangible way…at such a difficult and confusing time ……something that was so real…they could simply pick it up off the ground and eat it……similar to the way all of your family and friends have been ingesting God’s word lately ….for not only our own nourishment….but to share with you as well…to reach out to you and to nourish your mind and heart and spirit in this time…….it reminded me of a song….now, I’m not going to sing to you….I love to sing…but it’s best for those around me if I not do it in public….(but let me tell you …the best kept secret at the Campground…is that Mr. Bill can sing…OH MY!..I love to hear him on summer days…outside working on the grounds…and singing those old hymns to our Lord...Sometimes I can hear him all the way up to the house depending on where he is outside….He has one of those deep bass voices that just resonates!!)…..But if I could sing to you today…this is the song that I would give to you ….and I think…that all of your family and friends would agree right now….that you have about a million shoulders that you could lean on right now if you wanted to…..
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don’t let show
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Till I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
If ther is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you’ll just call me.
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand,
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’d understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you’re not strong
I’ll be your friend
And I’ll help you carry on
For it wont’ be long
‘Till I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me…..
May God’s abundant blessings continue to fall upon you as HIS mighty hand is healing you…….May HE bring a new song to your hearts today……IN JESUS’ MIGHTY NAME….AMEN…..
Hello sweet Erin!
I'm so sorry to hear you are miserable. I pray this ends soon and that you are back to being our bright ray of sunshine!
I have to tell some shocking news...Kara, yes Kara Knapik, went to Essentials last night!!! You know that is not an easy thing to to get her there on Wednesday evenings, but she HAD to go to support her friend Lauren. She said Lauren did a good job. I know you don't find that to be a surprise. Kara talks about you constantly-how's Erin, is she feeling better today, do you think the girls group can go see her when she is feeling better and on and on. She is going with Kate and "the group" up to the Sykes' lake house to film The Beauty and The Geek this Sunday and part of Monday for spring break. Her main concern, she will not get back in time for the 8th garde girls group Monday evening. Isn't that wonderful, she absolutely LOVES that group and that is thanks to you and Kristen!
Well, I guess I had better get back to work. I have to leave soon to go to Kara's basketball game to watch her cheer, and than on to Disciple. I hope JoEllen is there so I can give her a great big huge to give to you!
We love dearly!
Margaret, Pete, Kate and Kara
Today's verse on the daily calendar: (again, very fitting)
"I am with you, and will PROTECT you wherever you go."
- Genesis 28:15
Still looking forward to your special present in the mail? No, Erin, stop asking me what it is...I will not tell you! Erin! No I'm not telling you...don't do the pouty face, it won't work.
Nails on Monday? I'll bring the polish you bring your toes and hands! Deal?
-Monica
Dear JBAELS
The snow last night and the leftovers this morning reminded me of all our sledding adventures down the golf course. Big smiles!We look forward to the day when we will ALL go sledding again.
We love you all so much and you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Big Hugs!
Aunt Ramonja, Uncle Rick, Kaitlin and Austin
Hi Erin, my good friend Karla Kuzmich told me about you and I couldn't resist writing you. I am nine months out of my last and consolidation round of chemo. for AML. I had also just moved to a new location with my husband and 4 year old daughter when I got diagnosed. The fact your chromosomes are normal is awesome!! I am shaking right now as I'm writing as I can really sympathize with the pain, nausea, and weird things that are happening to your body. I won't lie and tell you this is going to be easy, it will be one day even one hour at a time. You will develop in an insane pain tolerance and become one of the toughest chicks on this planet once this is all over. Give it another week or so and the pain will get better. Never go off Zofran,in fact there are a few other drugs they can give you so ask your Doc. for them!!! I will tell you that God is with you girl every step and you must NEVER SURRENDOR EVER through this whole process. Whatever God is doing in your life must be HUGE for you eternally, there's most definitely a reason and you will never be the same child of God after this. As hard as it all was, I WOULD NOT CHANGE my whole Leukemia experience for the world, you'll understand when this ends and trust me this will END. I will be sincerely praying for you that with every new step God will lavish a peace that surpasses all understanding. Stay TOUGH Erin, you are in battle but you will be VICTORIOUS!! Sincerely, your fellow survivor friend, Rebekah Campbell
Dear Erin,
You are in my thoughts and prayers each day. This is such a tough time for you - but you have a strong inner strength and lots of energy flowing to you through the love and prayers that will support your inner strength and move you past this very hard time to better times. Take one hour at a time and those will turn into one day at a time and the day will come soon when you are feeling much better!!
