Feel free to celebrate this post while simultaneously knocking on wood. This will be a fun one to write, but I want to keep the balance between optimism and caution. The doctors say that most kids in this situation will take two steps forward, one step back. So far Peter has only taken steps forward (however small). Here’s another…
The paralytic was stopped. Erika and Auntie Macer went to enjoy a quick pedicure, one of the only inexpensive pleasures in Manhattan, while Ty and Uncle Roy (Troy) watched over Peter. When Erika came back and approached the bed she was met with movement from Peter. Her voice seemed to illicit physical responses (even though he had already been moving with Ty and Troy). He even opened his eyelids somewhat, but probably couldn’t see much. His lids have been set a quarter open for days now and his eyes are very cloudy and red. There is little definition between iris, pupil, and white. Also keep in mind that he’s very sedated.
So Erika proceeded to ask if he wanted her to read a book. He nodded. She asked if he wanted her to read so-and-so book specifically. He nodded. Ty asked if he wanted to thumb wrestle. His thumb came up and started to sway back and forth, ready for action.
The night before surgery, Peter was enjoying a skee ball machine at a restaurant. He was having an awesome time. He and Erika collected 1600 points by Erika’s figure. Peter disagreed with his mom later that night, claiming a different point total. Yesterday, Erika told Peter that she has been saving up quarters so that when he’s all better they can play skee ball. She asked if he remembered when they tallied 1600 points. His little hand rose up in some sort of protest or effort to correct the total.
Glimpses of the real Peter are busting through, right past his expressionless face and clouded eyes.
He has made moves towards his tubes, so he needs to be under constant surveillance. The ventilator is still doing all the breathing. He is getting even skinnier as his muscles are atrophying, so he started light physical therapy to keep his muscles working. His brain, though, is providing signs of hope in small movements and responses.
It might be difficult to transition the breathing in the coming days. Maybe it will be scary for him. I know it will be for all of us. But he came off the paralytic and interacted this afternoon without setting off any aforementioned beeps. He just keeps rising to the challenges.
Hallelujah! We will cont. to pray for steady improvements. How relieved to read of Peter’s clarity and orientation in his responses.
It is so very hard for Mary to read any thing negative about Peter. I suppose it is a mixture of too much reality too close to home as well as the fact she has such a soft spot for Peter that she can’t bear to think of him hurting. Tell him Mary says, “Keep up the good work.”
Mary showed her cow and calf at the Mille Lacs County Fair Sunday. I guess we chose the “don’t ask , don’t tell ” philosophy. We didn’t know her platelet counts and we didn’t check. She wore her mask into the showring. I wanted to draw a big smiley face on it but she wouldn’t let me. And yes, her platelets were only 19,000 on Monday. Thankfully she didn’t get kicked or run over. How are Peter’s counts recovering? Mary’s have sure been slow to rebound. And for her showring 15 minute debut, she needed to sleep almost the whole next day. Hopefully the Joy of doing something normal will sustain her in the days to come.
And may you be sustained by your family and friends and the Holy Spirit working through those who care about you.
peace, patti et. al.
We are praising God for Peter’s latest stride. Peter your in our daily prayers. Each day you will be getting stronger and stronger. Sending lots of love via email.
Aloha,
Charlene Mersburgh
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ruthmersburgh
P.S. Ruth’s school is closed for a second day because of Hurricane Flossie. We just got news that it has been down graded to a catagory one. All we will be getting is lots of rain, some wind and huge waves.
Awesome!
GREAT NEWS! You are one strong young man, Peter. Keep up the good work. See you soon.
Joe
Good Morning Peter,
WOW ! I am so happy to hear the progress that it brings tears to my eyes. You are a real determined young man and I am so proud of you. This really makes my day ! By the way, I wonder how many points you do have in that game because it sure sounds like you know the correct score. Keep up the good work and I will keep praying for your successful recovery. Hey little buddy, how about a hug today for your mom and dad. Have a great day !
“the Jerky Man”
That is great news. Hope you have a great day Peter. We are constantly thinking about how you are doing and your uncle Matt keeps our minds at ease. Love from Eagan.
