God is so awesome!! What a beautiful snow He is laying down outside right now!! Erin had a good night. But let me tell you about yesterday. A good thing, a not so good thing and a funny moment. The good thing was that she had a miracle in her mouth. Overnight her sores healed and her mouth pain went away, i mean AWAY!!! Don't you see Him working?? We believe!!! So Erin was able to eat normal food yesterday, not just smoothies. And of course it made her feel so much better!! The timing was another God thing because he knew the not so good thing was gonna happen too. She lost her hair yesterday. It was so hard, even though she knew it was supposed to happen, she hoped she might be spared that part. Her sisters and I cried with her as she let me cut off most of her beautiful hair. Although it is temporary, it is still a blow to her already fragile state of mind. But in typical Erin style, this morning she has bounced back to her normal perky self.
O.K now for the funny. You all know we are quick to laugh at each other in our family. So Laura and Amanda went next door yesterday to have their blood tested for a possible bone marrow transplant . Laura told them when she sat down that she passes out when she gives blood. They didn't believe her and so when her tube of blood was coming out so slow, Amanda started kidding her saying " drip, drip, drip". And that was all Laura needed to hear, she went out like a light. Amanda and Bill said you would have thought they never had anyone pass out before , she collected quite a crowd of nurses!! By the time she got back here to Erin's room she was still white as a sheet and I proceeded to laugh my head off. No sympathy here. We needed a laugh!! Thanks Laura!!
So today Erin did 4 laps so far, the first time in a week. Again, we thank God for her energy!! His mercies are new every day!! You all are such a blessing to us. Thank you so much for all the loving encouragement and the beautiful verses God is showing you. Barbara Bledsoe, you should write poetry!! You have a gift!! Love to all, janet
24 comments:
Erin, you are beautiful inside and out and I am so glad that your mouth is all better now. I'll keep praying!
Love, Courtney Still
Precious Erin.....Sounds like you had quite the day yesterday. It amazes me,.... each and everytime we are permitted an opportunity to see the very hand of GOD at work...whether it be in our own lives...or in the lives around us...I'll stand with you and PRAISE our HEAVENLY LORD...who's hand of healing is bringing to you that blessed relief that you are enjoying......take advantage of this blessing today....eat something...eat something spectacular.....TASTE and SEE that the LORD IS GOOD....
LORD....MAGNIFICIENT LORD.....You have provided for us today an opportunity to stand united in joy..united in awe...united in thanksgiving...We thank YOU Lord, for the healing of our dear sister Erin's mouth....so that now, she can take the physical nourishment that she needs....and we pray Father, that as YOU continue to heal her body...that each and every step along the way, brings the same joy...the same excitement...the same amazement....each and everyday at each and every thing YOU surprise her with.....Father, surround this family as they continue along this path....Father, use each and every moment to seal their union one to the other, that it would be as unbreakable as the seal they have formed with YOU......Lord, bless them with continued laughter....and let their spirits be at ease at the remaining steps...and let their feet remain firmly planted upon the solid rock that is YOU...............thank YOU again Father........IN JESUS' HOLY AND PRECIOUS NAME.......>AMEN.....
now...for the laughter....a few jokes......
The aspiring psychiatrists were attending their first class on emotional extremes. "Just to establish some parameters,"said the professor to the student from Arkansas, "What is the opposite of joy?"
"Sadness," said the student.
And the opposite of depression?" he asked of the young lady from Oklahoma.
"Elation," said she.
"And you sir," he said to the young man from Texas, "how about the opposite of woe?"
The Texan replied, "Sir, I believe that would be giddy-up."
Songs From The Hospital Hit Parade
(Mr. Blondshine, I hope you have a guitar with you there....you might have some requests for these..they are some doozies
"I'll be Sewing You"
"Red Cells in the Sunset"
"It's Spleen a Long, Long Time"
"It Had to Be Flu"
"On the Bonny Banks of Glaucoma"
"Gonna Take a Sentimental Gurney"
"The Staphs and Streps Forever"
"Old Man's Liver"
"I've Grown Accustomed to Her Brace"
"The Girl From Emphysema"
"MRI Blue?"