Love,
Kim Baraona
Erin and family,
I continue to pray for you each and every day. Not only am I praying for your deliverance from your pain and suffering, I am also praying that God will burden my heart for you so that not a day will pass without me sending up prayers for you. And our Father has done just that. I wanted to share with you some scripture I came upon recently:
1Chronicles 16:8-12:
"8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles"
I love this passage because it reminds us of some key things in our faith walk with Him. First, we must remember to give thanks and call upon His mighty name. We must praise Him always. We see that as believers, we can rejoice in His constancy. We can always look to His strength and His face. This comforts me when I think of times when there's something in my life that I feel like I just can't possibly handle...I can remember that I don't have to handle it on my own because my God imparts to me His strength...emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical strength. Rejoice in the fact that despite your pain right now, the Lord is helping you with His strength. His strength can be seen through the Dr.s and Nurses that He gave to work with you, through your supportive friends and family, through the TONS of prayers that are going up on your behalf AROUND THE WORLD, through your faith, relationship, and salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Receive His strength and comfort in these things. Finally, through this passage we are reminded that the Lord DOES perform miracles and wonders. HE can overcome the impossible each and every day. Yesterday, your impossible was to make it through your state of nausea, but HE helped you overcome that. Today your impossible is your constant pain, but HE can overcome that for you. Tomorrow, your impossible may be something different, but remember the Lord's miracles and wonders, and remember that HE WILL OVERCOME your impossibles for you each and everyday.
Keep your faith and strength grounded in your Heavenly Father. As always, I will be praying for you constantly. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for any of your family. As you probably know, I'm living at home this semester so I'm very close if you need anything from the house or anything. I love you all!
God Bless and Much Love,
Catty
Sweet Baby Girl ... I am so sorry you are in pain. It makes me so very sad. It is so awesome to see how many people write to you and give you words of encouragment and prayer. You are one LOVED girl. Jonathan had a bad day at school today. Bless his heart. Autism is so difficult to understand. If the rules and ground work isn't laid out just perfectly it gets all mixed up in his head. I'm so glad we started EQUATE - it is nice having that ministry at the church, isn't it? I miss you lots. I keep you in my prayers all the time. It stinks, doesn't it? Being sick, not feeling good .. it just stinks. I'm glad your family can be with you everyday. They are awesome. Love you bunches!! You're the BEST! Love, Ms Christy
Erin & The Blonshines,
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to you as you struggle through this ordeal. We feel helpless in being able to do anything for you, but will continue to pray and lift you up. I do hope you have Lawrenceville on the map...you don't want to leave us "locals" out! Keep strong.
Love,
~The Petersons
P.S. I definitely think that Bill Bledsoe will need to do a little singing at Campmeeting for all of us, since Barbara now spilled that he could sing! Though he may resist, if YOU ask, there's no way he can say "no"!! Something to look forward to this summer.