Chris, Traci, Jordyn and Tyler
What awesome news! we are sure excited to read about Peter playing skee ball very soon. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers always.
Dan, Ann and Tate Richter
Dear Eigners,
HipHip Horray!!! Reading these positive comments is a great way to start out the day!
Pete – Baron is doing great. He loves going for long walks and playing with our little Bug dog. Baron actually gets tired! Big Pete throws balls to him several times a day. I’ll tell Baron how good your doing today. I know he misses all of you.
Keep up the good work. Matt we really appreciate the updates!
Deb and Kevin, and Pete
Alleluia, is the only word as I sit her with joy and tears of happiness.
Maybe we should all start saving our quarters for Peters next game!!!
If he can win this, the game’s no challenge. Way to go Peter!!!
Cheering in Eden Prairie!!!! Thank you God for hearing prayers, keep them coming everyone!!!
God Bless!
The Nahorski’s
Yeah Peter!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family daily. I hope to keep reading the wonderful progress you are making. You are an inspiration to everyone around you. 🙂
Peter and family,
Your great news brings tears to my eyes. Our family prays for you daily. I can only pray that the good news will continue. I will keep checking peter’s page. I need to go know as my youngest little hockey player has spread post-it notes all over the house. Continued prayers from Minneapolis
Yahoooo! So awesome to hear more good news….every small step is a huge one in the right direction. Keep it up Peter, we know you can and will beat this thing!
You’re in our continued prayers,
Cary, Lori, Luke, Brooke and Erica
Oh my this is good news. I cant imagine how happy mom and dad must be right now to see even this amount of activity. Praise the Lord, alleluia, yahoo. Those are the words I want to shout out right now. Take care everyone and we will keep praying for this wonderful progress to continue.
Love and Prayers.
Jill S.
Fantastic News………..
We’ll keep the prayers coming……….Peter………you are a HERO.
Love to you all,
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz
Tears – goose bumps – shivers, etc…… That’s what I get reading this post – I can only imagine how those of you in his presence feel!!! That little guy of yours certainly is one special person (but no one needs to tell you that, do they!!!??)
I hope each day forward continues to be a goose-bumpy day!
Thinking of you!
Peg & Ron
I am rejoicing with you! I continue to pray for you Peter….
Suzanne van Dyck (McKay)
God Bless you Peter,
You continue to strengthen each and every one of us with your determination. Slow and steady wins the race, and you are on your way. Take care and thank you for making my day with such great news! Pretty soon you and mom will be able to talk points totals and rematches for skee ball!!
Hugs and prayers from the Olson’s
Lisa Ty Paige Drew & Hallesy
Anyone who has taught their child to “thumb wrestle” is an excellent parent! We think about you all so far from home and pray that God will continue to sustain and encourage you. Matt’s update was great news!
Jerry, Alicia, Leah, Erica and Kate
Peter and Family,
Wow, It seems the small steps keep increasing to larger steps. We are continuing to pray all day, every day that the steps keep getting bigger.
Pete, I remember when my daughter started playing hockey as a Mitey Mite the skating steps were small but her smile was huge. I love watching her play but my favorite thing has always been to just see her skate. She will be a Senior this fall but I still remember her as a Kindergartner learning to skate with that permanent smile on her face. I know that when you are again able to hit the ice you too will have that permanent smile. I also can only imagine the joy your parents and all the people who love you will feel. Keep up the fight Pete you are Brainerd’s favorite Warrior. Small in stature bigger than Paul Bunyan in spirit.
