Dear Friends of Romee and Benji,
Several people have encouraged me to write an update on how the grandkids are doing. They are thriving! Benji turned one year old during my recent visit, and Romee turned two years old last July.
I recently went to Truckee (near Lake Tahoe) to celebrate Benji’s first birthday. Danni’s parents came as well. Barrett’s dad was suffering from back pain and wasn’t able to join us.
The kids love life and are full of energy. Romee is now in preschool with her best friend. She has a big vocabulary, but most of the time I don’t know what she’s saying because of the pronunciation. Fortunately, Danni and Barrett understand her.
Benji is cared for in the home by a lovely woman from Argentina. She often speaks Spanish to Benji.
Below are some photos of the visit.
First day of preschool. Romee and her best friend, Ryan, embrace each other on their very first day of “school.”
“I love life.”
Baby Benji and Grandpa Pop Pop (Michael)
Life is so exciting!!
I would be happy holding Benji all day.
Romee walking Finn, the dog. Actually, it would more correct to say that Finn is walking Romee.
It’s such a treat taking long walks together in these splendid surroundings.
We are surrounded by woodland which makes taking walks among the majestic ponderosa pines a real treat.
Donner Lake is one of Romee’s favorite places
Benji’s birthday party in the backyard.
Benji mutilated his birthday cake. He had a blast!
Benji looks almost identical to Barrett when Barrett was his age. Benji is such a sweet little guy.
The kids went to a petting farm where they patted all the docile animals.
Soon Benji will be walking. Watch out!!
I love taking Benji for walks.
The kids love watching Grandpa Pop Pop making his concoctions.
Thank you for all your love, support, and interest in the grandchildren.
With love and gratitude from Gramma Rikki (Erica)
P.S. On a different subject, my third book in the trilogy, “From Doctor to Healer,” has recently been published. I think you would enjoy it. I’ll try to write about the book in my next post.
Beautiful pictures of your family..thank you for sharing
thank you, Linda!!
Dear Erica, I’m so glad to see you are all doing well. The picture with the cake is so funny! The kids look lovely and the landscapes are marvelous. I wish you more moments like these! Un abbraccio, Cristina 🌷
It’s always so nice to hear from you, Cristina. Thank you for your kind words. Un grande abbraccio per te ❤️
Hi Erica, Your grandbabies are so beautiful, and you radiate with joy as their gramma! I love seeing everyone enjoying life. Somehow I missed your last email and didn’t learn until now that your 3rd book has been published. Well, I immediately downloaded it to my Kindle and I can’t put it down. It’s so good! It’s another gripping story of your adventures in medicine. I hope you are doing well and in good health. Many blessings to you.
What a lovely message, Karen. I’m so happy that you’re enjoy my third memoir. There will be some parts that are pretty painful to read, but it has a very inspiring and uplifting ending–full of joy in spite of it all. Haha. And if you’re inspired to write a review on Amazon, I would be so grateful. But, if you don’t want to, no problem. Thank you for your good wishes. Warm hugs, Erica
Just received your new book today and I am so looking forward to reading it.
I’m so happy your got the book. If you enjoy the book, I’m wondering if you’d be willing to write a review on Amazon. If you don’t feel like it, no problem at all. But, I would love your feedback. Hugs, Erica
Hello Erica,
So glad your family is doing great! Wonderful pictures and everyone looks happy and well.Truly a good thing in these crazy times.
Blessings to all,
Cathy Louisell
What a treat to hear from you, Cathy. I hope you are thriving—in spite of these difficult time. Love, Erica
So very precious! The photos capture such joy and aliveness in each one and altogether as one big loving family. I am so very happy for you all!
Thank you so much for those kind words. I have fond memories of our time together on our walk in Santa Fe. Love and warm hugs, Erica
Hello dear Erica
Thank you for posting these lovely photos. I love the photo of Romee and Ryan embracing outside school.
Very excited about your third book and hope it is available in the UK.