Erin,
I am so sorry that you are feeling so bad, and am praying so hard that it will get better soon. Thinking about you so much, and always lifting you up in our prayers,
Vicki
HEY BLONSHINE FAMILY,
WE'RE WRITING HERE FROM WESTON FLORIDA. REMEMBER US? THE CASTRO SOLANES FAMILY. (CINDI, I'M THE ONE WHO'S WRITING) BUT WE'RE ALL HERE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU AND ESPECIALLY, OBVIOUSLY, ERIN!! HANG IN THERE. THERE ARE A LOT OF US OUT HERE PRAYING (MY SISTER, LINDA SENT ALL THE INFO. TO MEXICO) AND WE'RE SURE THAT WITH ALL THE POSITIVE VIBES AND PRAYERS YOU'LL RECOVER. IT'S VERY HARD TO GO THROUGH SOMETHING LIKE THIS AND ONLY GOD KNOWS WHY AND WHAT THE PLAN IS. WE KNOW HOW YOU GUYS SO WELL BECAUSE OF RONNIE AND DEBBIE AND WE KNOW THAT THERE COULDN'T BE A MORE POSITIVE, CARING AND CLOSE FAMILY. ALSO, A FAMILY THAT LIVES THEIR LIFE WITH FAITH. SO THERE YOU GO...GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN!! WE THINK ABOUT AND PRAY FOR ERIN EVERY MOMENT THAT WE THINK ABOUT YOU. WHICH IS OF COURSE MORE THAN SEVERAL TIMES A DAY! YOU'VE PROBABLY ALREADY BEEN TOLD THIS BY LOTS OF PEOPLE BUT IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO HELP...JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY. ALSO, ACAPULCO IS WAITING FOR YOU GUYS!! SO AS SOON AS YOU GET WELL AND THE FAMILY IS UP TO IT AND YOU GET THE GO AHEAD, YOU HAVE A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN RELAX AND SOAK UP THE SUN, TAKE WALKS ON THE BEACH, WATCH THE MOST AMAZING SUNSETS IN THE WORLD! SO JUST LET US KNOW WHEN YOU ALL ARE READY! THE CONDO IS WAITING FOR YOU!! KEEP UP THE GOOD SPIRITS AND THE FAITH. WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET THE GOOD NEWS!! LOVE, MARIA ELENA SOLANES, MARIO, CINDI, MARIO AND RONNIE CASTRO.
Hey Erin,
Sorry to hear that this is such a tough day. Hope and pray tomorrow is the begining of a new and better time of feeling better. I spoke with my brother today and asked he and his wife Marilda to pray for you. Marilda is from Belem, Brazil and all of her family still lives there. I've asked them to pray for you and they are! So you can add Brazil to you map! I have been amazed at the number of kids from the Engage ministry who have called me to find when they can come to see you. Please know how much you are loved and prayed for!!! We love you and pray for you everyday.
Love and Hugs,
Ms. Debi, Mr. Marty, & Mikayla
MADE A MISTAKE ON THE SIGNING OF OUR LETTER. IT'S FROM MARIA ELENA SOLANES, MARIO, CINDI, MANDY ( HAD PUT MARIO AGAIN) AND RONNIE CASTRO
Hi Erin!
Ken and I are so sorry that this has been such a bad day. We sure hope that tomorrow is a much brighter and better one. If your mom hadn't sent out the note that you weren't quite up for visitors, Ken would have been in the front yard stock piling snowballs to throw at you.... and probably one or 2 for your mom and dad! (And, especially one for Amanda... and a little one for Laura...he made me type that!)
We think of and talk about you so very often. And, just know that whether we're asking the blessing over a bowl of oatmeal or saying our prayers in the evening, you are always included! Bill & Janet, you are part of those prayers too! So, go ahead and check off the metropolis that is Buford, Georgia on your world wide prayer map!!!
We love all the Blonsteins!
Stewie & Pam
Erin -
We're praying and thinking about you!
Andy, Lori and Ty Johnston
Hello Dear Erin,
I again must apologize for you not feeling better. The regular Doctors at Emory are ignoring the advise we offer them on your treatment. I can't go into details until the patent is approved, but I believe the "potion", I mean "medicine", we have developed would work wonders for you. The Emory Doctors, however, wonder if it would work for anything, except for something like rust removal.
And then there was a call from your Mom's Agent today. Who knew she had an agent. I'm afraid he's going to make hiring your Mom more challenging. Still do-able, but it might take longer than I initially hoped.
I'll be gone to the Men's Retreat this weekend. Feel free to call my private number any time you need to consult with me. You know I'll drop everything to take your call and help you in any way I can. This will be the first Men's Retreat I've gone on. Do you think they will use a blender to mix a special "shake" like you guys do at the Jr. High retreat? I may need to take my own food.
