I Will Give You Thanks
4-5-02 I Will Give You Thanks
Friends and Family,
Continuing the marathon....
Cindy
"I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will
praise you." Psalm 35:18 NIV
Cindy is doing well. Her wounds are healing nicely. There are no signs of
infection. Her hemoglobin and blood count are up. Her physical therapy is
progressing far beyond expectations. As she shared the verse above with us, she
talked with eagerness about praising the Lord in great assemblies. She is
excited to tell others what great things God has done for her. She is very
emotional as she talks about the love and prayers all have showered upon them.
She is hopeful for a full recovery...and soon. Please continue to pray for God's
Healing Hand to be upon her body, that no infection would be allowed to enter
in, and for a complete healing - spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Samuel
Our report on Samuel was very encouraging. Uncle Wendell (Dr. Nickerson) arrived
at the hospital earlier this morning and has been able to meet with the medical
teams. He is very pleased with Samuel's medical condition. God has worked a lot
of miracles on Samuel's behalf!!
Samuel's systems are functioning much better. He is urinating on his own and
catheters have been able to be removed. This should ease some of the stomach
pain. Samuel is moving all of his body parts well, eating well, and getting
stronger. The knee injury is draining a little fluid so the doctors may go in to
irrigate it out tomorrow. The fluid is clear so no infection is suspected. This
is a preventative measure. The wound in the left rear of Samuel's brain is also
draining fluid. The fluid is clear so this is actually good, in that, pressure
is being removed from the brain. As long as it stays clear, this is a good
thing. Wendell has been able to see the bacteria and cultures. He said in regard
to Samuel's medical condition, "None of the problems are insurmountable. I am
pleased." He is very confident "mechanics and time" will be able to take care of
Samuel's medical concerns.
Wendell feels overall Samuel is in suprisingly good shape. We were very
comforted by his report. Wendell feels much of Samuel's emotional outbursts are
the result of the injuries to the brain coupled with the side effects of the
medications. The emotional trauma may be playing a factor here as well. "Samuel
is a very sick little boy who is tired of being sick and is not cognitively well
enough to express that yet. As the front part of his brain begins to work with
the rear part of the brain more effectively again, his communication abilities
will become stronger and he will have some relief." His normal communication
patterns have been cut off due to the injuries, swelling, medications, etc. It
is frustrating for any child who is injured or sick to try to express their
feelings. The extensiveness of Samuel's injuries have compounded that
frustration. Wendell indicated Samuel is healing, and, as he does, all of these
issues will continue to improve. Wendell said, "We are still in a marathon, and
it is not over by a long shot. But, I am hopeful."
Jeff
Jeff is doing well. His hearing is limited, but his spirits are high and he is
holding up well. He is resting today so he can take the night shift with Samuel.
Please continue to pray against any infections entering Jeff's body and for
God's Healing Touch on his injuries.
Helping Hands
Everyone seems to be doing well. They are all taking turns at shifts with Samuel
and Cindy in the hospital. We are hearing some relief in their voices as the
daily reports continue to be encouraging. They are all weary and have been under
a great deal of stress for an extended period of time. Even the simplest of
daily tasks can become overwhelming when under stress. Please continue to pray
for God's Peace, Comfort and Strength to sustain them.
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord ; let us shout aloud to the Rock of
our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music
and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods." Psalm
95:1-3 NIV
Throughout the last twenty days, we have seen the Hand of the Lord work. Soooo
many miracles, so much Grace, so much Love, so much Comfort, so much Peace. Our
hearts are full and are singing for joy to the Lord. We shout aloud to the Rock
of our Salvation. We come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music
and song. For OUR Lord is the Great God, the Great King above all gods!!!
Thanking our King,
Nick and Donna Nickerson
