Not Your Pitch, Pete.

I’ll try to sprinkle some lighter moments in here when the Pete-man makes us laugh. So here’s the first of such posts…

Over the weekend Peter was in a weakened state of recovery and I was reading him his new favorite book (I certainly wasn’t the first to read it to him).  The book is titled “If I Were a Minnesota Twin” and it’s one of those cutout books where you insert your own photo. The hero’s face is cut out on every page and it’s filled by a grinning Peter. That’s kind of funny on its own when you see it.

So the book starts with the Twins playing the White Sox and the Twins fall behind 2 – 1. The Twins manager calls on Peter to pinch hit in the bottom of the ninth to save the day. The first pitch is delivered to Peter (grinning at the plate) and the ump calls out “Striiike!”

I’m about to flip the page when Peter, not feeling strong enough to move his head, rolls his eyes towards me and says, “That was a ball”, in a soft, airy voice.
“But the ump called it a strike”, I respond.
“It was inside.”

Hah! I guess the artist didn’t plan on the reader having such a good eye at the plate. I just kind of turned to the next page so he could hit the home run and save the day.

42 Replies to “Not Your Pitch, Pete.”

  1. Peter, Ty & Erika-

    I’ll be following Matt’s blog and pulling for you during this tough time. Stay strong together and take care of each other.

    Thom Buck & Family

  2. Erika and Ty,
    My heart goes out to you and your family. I will pray that there is a cure for Peter. He is such a beautiful child and I so enjoyed the time I spent with him when he was a baby. Be strong and trust in the Lord.
    Love,
    Linda Jones

  3. Ty and Erika, what a shock to see and hear about Peter yesterday. He is one special guy and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will continue to moniter this sight to see his progress. Please give him a high five from me when you get a chance. God Bless you all, Cheryl

  4. Hello Peter!
    This is Tara, (Emily Clare, Lily, and Parker’s Auntie). I miss seeing you when I stop by the daycare on my lunch break. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you are feeling better very soon so you can play at daycare again. You are a very special little guy and we are all wishing you and your family the best!
    Love,
    “Auntie” Tara

  5. Hello Erika and Ty
    I am so very very sorry. I can’t imagine what you two are going through. I am keeping you and yours in my prayers. Poor little pumpkin…..Keep up the faith and know that we are all fighting for Peter…..
    If there is anything we can do please let us know….Am putting out a prayer call for you and yours……………
    will keep up with the news on the “blog”
    Jeanne (Cygneture Title)

  6. Matt,

    As everyone has mentioned, thank you so much for putting this site together. I have passed it on to many and it helps so much to have the updates and to know of Peter’s condition on an ongoing basis. The outpouring of love is so special as well. I loved the story about the Twins book.

    Erika and Ty,

    Peter is a very special gift from God and it is obvious with all of the comments that have been posted over the past 5 days. Your support system is amazing and I know that all the prayers and the thoughts help tremendously.

    Peter,

    My little nephew, Jon, was in the hospital last year with a very scary disease as well and he also had a lot of people praying for him like you do. He ended up turning the disease around and he is now healthy and playing around like crazy. He lives up by your Grandma and Grandpa Hanson in Cross Lake. Maybe one day you will need to meet him and he can tell you how everything is going to be ‘ok’.

    Always in my thoughts and prayers,
    Amy Reusse (Rabe)

  7. Hey Ty and Erica,

    I’m at the MAC store where I’m transfering data to my new computer. I went downstairs to check my email where I found a note from my mom concerning Pete’s blog. I think the MAC store customers think I’m crazy because I’m a crying as I’m online reading all of this for the first time. They must think my computer problems are bad! Ha!

    I’m so sorry this has befallen Peter, who according to Jim is one of the greatest kids he’s ever met. Cancer is certainly never plays the “fair-game”. But I can tell you I witnessed first hand the healing power of the constant love and prayers of our friends and family when my mother battled her own “bad guys”. And you clearly have that in spades. Add me to that long list of prayers and love.

