2018 Highlights

Hey Blog Readers,
    I know it is rare that I write any more and my apologies on that. Life for me is in full swing at this stage. College has been demanding and extremely challenging. With many other things going on, such as family, work, and relationships with those around me, the challenge of day to day living is huge.
    As most know, I have been attending Collin College for quite a while. This last semester I transferred to the University of Texas at Dallas, still covered under the Scottish Rite Hospital Legacy Scholarship and took two Psychology classes. After living at Collin College for a while, I moved to another apartment five minutes away from UTD and got to know two new room mates who are also psychology majors. Family issues continued to rise throughout the last semester, due to people's decisions. I struggled on my own at the apartment, trying to provide for my self, pay the rent, attend class and be awake enough to study my material. I lost my job at Avis and Budget due to lack of business in the company and continued to live off my savings. I did eventually run out of money and had to return home the week of finals.

     The other blessing I was apart of was being able to go back to Ukraine back in September. All through out the year of 2017 I raised money to help supply kids with necessities such as beds, chairs, etc., in Ukraine. Thankfully I was able to go and deliver the money myself and see who it got to bless. Alex(my former boyfriend) got to come with me and see my motherland. I was also able to visit my own orphanage thanks to the help of Papa Dima, who I dearly love and miss. I got to walk through the rooms of my past and smell the perfume of fear that I will never forget. I saw familiar faces that once cared for me and heard the language I once spoke. Some familiar faces were happy to see me and some were not. One familiar face even asked about Sarah and wanted to know how she was doing. I saw the beds that many children who misbehaved were tied to at night time, and took a picture of the one Sarah slept in. I saw the many plastic chairs I use to sit in for a meal and remembered stacking them up neatly after our meals. I listened to laughter of small children as their faces lit up with smiles and complete joy, because of the strange company that was now paying attention to them. Their hands reached up to you and their eyes screamed "hold me." They were so small, fragile, and so beautiful. I walked over to the older kids area and stood next to the door I use to lean on to scratch my nose. I listened and watched again, as I walked in to the next room. I saw a child run to me and grab my hands pulling me down and pointing for me to sit. Her hands were icy cold and she wore stalkings like I use to. She was skinny...very skinny. She held on to me with her head down and her body rocking back and forth. How familiar this all was to me. I heard another child break into tears and began to sob right as Alex held and picked him up. His cry reminded me of Sarah, when she use to cry in this awful building. It was the desperate cry. 
     I moved back home after my return from Ukraine, due to job loss and not enough money to survive on my own. For the next year I continued to live at home and go to school at UT Dallas, being covered under Scottish Rite Hospital Scholarship and working part time at odd jobs.  

An Update On My Busy life

Hey there guys. I apologize for not posting as much as I had planned but life once again got ahead of me, keeping me from updating all you interested readers. :) I have a few pics to kinda show you about my eventful life that will show ya'll what I've been up to.

Have I ever told ya'll how wonderful my parents are, and oh how much fun they bring in my crazy life.!! They bring me absolute joy from day to day. The picture below captures who they are perfectly! My father is the most sarcastic man I've ever known, filled with excitement in his heart and the joy of watching his children grow up. He loves every single one of us Minich boys and girls, the ones who have done well, as well as the ones who continue to do poorly. Papa loves receiving hugs and then sneaking in a tickle a time or two. And I love giving it to him. Even with his crazy silliness and sarcasm, he has such a gentle and loving spirit which makes him such a wonderful man and father.  My mother, who is absolutely beautiful or "drop dead gorgeous" has the love of saint. And I don't say this lightly. I have never met another woman who has given so much love to the most unlovable people on the planet. I have watched this wonderful God fearing lady love every single one of her children in a way that I've seen no other parent do. She has endlessly given up her desires and wants and put others first. She has a gentle and loving heart, which shines brighter than any jewel. This gentleness is portrayed almost everyday and it is beautiful to see. She has taught me the real definition of what love is and what sacrificial love looks like. The beauty you see in the picture below, is also a small glimpse of my mom's beautiful big heart. Oh, and did I mention how crazy this mama can be. Yes, She has the spirit of a young adult which is so much fun for Sarah and I. 

This pic below was taken at Winter Park, Colorado with an Amputee Ski group which Sarah and I were amazingly invited to again. It was a great week spent with some amazing people who have overcome great obstacles in their life. This is one week in our lives, where we spend time with teens who understand our circumstances, make jokes and laugh about it with us. 

Went down 36 mph this year. The fastest on record for my ski group!

Um, yes. My sister and our church friend. This was after our Church service was over and we were goofing off in the church parking lot. Oh and Sarah has her permit so she's been enjoying time behind the wheel. 

Sarah and I got invited to a birthday party with a bunch of boys. Our Friend John, turned 17 and wanted both us to be apart of it. We had a blast with them, I didn't realize how much fun guys could be. Thanks bro, Sarah and I really enjoyed it. 