Honestly and no kidding, in my heart I believe you will be feeling better soon. It's going to happen. This many prayers will be answered.
Especially if you stay away from my "potion", I mean "medicine".
We Love and Pray for You Continually!
Dr. Ken, Angela, Nic & Nat.
Dear Erin,
I am very sad to hear that you are feeling miserable. I pray that tomorrow is less painful and that the next day is even less so.
Last night, I shared your story with my church community group, and we prayed for your healing. My friends Lacey, Grace and Heather ask about you often, and are praying for you too.
Keep taking each day at a time. God will provide and bring you through. He will not give you anything that you cannot handle. And, you are strong even though you may feel physically weak. His strength can overcome anything.
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31
"...with God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Man, I love you and pray for your healing and comfort and for a good, restful night.
Love, Brittany
oh my sweet Erin! I just found out about your leukemia. my heart breaks for you. You are such a giant ray of sunshine in everyone's life that has the pleasure of knowing you. Don't let this dim that light. I have no idea what God is up to here, but I do know that he is right here beside you through every moment of pain and peace. I hope you are uplifted by all the prayers being sent you way and that you find strength in the Word. The verse that comes to mind is "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." I pray that you are finding that Hope he promises us over and over throughout the scriptures.
I hope you will be up for visitors soon so that I can come see you!
much love
Maggie
Hi Erin!
I know we haven't seen each other in a long long while, but I wanted to let you know that your smiling face is in my thoughts. You're a tough gal and can pull thru whatever you set your mind to! Your family is wonderful and you are so lucky to have all of these people around to love on you :-)
Best wishes for a comfortable day tomorrow, and the next, and the next...and a FULL remission!
Much love and tons of hugs, Melissa Gray
My Dearest Erin!
I have only heard the news today. You cannot imagine the sadness that fills my heart! But then I am reminded of our Great God, and the mighty works he has done before. He gave Daniel the strength to walk in a firey furnace, Moses the ability to part the Red Sea, Peter the ability to walk on water, and each of us the gift of salvation. Thus, knowing the God we serve I cannot wait to see the miraculous things he shows us through this trying time in your life. I hope you are encouraged daily by the love we all have for you and the love your Savior has for you. Rest in His strength! I pray that you are comforted through these trials and that in a short time it will all be over! I love you and am praying for you daily!
~Beth Finlayson
Hi Blonshine's
YEA!!!you have been able to mark off 14 days--those yucky days are behind you, and you are that much closer to feeling better. My heart aches for all of you, but God is forever faithful and I know He has been sending bright spots for you to enjoy every day. Grab onto every glimmer He gives and soak it in. That is what gets you through until tomorrow. We continue to pray for you and specifically for healing of those nasty mouth sores. Praying that you have a restful night. We love you, Miss Erin
The Sykes'
Erin- up late tonight doing emails.
I was thinking about you and your family all day. I hope the pain goes away soon. Ashley says- get well soon. Adam came by today but you were not feeling well. He is now back in school at Emory so he will be coming by often. We all love you.
Mr. Witter
Good Morning Aunt Janet, Uncle Bill, Amanda, Kyle & Laura!
I just had a great idea.........sometime in the future,when Erin is all better, I want to host a "Blonshine blog party"! Erin, we'll call it the "B.B.P." I would love to meet your awesome friends who are holding you all up in prayer every day. It is encouraging to see the wisdom and insight God has given to so many people who write in this blog.
In the verses I read today the theme was....that in tribulation we must press on. Romans 12:12 says: rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
I love you guys and we'll continue to be steadfast in our prayers!
Aunt Debbie
P.S.
Aunt Ramonja,
I want to go sledding too! :)
Erin Jr.,
Ever the optimist, I can think of one good thing about yesterday--you didn't have to go to Open House! It was loooooong. Anyway, I am praying for you to feel better soon, especially so we all can come see you! I miss you!
Erin Sr.
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