    Did I ever tell you how she would visualize the cancer as bad guys in black jerseys on the ice playing against my brother and his friends and ever goal they scored, one of this disappeared? I thought that was the cutest. Peter is a sports-fiend by the sound of it. I’ll visualize him hitting the cancer out the ballpark.

    My love to you both. I will continue to stay in touch.

    XO Jackie

  8. i will actually post a note later when Uncle Matt is here to show me how, but for now want to let all of you know who are visiting Peter’s Page, how very much Ty and I appreciate all of your comments, phone calls, visits, prayers, etc. Words cannot express our gratitude. Keep them coming – we’ve got a long road ahead, but Peter is a champ and he will pull through this with all of your love and support. Thanks again, Erika & Ty

  9. To the Eigner family.
    We were so upset to hear about Peters illness. Never remembered a child that can light up a room like he can. Ty and Erica if there is anything we can do at any time please don.t hesitate to call. We’ve been in your shoes and it not easy but the Lord sure does provide the strength when we need it . Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and for a full recovery for Peter he is such a ray of sunshine.
    Love to you all
    Paul and Jan

  10. My Buddy –

    Can’t wait to see you later today! I wish I was there right now, hanging out and maybe having some of that yummy “ice cream.” Although, maybe that is what caused my funny “toot” last night. 🙂 I love you SO much and am thinking about you constantly.

    Erika and Ty – As parents you both continue to amaze Matt and I with your strength and courage. We were just talking the other night about how we wish we could bottle up your parenting skills to put into action someday when we have kids.

    We love all of you so much. I’ll be there as soon as I can today.

  11. Hi Ty and Erika
    Just thought I would let you know Peter is in our prayers everyday
    our family thinks of all of you all the time …
    Keep strong and let us know what we can do to help…
    Take care
    Dena, Mike , Justin, zach and Emma

  12. Our mutual friend – Amy Gordon has shared Peter’s story with me and although, we have never had the opportunity to meet – know that you are a part of thoughts, prayers and best wishes all the way from Colorado.
    The photos you have posted are truly heart warming, and what a beautiful charming boy you have been blessed with. And it would most certainly seem that he has been blessed with a wonderful family and friends.
    Ana

  13. Dear Ty and Erika

    Im sorry to hear what happen to Peter, I know I had a blast this summer playing around with him. I hope and pray he recovers to full health.

    Your friend,

    Conrad

  14. Ty, Erika, and the Pete-Man

    You guys are forever in my thoughts and prayers. Pete is such a strong and special young man. I know everyone truly enjoys his youthful spirit when he is hanging around hockey camp. Wishing you guys a fast and healthy recovery.

    Lisa Beck

  15. Ty, Erika, Peter, Mary and Family:

    Please know that many, many are asking about, thinking of, and praying for you. You are continuously on our minds. We so look forward to you coming home. Keep up the good fight. Special things happen to special people. Our love and prayers to you.

    Todd, Kristi, Devon, Ciera, and Eian

  16. Just wanted you to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. May you feel the presence of God with you at all times throughout this journey.
    Erika, thank you for the email. Again, my offer stands if you need anything at all please let me know. I
    Hang in there!!!

    Tracie Webster

  17. Hi Peter,

    I’m sorry we won’t likely be able to see you today but we’re always thinking about you. Your mom told me that you were down the hall playing basketball with Emily. That’s fantastic!! It is amazing how quickly you’ve been gaining strength. You are so brave.

    Macy wanted to make you another card today so I’ll bring it tomorrow with another lemon jello sundae!

    Auntie Meeses

  18. Stay strong big guy. Sam Gabbie and Max are looking forward to our next pontoon ride and playing around hockey camp next summer.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you

    Eric Amy Sam Gabbie & Max

  19. Eigners…Just a note to let you know your family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. The Warrior Nation is pulling for Peter to get healthy. God Bless….

    Kal, Kari, and David Stengrim

  20. Peter, Erika and Ty;
    Just want you to know we are thinking of your everyday and most importantly, we are praying for you everyday. You are a strong and good family and we know the best will come out of this. Keep your faith and please ask for help if you need it. There are alot of people willing to help and be there for you. Please let us know if there is
    ANYTHING WE CAN DO.