With continued love and prayers,
Dave, Cindy, Sam, and Andrew
Oh yeah…. I knew this was going to happen! Seriously – when I went to bed last night, I was laying there thinking about Peter and I got this weird sense of relaxation that washed over me. Then, I had this image of Peter – and I had this gut feeling that he was going to do something ‘awesome’ that would certainly be worthy of another update from Uncle Matt. You can imagine my surprise when I logged on this morning and noticed the “Awesome Update”!!!! Seriously – you are amazing, Peter!!! You are doing a great job with your baby steps forward…. just be sure to rest when needed… we certainly don’t want all these baby steps to wear you out!! By the way – who won the thumb wrestling match?? 🙂
Ty & Erika~ This probably sounds odd – but I am so happy that you are finding time for yourselves during these long, difficult days. It would seem that you would never want to leave Pete’s side…. yet, it’s also so very important that you are taking some time for the lighter side of life, too! You deserve a pedicure…. 🙂
What a great way to start off the day! We hope for continued awesome updates… for more thumb wrestling matches… and someday soon, for more skee-ball tournaments with mom!! Thinking of you and looking forward to the day you walk through my door again….
With much love to you all~
Jen, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker
Peter and family,
We are glad to hear the GREAT NEWS…what a strong little fighter. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Your buddies,
Eli and Mara
Lisa and Shon
Welcome back Peter! Way to fight hard. We are thanking God for answered prayer and still praying for more miracles!!
WOW Peter! The tears that came this morning were happy ones! Keep fighting hard, and we’ll be real anxoius to see you again back in Brainerd. Please give your mom and dad a hug from us.
Thinking of you many, many times each day,
Kurt, Stephanie, Karlie & Teddy
Again, thank you Uncle Matt. Your words are encouraging, informative, creative and uplifting. You are doing a great job.
Yeah Peter! We are so glad to hear about the newest positive update. We think of you guys so often. We missed our boat ride this summer but maybe we’ll be able to do a fall tour…
And, Peter, we think your big-boy toughness has rubbed off on Jesse. He ended up with at least 18 bee stings yesterday and was a big trooper just like you are!!
Our continued prayers,
Dave, Andi, Jesse and Bailey
I am always cautious when I read Uncle Matt’s update. This morning I read quickly and over again to make sure it was such good news. The small steps in the right direction are always encouraged and prayed for. Stay strong and keep up the good progress. I will continue my prayers for all of you. God Bless, Cheryl Bailey
What great JOY that brings to all of us.
Bob and Karen
Wow! What wonderful news! Peter is sure a fighter and it is so great to know how many people are out there pulling and praying for him. Keep it up and let the good news continue to come!
Sami, Bill, Cade & Kaia
Awesome…..All of the prayers are being answered. Keep moving forward Peter…..we love all the updates and stories. You have a huge reader list you don’t even know, but friends of Molly’s. They are rooting for you too!!
Love,
The Hollway’s
Mary, Bill, Billy, Mike and Molly
You go, Peter! That guardian angel of yours is working overtime.
Hugs of love and prayers.
Mike and Peg
Peter, you are a trooper. I know that breathing tube is awful and soon that will be gone and you’ll feel so much better. In spite of eveything that’s happened, you stll remember the skee ball score…what a little competitor you are! Happy to read the good progress report. Peter just keeps rising to every challenge.
If one little thing lifts your spirits, it’s a pedicure, Erika! Good that family is with you…someone to share this burden with certainly helps.
Dee
Peter and Family,
Peter, you continue to amaze us day in and day out with your determination. You are an inspirational, courageous little boy that has the will and heart of a lion. You have people all over the globe praying for a full recovery.
My families’ heartfelt thoughts are with each of you as you continue to go through this difficult time. I drop to my knees each morning asking God to grant your family the strength and faith to get through this time and to grant Peter a full bill of health. There is no question that your family is strong….please know that people you don’t even know are praying for you all over the world.
God bless you all.
Heather Groetsch
Outstanding! We knew Peter would “keep his head up”! We will continue to pray for Peter. Thank you again Matt. You have been a wonderful connection for all of us who want nothing else but for Peter to win!
Peter, WOW, WHAT GREAT NEWS!!!!
Keep fighting. You have so many angels on your side I don’t think
I could count them all. You have angels from all over the country
watching over you, so stay strong. I’m glad Gramma and Grampa
Poopster and your sisters got to see you last week. I bet it was great
to have all that company last weekend. Sounds like an angel named
Jake helped to make that possible.
I talked to Henrik last night, and reminded him to say extra prayers for
you, and he promised he would.