Lots of love Hermina
That’s my favorite photo as well. Sending you much love, Erica
Hello dear Erica
It is such a blessing to see your beautiful grandchildren growing up. They are delightful and seem to really be enjoying life. I love the photo of Romee and Ryan embracing outside school.
Very excited about your book and hope it is available in the UK.
Lots of love Hermina
So nice to hear from you, Hermina. I’m sure there’s an Amazon.co.uk where you could buy my book. Please let me know if it carries the book or not. I just assumed that they carry the same items as in the US. In any case. it was so nice to hear from you–as always. Love and hugs, Erica
Dear Erica,
I am Deswood’s friend and it was through him that I learned about your books. I have read the first two books and was astonished at how much we have in common. I have worked as a Nurse Practitioner on Navajo Nation for six years (through out COVID) and it has changed my life in ways I never expected. My respect for you is immense and it would be a great privilege to get to know you and to learn from you as I am very interested in alternative medicine.
What a pleasant surprise to hear from you, Stephnie. I’m moved by what you said about working on the Navajo Nation. Yes, it changed my life as well. I think you would really enjoy my third book, “From Doctor to Healer.” It’s quite eye-opening about the world of mainstream medicine. In the book you we see how I cured a catastophic illness using alternative medicine. Please give my love and a big hug to Deswood. Sending you many good wishes. Erica
Beautiful family! They all radiate such happiness.
I missed the third book. Will download a copy and I can imagine it is as good as the first two. 🙂
Take care.
Hi Charlotte, How nice to hear from you. If you read “From Doctor to Healer,” I would love your feedback. Sending you many good wishes, Erica
I love seeing these pictures. Thank you for sharing your family. Romee seems tall for a 2 year old. The 1st day of school photo is precious. Better than Hallmark could ever do. LOL
As for the birthday cake, I see Benji is continuing the time honored tradition of demolition and redistribution. Such fun.
Jane, your description of the cake demolition made me laugh out loud. The embrace of the two 2-years olds is also my favorite picture.I’m sending you lots of good wishes. Love, Erica
You look BEAUTIFUL !
Thank you, Nancy!!
Dr Elliott I am so very happy for you being with your beautiful family. You look amazing
Thanks so much, Sue, for you kind words. Love always, Erica
Hi dear Erica,
What a beautiful family and what a beautiful environment. Makes me want to move to Northern California. So glad that you had this wonderful time with you family, Erica! Much love, Kenn
Thank for those lovely wordd, Kenn. ♥️
These pictures are such a joy, Erica! Thank you for posting them. It’s impossible to look at them without smiling. The picture of Benji enjoying his birthday cake is priceless; Romee’s first-day-of-school picture is precious.
Congratulations on your latest book! I’ve already ordered it and can’t wait to read it. I know it will be as terrific as your previous ones. Writing is was undoubtedly a labor of love. Thank you for sharing your amazing life with all of us this way.
Much love to you and yours,
Janet
Thank you so much for those encouraging words. Yes, the book was indeed a labor of love, and not because I love writing. I’m hoping what I faced and overcame will inspire the readers, as well as getting an inside view of mainstream medicine. Much love, Erica
Sweet! Much love,
Beth
So lovely to hear from you, Beth!! Sending my love, Erica
Wow, Erica, what a lovely family surrounded by gorgeous nature. You look so happy and healthy! Look forward to reading your new book! Love, Kate
Thank you, Kate. I value your opinion and look forward to your feedback. With fond memories, Erica
I am still smiling from looking at all the smiling faces. And Benji’s big eyes.
Your 3rd book is sure a treat and revealing. I nearly read it cover to cover without putting it down – wondering how a situation would turn out. Even after 8 years of being neighbors and friends your 3rd book held surprises for me.
Aw!! That’s so lovely what you said, Linda!! Thank you. Love, Erica
Erica, I absolutely love seeing all these wonderful photographs of your children and grandchildren and you, so healthy and radiant! Your joy and love for all of them is so present. Thank you for sharing this with us all. I love it every time!