    Bob and Karen

  21. Please note that we are raffling off an authentic, and autographed, Mario Lemieux jersey @ Shep’s on 6th in Brainerd, MN starting today. Our goal is to raise monies to help pay for out of pocket expenses the Eigner family will incur in fighting this dreaded disease. Shep is one of those special guys always willing to help others and he was eager to get this raffle going. This is a great week-end for the raffle because the Elbow Convention is August 26th and 27th.

    With a little luck, a substantial amount of money will be brought in.

    Take some time, stop in @ Shep’s, and buy a raffle ticket.

    You only have to meet this little guy one time to know you would want to help him out during a time of need. Peter is special; a young man created to impact those fortunate to meet him.

  22. ty, erika, peter and all of eigner clan,

    a quick note to let you know we are keeping peter in our prayers for a positive and healthy recovery.

    with much care and concern
    john, cori and lars

  23. Peter and the rest of the Family,

    Greetings from Colorado! You are such an inspiration to all of us that know you and love you. It is amazing how you are clearing all these hurdles with such bravery and grace. We are thinking of you all every day and hoping that today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today. As you all know, my Mom (Jan Elvin) has some “classic” words of wisdom…she always tells me “It’s just another wrinkle in the fabric of life” – I can’t believe I am saying this (tell her and I will deny it) but it actually seems fitting in this instance. This too will be ironed out in time. Until then, know we are here for you whatever you need – all of you.

    Much Love and Care,

    Aimer, Robert and Emerson Gordon

  24. Peter, Erica, and Ty:

    My thought are with you during your tough time. It’s amazing how strong children are and what they can endure with the love of their family. I will continue to watch the progress on this blog and look forward to all of the good news that we’ll all get to read soon!!

  25. Hi Peter,
    I saw Eli and Kate last weekend, we had a fun time playing together, they are doing just great but i’m sure they miss you. Phil and I hope to come see you soon. This web site of yours is just wonderful, it keeps us informed on how you are doing and gives us some good laughs, you are so funny! Hang in there buddy and God Bless You.
    Teri Walen

  26. Peter, Ty & Erica,
    Our thoughts and prays are with you also. We know your all strong and with a positive attitude you’ll beat this thing. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
    Con & Lucy

  27. Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We think about your family many times during the day, and say a prayer whenever we think of you. We sure do love that little Pete-man, and can’t wait to see him again at preschool and hockey. Stay strong and trust in God. And please let us know if we can do anything for you. Love, the Kvalevog’s

  28. Hello Eigner family, You may not know us but our son Jake spent a significant amount of time at Noth Memorial last year at this time due to being hit on his bike by a truck. He nearly died. I can’t express to you how much my heart is breaking for you and Peter right now. No parent should have to watch their child suffer. We had such a hard time watching our son lay there in a coma, and the recovery was hell, but he plugged along. Those little hockey players are tough cookies. Children are far more brave than we give them credit for. You may feel like you are just spinning right now take comfort in knowing that so many people are praying their hearts out for Peter right now. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS was one saying that kept resurfacing during our difficult time and the truth of the matter is that it does. Peter will get through this because God has bigger plans for him out there. Just know that we have been where you are now and no one can know how you feel right now, quite frankly, it just plain sucks, but people are praying for your family and want to know what, if anything can be done to help you in any way. Please let us know if we can do anything to make this time even a tiny bit less dificult on you. We have a visit on friday with our neurosurgeon down there, so if you guys need anything please let us know , Jake wants to send Peter something special. So watch for that in the mail. We will continue to pray. Trina Volkl

  29. The Eigner Family,

    The news of Peter’s illness was very difficult hear. As a father I cannot begin to comprehend what you must be dealing with. Every night my girls and I are praying for Peter and your family. We are very hopeful this challenge can be conquered. Stay strong!

    The Back Family.