This guy though! Happy birthday brother from a different mother, and thanks for having us apart your birthday event. 

Not to long ago, we had the pleasure of witnessing a baptism in our Church. 

So I was scrolling through my pictures on my ipod one day and came across this memorable picture of me and my father dancing to a song called "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman. I love this song, way more than I should, but it captures in words the relation between a father and his daughter, and oh how precious the time is. It captures how fast this time goes especially in the fathers eyes, and how the days may be long, but the years go by fast. Mama took this picture during the daddy daughter dance at our neighbors wedding and I absolutely love it and will always treasure it. And then one day, if this day does happen to me, another picture will be recaptured, but I will be wearing the white gown and he will once again, dance with his Cinderella, but this time, after the clock has struck midnight. 

Sarah and I got to meet up with some former ski trip friends on a Friday in which we enjoyed a wonderful lunch talking and catching up on each others lives. 

So putting aside my crazy life, I've been blessed with a full payed scholarship to any College I choose!! Life really has amazing opportunities and I can't wait to go out in the world to experience more of it. I'm super excited to put this scholarship to use, and can't wait to learn more. Watch out UTD, here I come!

I surprised myself this year and passed all my college classes with all A's! Feeling very successful in my education this semester. Fingers crossed for the next semester. 

Okay so this picture is my favorite at the moment. This is mama and Sarah doing workouts on the floor before heading to bed. I'm telling you, if you were there, you would not have stopped laughing the entire time of watching this. My mom's determined face and Sarah laughing so hard captures only the small part of an end to our busy day! You got this mom. I believe in you. 

Oh, did I forget to mention I'm graduating this year. I am. I have finally done it. Finished up all my high school years and already in the midst of some college education. I had the pleasure spending time with a photographer friend who captured my graduation pictures for the invitations I've been sending out to all the people I love and have been apart of my life. Thanks Mr. Palmer. Really enjoyed last Sunday. 

Sarah and I continue to work at Little Caesars, me as the cashier, and her as the pizza maker. I can't express how much fun it is to have her there. We laugh together while making pizza, make other employees laugh while cleaning dishes, converse with those about Christianity who are willing to listen and have questions to ask! When it's not busy at the store, Sarah comes up and joins me at the Register, in which we both have the pleasure of making customers either smile or laugh, and often times all I have to do is tease her about forgetting the penny she owes to the customer, or the pizza she forgot to get out, and even make fun of her when she tries to tear the receipt for the customer to sign, but she can't. LOL. She brings me absolute joy and lifts my spirit when I'm tired of dealing with hungry people who want their five dollar pizza pronto!

Life in the Minich family continues, with it's hardships and joys. Some of us have chosen wisely in life, and others not so much. Some of us have moved away and chosen a different life than we knew before, and others are still awaiting to come home. C. S. Lewis once said that “Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” Life is this teacher, and boy have I learned! I still have much to learn, some of which will be taught through more suffering and other things which will discovered through joy.

Hope y'all enjoyed.
More about life to come!!

Erika M.

Wishing a Friend Happy Birthday

 Thinking of this friend and remembering his birthday! 

Happy Birthday Pat, and thanks so much for all you do and have done for me.

 Thanks for all your silliness.

 and for letting me save you seat.

 For all the snowmobile rides and the many small talks.

 For talking with me and letting me get to know you and hear your story. 

Enjoy your special day.

Erika M.

Skit Trip 2016

Hey there guys.
My life has been a crazy roller coaster, as some of you know. But something recently that Sarah and I both were invited to is taking place right not. Something so wonderful, I can't believe I'm apart of it. The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Ski Trip. Sarah and I have both gone a couple times before and truly have enjoyed it. After our last trip, we thought it was it.....but no. We got called back to be apart of the 35th Annual Ski Trip. A trip that was first thought of by Doctor Tony Herring, Chief of Staff Emeritus at Scottish Rite. I can't express how amazing this Dr. is. He has operated on many of us kidoes and has cared for each one. He is like a father to many of us kids, and even to some colleges which he's taught at Scottish Rite. Many people are apart of this trip and have helped to make it what it is. Saint Bernards donated many useful things, American Airlines provided us free trips to Colorado and back to Texas, and all the staff at Scottish Rite. They have all made this trip what it is. AMAZING.

Here I am, on the plane with my sister and  12 other awesome teens, ready to take on the Colorado slopes.

Greatest cake yet.

Here's goofy Amy. She's the media lady who will have camera's in our faces for the week.

Dr. Herring speaking.

Dr. Herring made Sarah and me laugh. He's such a cool doc.

This guy is Daniel Masy. He is missing both hands and feet is responsible for much of the things I'm able to do on my own. We met him first at camp and he gave my mom some great advice, about how not to do everything for you kid. He's married an has two kids and does about everything in life. 

Last pic with an American Airlines guy I met last year.

Getting ready to board.

Selfie before take off. Sarah and were assigned seats together.