And congratulations on your book! Can’t wait to get a copy.♥️♥️♥️♥️
I will get you a copy of my book soon, when we’re together. Sending you lots of love and gratitude. Erica
Always love seeing these precious photos of your wonderful family. So much beauty in nature. Thank you for sharing with your fans. I look forward to reading your third book. Your RPCV Senegal friend!
Oh, what a treat to hear from you!! I would love your feedback about the third book. Sending warm hugs, Erica
I love you, Dr. Elliott! Thank you for sharing the photos and commentaries. A real treat, and, speaking of healing, healing!
I love you too, Celeste. ♥️
Dear Erica,
What a beautiful family!
No surprise there… but a DELIGHT to behold!!
Thank you so much for sharing them with us!
❤️H
Thank you, Heidi. Can’t wait to get together.❤️
Love the pictures/update. I have finished my life work, more ways than one. Soon as I get wheels will come for a talk. I don’t think I can attach anything here but just got the final copy and will send by email.
I look forward to seeing you, Lynn. Love, Erica
Thank you, erica, beautiful pictures.I’m so happy you have grandchildren.Read the light in ours.We have five granddaughters.I’ll send you some pictures before long, love mary.
I would love to see picture of your grandkids. My email address is ericamelliott@gmail.com What a special family your have. Love, Erica
Wow– what a powerhouse of pictures you’ve selected. Those of Romy and Benji (He didn’t even need chocolate on his cake to make a splash) are endearing and powerful but the huge heartfelt pleasure on your pics takes the cake for me. So happy for you, Erica. To create a whole family is the apex you can leave.
With a big hug, Bob
What a lovely treat to hear from you, Bob. I hope you’re doing well–in spite of these times we live in. Thank you for your comments which put a smile on my face. I think of you fondly. Love, Erica
How delightful, dear Erica, to read about you, your wonderful grandchildren and your new book! I love the photos of Romee and Benji and the family around! Just today, I could hold my youngest grandson Robin Leano in my arms. He is 3 weeks old. My daughter had a house birth with some complications – the umbilical cord tore during the birth. They had to go to the hospital afterwards – but everything is fine now. It is such a blessing to see the grandchildren thriving.
Thanks again for sharing. I am looking forward to your next subject about your book. Lots of love, Traude
Dear Traude, I’m so happy to hear about your youngest grandson. Maybe someday your grandchildren will accompany you on some of your big odysseys. If you read my third memoir I would love your feedback which I value very much. Love and warm hugs, Erica
How lovely to hear from you. Maybe someday your grandchildren with accompany you on some of your magical odysseys. Sending much and hugs. Erica
Erica, I loved seeing this recent post and seeing you ,simply glowing, holding those grandchildren and being so obviously deeply happy in the bosom of the family you helped to create. I loved seeing Barrett all grown up and holdng Benji. Starting my day with your posting leaves me deeply happy to see you looking so well and totally in your element around babies and small children. Carry on, dear friend!
What a lovely surprise to hear from you, Jerry!! I always think of you fondly. Thank you for you heartfelt comments. Sending you much love and appreciation. Erica
Greetings Erica
What fun to see the grand children and how healthy and happy everyone looks, thank you for sharing, certainly made me smile to read and see everyone. am also looking forward to your next book, congratulations!
love Holly
Hi Holly! Such a pleasant surprise to hear from you. I would love to get your feedback after you read the third memoir. I value your opinion. Love, Erica
Hi Holly, what a big treat to hear from you. About my third memoir, I would love to get your feedback, which I value very much. Sending love and warm hugs. Erica
Absolutely beautiful pictures of all of you!
Hi Carla!!! What a treat to hear from you!!! Sending lots of love, Erica
Dearest Erica, No, thank you for all the love and support through the years.
Thank you, Judy. Love and hugs, Erica