Thinking and praying hard for you all everyday.
Jan
We are so thrilled to hear of these wonderful steps forward!
Our thoughts and prayers continue.
God bless you all!
Tommy, Lisa and Abby
Too Cool. That’s what you are! What ever you are doing it is the right thing…keep it up. We are all cheering for you…can you hear us!!
Boy oh boy, Peter, you sure do have a good memory, remembering all those skee ball points! Keep up the good work, soaking up all the love and prayers, being your strong, smart self.
Thank You God is the best thing we can say today with all of this good news.
Love,
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rose
Way to go Peter! Between your iron will, your family’s unwavering and steadfast love and support, the doctors care, and your prayer teams, you can’t help but make it over the next hurdles as well. You are AWESOME with a capital A!
With continued prayers,
The Bastians
Peter-You are one tough guy.Keep battling and we will keep praying for your recovery.PS-Ty and Erika keep up your strength and we will be praying that your life will be back to normal soon.The Funk’s
Peter and family,
Wow this is fantastic news ! Keep up the fight we are all cheering for you. It will not be long and a rematch at Skee Ball will be in order. I am confident that with all these small steps will come a fast walk before you know it. Take care and our thoughts and prayers are withyou always.
Hugs to you all,
Dean, Denise, Blake, Bren, & Tiffany
Hi Pete!
It’s great news that you are starting to get better. I hope you are feeling well. We can’t wait until you’re back in Brainerd, and we can see you at the arena again.
Do you know what I think? You’ve already won this fight – the germs just don’t know it yet!
Our family is all praying for you. Last night, I tried to pray as long as I could for you, and I prayed for 15 minutes! I hope you get well soon,
Love,
Erica Swanson
peter! the good news is sooo good to hear!! keep fighting, you’ll get through all of this!! you have to get better soon so you, me, molly and scott can have a rematch football game and this time i am determined to beat you 🙂 my prayers are with you and your family! stay strong little pete!
love,
elle adams
Great News! Peter – keep on fighting!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Andy, Jen, Jacob and Brady
Wonderful News Peter! Keep it coming!
Amy, Robert and Emerson Gordon
Gramma Mary here. Wow, what a wonderful group of friends and family Peter has. You are all so appreciated. Last night Ty, Erika, Troy and Michelle went out to dinner with Ralph and Stack, two of Troy’s friends who have let us take over their Manhatten homes. While they were gone I read Peter all the comments from the last few days. He especially liked to hear that someone thinks he is toughter than Joe Mauer. I asked him if he was stronger than A-Rod too and he shook his head yes.
I was holding his hand and told him his finger looked like ET’s finger. He lifted his skinny little arm up and pointed his finger at the sky – I said “ET phone home” and he shook his head yes. His nurse Jen was amazed at the movement and the fact that he knew who ET was. Thanks Abby and Aunt Janie for sharing that classic while Peter was going through his bone marrow transplant.
Thanks for all the prayers – you are all very special.
Love Gramma Mary
PS As usual the nurses are fighting over Peter. They are all trying to take care of him. What a Lady’s Man!!!
WOW!!!
To read the website is just amazing. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.
More thoughts & prayers.
Tip & Diane
Wow! We are so excited to hear the encouraging news! Peter, you are amazing. We are all learning so much from you, and from your dear, courageous fight. Thanks to all who keep us so well informed. What a wonderful family of friends when support and love are so needed. We miss you all, Eigners! Peace, love, and prayers from the Zauhars.
Thank you God!! Pete you are amazing! You are a true warrior. You and that wonderful, strong, loving family of yours continue to be in our daily prayers. Keep fighting Pete. You are our hero!!
Love,
The Sullivan Family
P.S. The highlight of our day is checking your website. Thanks so much Uncle Matt for all the updates. Thanks especially for sharing this wonderful news.
What Great News tonight… Peter will get off That Machine and Breathe on His own…You will see.. he has a Heart of a champion…. World Champion…. Way Go to Eigners.. What Great family support,,
We continue to Pray for a Full Recovery..
Love
The Cohen Family..
Ps. Lord hear our Prayers……..