"My Melancholic Baby"
"From Here to Maternity"
A man goes to a doctor for a routine physical. The nurse starts with the basics.
"How much do you weigh?" she asks.
"Oh, About One-sixty-five." he says.
The nurse puts him on the scale. It turns out that his weight is 187. The nurse asks, "Your height?"
"Oh, About six feet," he says.
The nurse checks and sees that he's only 5 feet 8 3/4 inches. She then takes his blood pressure, and it's very high.
"High!" The man explains, "Well, what did you expect? When I came in here, I was tall and lanky. Now, I'm short and fat!"
During the course of being interviewed by the press, the noted famous doctor was asked by a reporter:
"Tell me, Doctor, did you ever make any really serious mistakes in your career?"
"Yes, I did," came the doctor's reply with a heavy sigh . . . .
. . . . "I once cured a millionaire…….. in one visit."
and last but not least.....
This guy is sitting at home one night when there's a loud knock on the door. The man answers the door and is surprised to find that there's a six foot tall beetle standing on his doorstep. Before the man has time to speak the beetle launches a frenzied attack on him and after a flurry of blows it leaves.
The man is covered in cuts and bruises and immediately goes to see his doctor. On seeing him, the doctor asks, "What happened?"
The man replies, "You won't believe me. I was beaten up by a massive beetle." On seeing that his doctor is nonplussed by this the man asks, "Well, aren't you surprised?"
The doctor replies, "Not really. There's a nasty bug going around."
We love you guys...stay away from nasty bugs....
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God....He is mighty to save and sustain and renew!!! I am glorifying the Lord with words of thanksgiving and amazement this morning at such wonderful news...Yeah for eating lots of good, yummy things for you today...I'm sorry about the new hairdo...Just think, though, God might give you a beautiful new color and texture when it grows back...what kind of hair have you always wanted?...let's ask Him for that!!!
My verse for you today!!! Lamentations 3:22-23
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, Great is His faithfullness."
Keep on walking in His steps!!! Love ya girlie!!!
Linda and Ciara
Weeping may endure for a night,
BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING!
Psalm 30:5
Erin, you mouth is healed! That is so awesome. Once again we see that our Father doesn't lay on us more than we can handle.
I wish I could be there with you, to enjoy the snow. Next winter we are so taking a ski trip! You pick the destination and I'll make the travel plans, cuz that is my talent. :)
Remind your Dad to make our lake reservations, we all need our yearly batteries re-charged. Love ya bunches! Aunt Debbie
I had a dream last night and your hair had fallen out. I must say, you were beautifully radiant. I know this change is tough, but your dimples, smile and joy are completely evident through everything you do and how you handle tough times. If you want to know what is ahead, call me because I dream it before it happens. I had a dream the night before that your pain had gone away. I think it is God's way of letting me see you daily when I cannot see you daily in person. I am so looking forward to the day when this is over and you can say that you feel better than you have in months! Recovery will be glorious! It is a rough couple of months for a lifetime of health! I love you and I know we kid about it, but you truly are MY HERO!!! I love you more than life!!!!! Praying constantly, Melanie
Erin & Family,
Praise God for the healing in your mouth! Savor every bite of food since you've got some catching up to do. If you've got a taste for anything, let us know and we'll bring it by anytime.
I'm feeling bad because I think we should have all done more preliminary prayer on your hair loss situation. We could have been on top of that (no pun intended)and watched another answer to our prayers evolve. I guess we were focused on the other specifics. Sorry we weren't more pro-active. Of course, they do say, "bald is beautiful", so it just goes along with the rest of you, Erin. You are beautiful inside and out - hair or no hair. So, don't hide the mirrors, get them out and reflect on the beauty of YOU and the beauty of GOD within you. God danced the day you were born and he's never stopped.
Have a good day, pain-free, maybe a few laps, good eats, more laughs (even if they're at Laura's expense - Sorry, Laura!), lots of love and hugs, and a peace in knowing God has big plans for you and will get you through this so you can get to the good stuff!
Love and blessings to you all,
~Kathy Peterson
hey Erin!!