In Colorado!!

The most lovely drive to Idaho springs to get some pizza.

It is tradition to stop at this restaurant to get pizza and get to know each other. I happen to sit with all the boys, so buy the time we left, my table had no pizza left, whereas the others had loads leftover.

This was our first day out to skiing. The bus ride to NSCD.

Found out that there's a pic of me and my in-structures daughter hanging in the equipment room. Felt so honored. 

Ahh, feels so good to be back here. I got Smoky as my trainer once again, and Meridith who is an intern. Such a great day.

Got to hang out with this awesome old man, who is super funny and also know very well what he does in the equipment room. Pictures rather blurry cause I couldn't get him to look at the camera. Love this guy.

And this is Karen. She is absolutely wonderful and works great with loads of people. I had a bad headache, so she came and sat with me, talking about all the things to do this afternoon and what she planned. I absolutely love her.

This post covered the two first days! Probably more to come.
Thanks for reading.

Erika M.

Happy Late Birthday to a Friend.

Wishing a Happy Late birthday to this guy.! (So sorry this is late)

Thank you so much for always making Sarah and me laugh! Your goofiness is never old

and always enjoyable.  Oh and Thank you so much for volunteering this year at Scottish Rite!

You've added on many more memories!! Anyways thank you for you Friendship and hope your birthday was the bomb .com!!

Erika M.

An update on life

 Hey guys! I'm back. LOL.

 So LOTS of things have happened since last time I really posted. And because of the business 

I haven't had the free time to update. So here goes. 

The volunteer progam at Scottish Rite was a blast. 

I was able to see some awesome people!

     Got to meet the old Texas A&M couch for football one volunteer day.

 Here are some awesome Docs.

 Oh and these awesome guys. Made my summer volunteering the best. Thank y'all.

 Once summer was over signing up for college was beginning. 

I got to retake the writing and math test and passed!!

 I'm a horrible writer but with amazing teaching from an English Professor I passed 1301 with an A!!! And also thanks to a dear friend as well as my mother. I can't explain how amazing that was to hear. I climbed a mile stone! With no real writing through most of high school to pass with an A is a miracle in itself.

 I was blessed to meet and play with a country artist named Pat Green at Scottish Rite.

 And this gal. She had a birthday not to long ago and is not long from adult hood.

 I can't express how much I love her. We have lots of inside jokes that only make since to us, and ones only we could laugh at! It drives Sarah crazy. She makes me laugh every time she gets home from school or work! I've so enjoyed sharing a room with her this last year and hearing all the exciting, fun, and sometimes even sad things she had to tell me. I love how I can make her smile or laugh when something has upset her. I love being apart of her life and will always be there if she needs a shoulder to lean on or someone to make her laugh! Love you sister and it's a joy to watch you grow up.

 And this sista. She keeps stealing my ipod to take selfies.

 Here's another one at church. She can't get enough of her self. LOL. I'm kidding. 

 One special Sunday she was brave, stood on stage, and was willing to share her testimony of coming to faith. She had the pleasure of getting baptized by her father.  SO proud of her. She was talking about doing this for a long time but was to afraid, so this was a big step.

 We have such great friends who were there to witness it.

 Saturday get together with amazing friends and home made pizza!

 Got to hang out awesome guy and his family. He's like a brother to me and his family is fabulous!

 First selfie with this gal!!!

 I am so blessed to have such amazing friends. I have grown up with these girls and love them all. When we were young we use to get together every Friday and have what we called "play dates". Times have changed and we have all grown up. Some have reached adult hood and others are so close.  Jobs, college and other responsibilities have entered in our lives faster than most would like. Our "play dates" have become less and seeing each other is like a treat. We all got together recently  and went to the state fair of Texas and caught up on each of our lives. We now make a hug effort huge effort to get together on Saturday's laughing and watching the old Star Wars movies, which by the way I have never seen before.

 I got the pleasure of taking pictures of my sista and her boyfriend. I hope he realizes what a gal he's got.

 Got together at a coffee shop with moms and moms-in-law and sisters and sisters-in-law and a baby. It's sometimes so refreshing to hang out with all females!

 If only the job at burger king was a delight. Sadly, there is horrible management there and the business is slow!

 Fall is upon us and the change of season have taken their course. It's rather amazing to watch and capture.

 I'm telling you, these pecans are nutty! The picture below is a comparison to my dad's pecan and my mom's. Dad's is the perfect one and mom's is the messed up one. LOL.

 Thanks giving has come and gone. We had a wonderful meal made by many family member's hands. My brother came with his family as well as my uncle from my dad's side and Stevie's boyfriend and his family. There were generations of family at our half painted white house which stood on an acre with one lonesome Pine tree and the rocky drive way! Grandma's, moms, daughters, daughters-in-laws, sons, children and babies; all in on small country house! Not everyone was there but, I was surrounded by people who loved me, and that was enough. 

Happy Late Thanksgiving. 

Erika M.