Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

We are so sorry that it has taken us so long to update you.  As you know, Erin Hope's birthday was in February and that same week was the six month anniversary of her "homegoing".  That was a very emotional week but God brought us through it just fine.  Since the last update, Erin Hope's brother, sister and mother celebrated birthdays.  Erin Hope's dad's birthday is coming soon. 

 

Mother's day also was difficult, I think more so for Erin Hope's dad than for her mother.  But, God is so good and gives us just what we need when we need it!

 

School is almost over and the kids are so ready.  Hannah just finished her "End of Grade" testing.  It reminded me of when Erin Hope took her end of grade testing a couple of months before her homegoing.  We were a little concerned since she had missed several days of school.  But she sailed right through them and scored well and even made the honor roll!  Hannah thinks she is going to do well too.  We know she is.  She is so smart and beautiful and such a good and cool kid.  We are so proud of her! 

 

Andrew is finishing up kindergarten and has had a good year.  He is doing well with his reading.  He has also started T-ball again.  God has given him such a talent for sports.  He too, is handsome, sweet and kind and a cool dude.

 

There is not a day goes by that we don't think of and miss terribly our little Erin Hope.  Most days are met with happy and sad memories that bring tears to our eyes.  But always, we're thanking God that she is finally healed and not dealing with cancer any longer.

 

Recently, we were asked to share by Erin Hope's physician in a presentation to senior medical students about "Death and Dying In Children".  We had expressed an interest in participating and he was gracious to ask us.  The presentation went very well and we were made welcome.  Several of those medical students had helped take care of Erin Hope and remembered her.  At least one student told us that Erin Hope changed her life after meeting her.  She is just one of many whose life has been changed!  The students seemed very grateful that we shared.  We thought that we might just break down and cry during it but we didn't.  Her physician also had several pictures of Erin Hope in his slideshow.

We recently attended the local American Cancer Society Relay For Life event.  This is the same event that Erin Hope was Honorary Chairman of last year.  It was very moving and emotional, especially on the Survivor's Lap.  Lots of thoughts were racing through our heads as we wondered what it would be like for Erin Hope to walk it this year and how much we wanted her to be with us.  We stood with a couple who have become good friends whose daughter was diagnosed with a different kind of liver cancer several years before Erin Hope.  She continues to do well.  We hugged and cried during the survivor's lap while their daughter walked as a survivor.  They are such a tremendous blessing to us and we love them very much.  Thanks guys!  Erin Hope's Mom and Dad were asked to carry a lit torch around the luminary lit track in memory of Erin Hope and others who had passed away from cancer.  We were followed by a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace".  It was very emotional!  Lots of people there came to know and love Erin Hope and miss her too.  Please, support your local cancer society. 

 

We are so sorry that we haven't updated the photo album in such a long time.  We just haven't taken the time.  There are pictures that others have just recently shared with us and others that we need to get up. 

 

May God continue to bless you as He has us.  God is good...ALL the time!!!