It snowed this morning in Auburn, Alabama! And your mouth sores are gone! Miracles do happen! Now EAT, GIRL, EAT! I love you so much!
praying for you always!
Ellen
Hi Erin,
WOW, you really know how to highlight God's glory don't you! Isn't He amazing!!!I'm sitting here with happy tears for you as I read over all the comments from today. Relish in the relief from those yucky mouth sores, and send everyone running for whatever food you want--take full advantage of their willingness to serve. As for the hair. . . you are in for a rare treat. You get to dream and try out any hair do you want. Most people never allow themselves that luxury. You just might find that you like short, short hair. It probably seems unbearable right now, but once again God will knock your socks off. Just wait and see!
Enjoy the snow--you have a wonderful view! We are praying for throughout every day. We love you, sweet girl.
The Sykes'
Hallelujah...
for no more mouth sores!
for laughter!
for sister slumber parties!
for the ability to eat!
for God's strength within us!
for the days when Erin will soon be cancer-free!
for the joy He supplies.
for losing hair, because that only means the chemo is working.
for that fact that I know such a beautiful soul as Erin.
for snow...which is not in Athens, thus I am a bit jealous.
for the miracles our Lord is going to continue to poor down.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Love you all!
Praying for you constantly!
-Kristen Mac.
As I read that post, your family's beautiful bond was so evident. I know that y'all are a strong, close family that loves the Lord mightily and it flows through this blog. Praise God.
Erin, God is so awesome. What a miracle that the sores have gone away and such a praise that you no longer have pain in your mouth and can eat. What are you going to eat?!?! It is wonderful to hear that you are up walking this morning. Way to go -nano!
As for your hair, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been. But, people will say this over and over and it's 100% true. You are beautiful...every part that makes you Erin!
Love, Brittany
Erin! Can you believe all the snow we're getting?! That's the one big plus of being in the hospital- big windows and lots of time to look out of them. :D
Wow, God is so amazing. Our prayers were answered! I am so happy that he took the pain in your mouth away. All I can say is...EAT, EAT, EAT! Gorge yourself with all of your favorite foods to make up for the time missed. I guarantee you that all food will taste ten times better than they did before the sores.
As for the hair, heck, this means no bad hair days, way less time in the bathroom each morning, and a much easier shampoo. :D I'm sure it's hard, but you look beautiful every minute of every day- hair or no hair.
Here's a verse I found under "joy"-
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad of all our days."
-Psalms 90:14
Lord...This morning we were so glad for the healing of mouth sores, the beautifulness of baldness, you, our Father in heaven, the loved ones surrounding us, your never-failing love, compassion, and support, and the miracle of healing. We love you with all our hearts and rejoyce in you. Amen.
I LOVE YOU ERIN!!!
Keep on the right track towards becoming healthy. You're going to be there soon. I can feel it. Lots and lots and lots of love, prayers, and thoughts.
Love you, Lauren.
Erin,
I want you to know that I praying for you. Even over in the Israel I couldn't get you out of my mind. So you can add Ferrum, VA to the map if it isn't there already.
Got a song for you, by Charlie Hall, "Center" - Christ, be the center of our lives, the place we fix our eyes, be the center of our lives. I know that your eyes our on Christ, and that your smile comes from your trust and faith in Him.
Glad to hear your mouth is feeling better, and that you're able to get some food in! God truly is amazing!
Thinking about you and praying for you,
Love ya! Thomas James
Hi Erin!
So glad to hear the mouth sores are gone and you are eating! Sorry to hear about the new hairdo, but that is ok it's a new adventure. You do know Ken told Natalie and Kara the 8th grade girls group would be shaving their heads to support you! I didn't know mouths could open that wide. The look on both their faces was priceless.
I hope you enjoyed the view of the snow falling. It was such a beautiful sight! Kara and Kate went out for a snowball fight and our cocker spaniel thought they were playing fetch with him. The only problem when the snowball dropped to the ground the little guy couldn't find it.
I hope you get lots of good things to eat and get some walking in today. I also pray you have a restful night!
Love you all!