  30. Ty & Erika – My 4 year old son River and I are praying for you and Peter. Stay strong, God Bless.
    Terry

  31. Hey Peter,

    I dont know you but my dad knows you and we both hope and pray that you get to skate on his ice again. Livestrong! God bless Ty, Erika, and family! By the way Pete that pitch was a ball!!!! Hit the next one out!!!

    Love,
    Morgan

  32. Ty, Ericka, Peter and Family
    A quick note to let you know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We believe that with faith, family, and friends you will get through this difficult time. You’ve got a great support network out here – don’t be afraid to use us for whatever you need. God Bless.
    Todd & Heidi Brown family

  33. Ty, Ericka, Peter and family,

    Our prayers and thoughts are with you all the way from Colorado. Keep your chin up. Filling your heart with happy memories will help you find your smile. I wish I could reach out and hug you.

    The Mulders

  34. Amy Gordon sent a prayer request to a few people, who in turn sent it on to others. I am one of the people on the ‘other’ list. I know that prayers work. My nephew is a living miracle of that. He survived 3 gun shot wounds to the head, with no ill effects. I know it was the sheer grace of God and the prayers of thousands that saved him. I will send this link to all my prayer warriors.

    I wish you and the family the best.

  35. Dear Ericka, Ty, Peter and family

    I have tried serveral times to send our wishes of support but words feel so inadequate….Please know that you are continually in our thoughts and prayers. Peter you are truly a BRAINERD WARRIOR in every sense of the word….keep up the good job and above all keep smiling…you have a whole community praying very very hard for you……you’re famous 🙂 With Love and Prayers The Reponen’s
    Bud LoAnn Mike and Natalie

    ps Mike is going to be a Concordia “Cobbler” this year his dad is teasing him about having to wear a corn cob 🙂

  36. Hi Peter,
    Guess what? Hockey camp is all over so all of the hockey boys have gone home. Dad would be done coaching so you wouldn’t have to go to dryland anymore this year. Dino, Woody, Gringo, and Joe are the only ones left at camp. It is pretty quiet especially without you here coming up in the office. You are the only person that noticed i wasn’t wearing my glasses and I must have gotten new contacts. I was so happy to hear someone noticed. I thought it was amazing that a four year old would be aware of this. But knowing you, Peter, it doesn’t surprise me you did. i know you will get better and be back here at home and at the camp again soon.
    Love you,
    Grandma Claire

  37. **Hey Pete! I remember those cut out books! they were mine and Mikes favorite when we were little. hang in there buddy, i know its not fun to be sick but you will get better soon enough…your a tough hockey player and they pull through anything. words are not enough to express my thoughts and prayers for you and your family. my heart goes out to you all. I am keeping you all, especially my favorite little hockey player(Pete) in my thoughts and prayers at all times. Pete, you are a tough kid and i kknow you have the courage and will power to pull through. keep going strong buddy! My prayers are with you all.
    Love and happy thoughts,
    Jessica Baker

  38. Hi Ty and Ericka:

    I was shocked and saddened to hear about Peter. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out. I will be thinking about you and praying for the best. Tell Peter to stay strong and come home soon!

    Becky Butcher

  39. Dear Ty, Ericka and Peter,
    We just wanted to drop a note and let you know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Each day we think about you, talk about you and pray that the good Lord is holding you in his loving hands. We pray that you are blessed with all the love, strength and support that you could ever dream of. And although our hearts break to know that you are going through this experience, we trust that happier days are ahead. 🙂
    All our love, prayers and support.
    Tommy, Lisa and Abby Woog

  40. Ty, Erika and family:
    Our whole family is praying for you during this time. Be strong. There’s a miracle right around the corner.
    Take care everyone.

  41. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, I am a friend of Dave Cohen’s… and he told me about your recent discovery and also of your website. I am here to tell you that your little boy CAN pull through this, I watched it first-hand with Dave’s son, Jake, who also was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. You look at Jake now and you’d never know all battling and treatment he endured.
    It will be tough… but strength, love and prayer will get you through it. Stay strong.

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