Easter
3-31-02 Easter
Friends and Family,
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:10, 11
"You have suffered for Jesus and you will be honored in Heaven" were some of the words used during a white ribbon service at the hospital this morning. A white ribbon was tied around Jeff's ankle to represent the shrapnel that traveled through his foot. A white ribbon was tied around Cindy's leg to represent the wounding of her leg. A white ribbon was there to symbolically represent the wound to Samuel's head. A white ribbon was tied around the each of the chests of Emily and Luke to represent their wounds...wounds that couldn't be seen but were suffered in their hearts.
The story of Jesus death, burial and resurrection was read and the congregation of family and friends worshipped the risen Lord in song. This song was especially touching...
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
The afternoon held egg coloring, Easter egg hunts and the making of special family memories. It was a blessed day with friends for the Wombles and Nickersons. They were thankful to be together on this special day.
Samuel
Jeff spent the night with Samuel last night. Jeff said, "These are precious
days." He is very thankful God has allowed him time to love on his son and to
be a comforter to him. He enjoyed the time with Samuel, even though Samuel
continues to have his ups and downs. Jeff said he and Samuel spent some time in
prayer that was sweet and powerful. Jeff spent a great deal of time talking to
Samuel about the incident, about God's Healing Touch, about the prayers of all
who are so faithfully lifting Samuel to the Lord, about the fact the pain would
not go on forever. Jeff read the resurrection story from the Bible to him.
Jeff said he and Samuel could feel the presence of God in the room. Jeff said
Samuel was calm and peaceful each time he read to him or prayed for him.
Samuel's pain seems to have subsided some today. He is running a 101.3 fever though. "We do not want fever!!" Samuel moved his left arm again today. He is talking, eating and drinking. Samuel is still struggling with being agitated, but continues to be calmed especially when Cindy is present. When Mommy is not available, Samuel wants Daddy or Grandpa at his side.
Please to continue to pray for Samuel. We are in Day Three of the ten day critical period. We need the fever to subside and no infection to be allowed to enter or remain in his body.
Cindy
Cindy was able to spend time with Samuel again today. Jeff reports it is
extremely comforting to Cindy and Samuel to be together. Cindy is doing very
well. Cindy will begin physical therapy again tomorrow. Please continue to
pray against any infections entering her body. She continues to be in pain, but
Ibuprofen is managing the pain for her.
Jeff
Jeff has an ear infection in at least one ear. He indicated the one is
extremely painful and the other is ringing all the time. He is running a fever
and will hopefully be seen at the hospital tomorrow. Our greatest medical
concern for Jeff at this time has been that infection would not set in. Please
pray the infection will be brought under control quickly. Please also pray for
Jeff's emotional state as he is carrying a lot right now...pray for God's Peace,
Wisdom and Comfort.
Emily and Luke
Emily and Luke were also able to visit with Samuel in the hospital today.
Samuel said, "I want to see them." Emily made Samuel a picture of a bunny with
an Easter egg in its hand. Emily and Luke thought Samuel looked a lot better
than when they had seen him before.
Your prayers are needed. Infection continues to be our greatest concern for Jeff, Cindy and Samuel. We are in great need of God's Divine Touch. We thank Him for His continued Grace and Help in time of trouble...
Because He Lives,
The Nickersons
