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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

A New Chapter...Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

Eight days ago, our lives were flipped, twisted and turned upside down.  Emilie was diagnosed with leukemia and is now being treated at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto.  It all started with what we thought was a tummy bug.  Her little body was not getting better, so we took her to the Domincan Hospital ER thinking that she was just dehydrated.   A few hours after we were admitted, we found ourselves in an ambulance on our way to Lucile Packard's Children Hospital.  This week has been a crazy ride with lots of tests, MRI's, CT Scans, Ex-Rays, spinal taps, set-backs, discouragement, etc...  Emilie has finished her first phase of chemotherapy today, with two more phases to come.  I don't know when she will be discharged as we are running a marathon and not a sprint.  She is in great care; the doctors, nurses, therapists and social workers are amazing.  As horrible as this week has been, I know that God is still in charge and I am truly grateful that Emilie is here and that her bubbly, feisty personality is filling our room with joy.

We are totally blessed with wonderful family and friends.  Everyone's phone calls, emails, letters, gifts, care packages are so very appreciated.  Please know that we are grateful for your prayers, concern and gifts and wish that we could thank each of you personally, but for now, here is our BIG BLOG THANK YOU filled with lots of love from the Erickson family!!

You can leave a message for Emilie by 1.) leaving a comment on our blog, 2.) leave a post on Facebook (friend me... Patti Nelson-Erickson) or 3.) email pattiaerickson@aol.com .  I'll be certain to share with Emilie.

I'll leave you with a bit from Emilie's journal written exactly one month from when she was diagnosed.
"Praise the Lord always.  He made me in my mom's womb and he made me special just the way I am.  I should praise the Lord always." 

12 comments:

Eva said...

Emilie.. I shared a photography class with your mom and enjoyed seeing the lovely images of you she posted. I will be praying for you continually.God bless.

Auntie Martha said...

Hey Emilie,
I am so glad your mom entered this on her blog and sent an email directing us here. Our prayers are with you as you work through this. You have support from all your family and friends. And God is with you.
I love you!

Shannon & Roy said...

Hey Emilie! We love you! We're cheering you on, and praying for you! Keep smiling!

Hey Ericksons! We love all of you! We're cheering all of you on, and praying for all of you!

Thanks for posting, Patti!

So much love,
Shannon + Roy
Wembley + Cricket

Unknown said...

Hi Emily,
We are praying you. You are a "Better Together" champion. You have a way of lighting up any room and encouraging others. We were inspired by your family's blog. You have an amazing smile inside and out. You can lean on us. We love you!
Jim, Suzi, Matthew, Andrew and Analee Josselyn

Unknown said...

Hey Stinker - your uncle Koo loves you and wishes you a speedy recovery.

Unknown said...

Hey Stinker - your uncle Koo loves you and wishes you a speedy recovery.

Dad said...

Emilie you are an amazing you young woman. You are wise beyond your years. God has given you a depth to your character that not many people have. I love you to the moon and back.

Anonymous said...

HI Emilie! I just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. We know you are strong and resilient but just wanted to let you know that you have lots and lots of people cheering you on and sending you all their love. We are so proud of you for handling all of this with such a positive attitude. You are a very special girl.
All our love,
Pascale, Jason, Gavin and Ellie (and Kooper!)
p.s. Patti, if you need ANYTHING, please call me.

Unknown said...

Hey Emilie!

We are praying for you..now and always. Know that God is with you and your family, and you will get through this. We are so proud of you and your courage.

Everyone we know and even many people we don't know have put you on their prayer lists. The power of this is strong and I know you are, too.

(Thanks, Patti, for the e-mail and posts. We pray for you all every day.)

Love,
Aunt Linda

Auntie Vicki said...

Hi Emilie, hope you are having a good evening. I am praying for your tummy to be hungry. I love you. So many people from everywhere are praying for you.

How is the wrinkle pup? He sure is cute. I am looking forward to you showing me how the webkins works on the computer. I will see you real soon.

Hugs to you sweetie.

AV

PS. Hi to m & D.

Anonymous said...

Precious child, I am in AWE of you! I am a part of the Team In Training group with your Aunt Stephanie. I have been training to run the Seattle Rock-N-Roll Marathon this coming Saturday. I am not at all a "runner", so I am very excited and very nervous! But it's thoughts of you and other friends and loved ones who have been diagnosed with cancer that help to keep me motivated. There are many people who have touched my heart, but you in particular are so inspiring to me.... my daughter Sadie is 10yrs old too. I am amazed that such a young girl can be so strong. I hope and pray for you, and know that God has special plans for you, whatever they may be. Thank you for being such a beautiful light and inspiration. God Bless you, sweet girl!
Brandi Goodfellow

Unknown said...

I will praise the Lord for you today sweet Emilie. That you already know and understand that you are fearfully and wonderfully made just shows your precious heart for the Lord. I love you and your beautiful family. We will be praying for you daily.
Love,
Catherine