Margaret, Kate, Kara and Pete (there on the mountain)
I'm sitting here reading this post by your mom and the comments from everyone and I can't help but want to cry so hard. I don't know how you do it, Erin...because I'm not sure I could. You are so strong and inspire so many around you its amazing! I know your strength and courage comes from God and he is continuing to watch over you and hold you tight in his arms. Don't you feel it? He is always there with you, in everything, every day, in every way....He is ALWAYS with you.
"May the Lord bless YOU and keep YOU. May the Lord make his face to shine upon YOU and be gracious unto YOU. May the Lord lift up his counteance upon YOU and give YOU peace. Amen"
Monica
it is Collins Hill High School Swim and Dive team's tradition for its male swimmers to shave their heads before county.
on tuesday im getting my head shaved [:
i love you erin blonshine, and im really glad to hear you realized beauty is skin-deep.
youre in my daily and unceasing prayers,
-Peter Schnaak
Love my beautiful girl so much-
You and your precious family are in our prayers always. We are so thankful to hear that your mouth sores are gone so you can nourish yourself physically. I know you are so loved that your spiritual nourishment is overwhelming.
I was my cousin's marrow match years ago - I can just see Laura flaking out in the room. Don't worry Laura; every time we have a blood drive at school, it's always the toughest cookies who lose it!
I hope to see you soon-
Ms. Hannon
Good night Erin,
I just received the most incredible thing on youtube...thought I would pass it on!!! Jesus is watching over you!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svL1GuxxpvA&feature=related
Love ya, girl!!!
Linda
I am so glad to hear of your mouth being healed. Isn't God great?
Oh and hey... this is to Laura... me, too, with the blood thing - I always have to have a butterfly needle - otherwise I tell them to set up a bed for me cuz I'll be there for a L-O-N-G time.
Erin - your courage inspires me - and hair or no hair - you are beautiful.
Sarah Foster
Hello Erin, You don't know me but I was Laura's "Pearl group leader" when she was in High School. I'm sure you are just as precious as Laura. I am praying for you and for God to continue comforting you during this "marathon". God uses us in so many different ways to show His mercy and His awesome power. You and your family are a great testimony to His great love and power. I am not sure if you know my son Scott Forrester or not but he said he knew you. He is in Bovec, Slovenia right doing some mission work for the IMB. The missionary family he is with as well as Scott are all praying for you.
Praying for you and your family,
Sheila Forrester
Hi Erin,
We are still praying for. I'm glad to know you are ok. It's also good that you can eat normal food again. I would hate not havening normal food. I thought about you this week. I asked my cousins and some of my other friends to pray for you and they said they would. I'm glad you are getting your strength back also! I'm happy to know you are ok. I wish to see you and you smiling face again soon! :D
-Parker Clavijo
hey erin! I'm so glad to hear that God is healing you and that you are able to eat and be strengthened. You are so strong and God is taking care of you. I love you, Jessie
Erin, you inspire me! God is working miracles right before our eyes-I mean, mouth sores GONE in one night how awesome is He! God is good all the time! Enjoy being free from those mouth sores, and eat all of the food that you haven't been able to- plus more! You are so,so loved!
Praying you every day,laura
Yay for you having a great day!
I'm so glad you got to see snow today! I'm visiting my cousins in warner robins...so no snow for us.
Praise the Lord that your mouth sores healed and you were able to eat regular food! I pray that you will stay that healthy!
Here is a song that i hope brings your some comfort and joy today!
"How Can I Keep From Singing"
There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give
I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne
i pray that you will find the joy of the Lord in your heart at the darkest hours and the brightest moments!
Maggie
Hi Erin,
I have been thinking of you everyday and praying that God will continue to look after you and make you well. I was so excited to read last night of the improvement taking place and the sores going away.
I had spoken to my partner in England early this past week and ask him to offer prayers for you at their church. He said they would do it today. He lives just outside Stratford Upon Avon. I know ther power of numbers and you have that going for you.
One other comment that is attributed to you. When Cyndi & I visited you we were talking about my crazy diet and you mother said why don't I do it for Erin. I started the next day and have lost 10 pounds already. Thank you for being my inspiration.
You are a strong and awesome individual.
We Love you
Tom & Cyndi
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