The challenges continue, but there haven’t been any setbacks. Fevers have come and gone and even though they haven’t bothered Peter much, they won’t be getting out of the hospital until those are under control. They may be caused by a collapsed area of his left lung. Physical therapy continues to be hard on him. The chicken nuggets didn’t work and eating remains a struggle.
OK, so now that I have that information out of the way, I can move on to some brighter news. Yesterday he went to the playroom twice on his own and took a walk. He even showered (a HUGE step in Erika’s words). He ate an ice cream sundae last night that he made himself in his room. Also, Peter had made/colored a butterfly back in the spring while at the U. Yesterday evening, they received a call from the Children’s Cancer Research Fund that he is a winner of their butterfly drawing contest. Peter and two guests will be invited to a celebration in November where the winners will be honored. Humble Peter is being too shy to tell anyone, but that sounds pretty neat to me.
When the Eigners do get released from the hospital, they have made arrangements at the Ronald McDonald house until they can actually leave NYC. Thanks again to Matt and Allison Slater for opening their home to them for basically all of August. Either Ty or Erika has slept in their guest room every night (and other visitors, as well), so thanks for disrupting your routines and letting our family in. It’s very much appreciated.
Peter,
Congratulations on your big award – wow, a great artist in addition to being a great athlete?!? You have such talent, and never cease to amaze us all!
We hope your appetite comes back, so you can come home soon!
Love from the Swansons,
Lori, Cary, Luke, Brooke and Erica
Just knowing that the words “getting out of the hospital soon” are part of the doctors vocabulary is reason to celebrate!! Peter – you are one in million… maybe even one in a squillion!! Sometimes I can sit here and do nothing other than shake my head in pure amazement! You are simply the best…. better than all the rest!!
Keep on heading to that playroom…. walk… and EAT… it’s very important, Peter!! We all want you home so bad – and I am certain that you would LOVE to be back at home playing with Kate & Ellie and Barron and Teesa and sleeping in your own bed… and playing outside…. and heading to SCHOOL! (Today was the district’s Kindergarten orientation… we saw the buses making the stops today…. all the kindergartners got to have a trial run on the buses… I was thinking of you as we watched those brave kindergartners board the bus this morning! It will be you soon, I have faith!!)
We hope your fevers get under control so you can check out of the hospital… and check into the RMH (for a short period of time, right!!) and then head on HOME!!! Keep focused on the positive… and before you know it, you’ll be walking the halls of St. Francis school!
CONGRATULATIONS on your awesome winnings! WOW! I have seen the artistic abilities of this young Picasso — it is quite amazing! He can really throw together a masterpiece of an ice-arena drawing! I can only imagine how cool his butterfly must be! Our hats off to you, my friend! You are brilliant! 🙂
Enjoy the rest of the day! We pray for continued healing… and for easier times getting the food down! (Hey Peter… “an apple a day keeps the doctors away!” Keep eating!!!!)
With much love~
The Kelley’s
Jen, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker
Hi Peter,
I am so happy to hear that you are continuing to do better every day and especially happy that you go down to the play room. Good Job !! Tonight is the 1st Football game of the season at St.Cloud. We will all be thinking of you Peter. When it comes to sports you are thought of first. Everyone will continue praying for you that you continue to do well and get stronger so you can get out of the Hospital soon. Keep doing what the Doctors/ Nurses ask you to do because we want you to get stronger and better just like you do. Keep up the good work Peter. I am very proud of you.
“the Jerky Man”
Hey Peter,
On top of all your other talents, you’re an artist too. It’s wonderful to hear how well you’re doing and that you won a big award. Congratualtions !!!!
Keep on getting better Peter……..so many friends and family are praying hard for you. Our love to you all.
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz
Peter: So happy to hear that you are doing so well, keep up that fighting spirit . You got out of the hospital and are at the RMH now, bet that seems really good. Maybe really soon you will on your way home for a while.
We are so proud of you for all you have done so far and will continue to do we are sure of that. Remember we Do Believe in Miracles and you have proven that to all of us.
Have a nice weekend and hope the Drs. have good reports and news on Monday.
Hugs and Love to you all,
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rose
Hi Eigners,
Getting that appetite back is a struggle. A couple of spoons full of something with calories lots of times a day will get Pete back on the road. Jeremy had a real struggle with eating after his accident because food just didn’t taste the same as it had to him before. Load up onsmall quantities of non-parishable stuff that sounds good and you’ll have an instant snack before Pete changes his mind. We were able to add a little protein powder to things like ice cream and milk without changing the taste much. Good luck. Sounds like that Pete is on his way back to you.
Great work, too on the coloring contest! Not even in school yet and already an artist!
Peg and Mike
Wow, the Rosemount High School Art Department wants to see the butterfly picture. We are wondering if Peter gets his artistic talent from his grandma Mary????????????? Hmmmmmmm. You guys are all such troopers. I cannot imagine how you’ve made it through these months. Whew. Matt, you are really a gifted writer. I don’t know what you do for a real job but if you get bored with it, I think the Star Trib could use you. Peter, we look forward to seeing your smiling face soon in MN. Denise
Pete man, chicken nuggets are nasty anyway, keep up the good work. I love you.
Tito