Medical
Evacuation a Success
3-21-02 Medical Evacuation a Success
Friends and Family,
The medical evacuation was completed without incident. All medical personnel were pleased with the trip. Jeff, Cindy and Samuel have been evaluated and admitted to the hospital. The Chief of Staff for each of their specialized areas will do further evaluations on 3/21.
Jeff's Condition
Jeff was admitted to the hospital after the initial evaluation. Jeff has
shrapnel in his legs, ribs, and an injury to his foot where a piece of
shrapnel went all the way through. Both of his ear drum's burst in the blast
at the Church. One of his inner ears was damaged as well. He has numerous
other minor injuries. He has been hooked up to iv's, is being given
medication, and is being monitored for swelling and infection. He will be in
the hospital for one to two days unless surgery is needed. Please pray that
Jeff's body will be rid of infection and that no further complications will
arise.
Cindy's Condition
The trip went well for Cindy. She is very pleased with the hospital and the
medical staff. She will be undergoing more exploratory surgery to remove
shrapnel, dead tissue, bone fragments and examine the wound to see what can
be done to speed the healing process. She has had 4 large pieces of shrapnel
removed already, but the doctors are not 100% sure everything is out. The
surgery will allow them to remove any fragments that could be contaminating
the wound. Cindy is currently in traction and waiting for the wound to heal.
The wound must heal completely before the bone can be stabilized and
additional surgeries performed. We are continuing to pray for Cindy's body
to be rid of all infection, the wound to heal completely and the swelling to
subside. Cindy has numerous other minor injuries - pray these injuries heal
quickly without scarring or further discomfort.
Cindy is very anxious to be able to visit with Samuel. Please pray the hospital can work it out for her to be with him, if only for a little while. Both of them are immobilized so the logistics do not make it a feasible possibility, but with God all things are possible. Cindy needs this meeting with her son. Please PRAY it can be arranged.
Samuel's Condition
Samuel's condition is extremely critical. The doctor feels his condition
could be worsening. Samuel has 10 to 12 pieces of shrapnel lodged in his
head. Several are embedded deeply in the brain. One piece is in the center
of the brain right where the four parts of the brain come together. The
shrapnel will need to be surgically removed. Please specifically pray for
swelling to stay down and that infection be kept under control. The catscans
show the internal bleeding in the brain has stopped. The neurosurgeon wants
to do further evaluations before performing surgery. Samuel has been sedated
since the incident so there has been limited information as to how his body
is responding to the injuries. Therefore, they will be awakening him in the
next 4 to 6 hours. Grandma Frankie is in the room and will be with him when
he awakens. Please continue to pray God would work a FULL miracle on
Samuel's behalf.
Emily and Luke's Condition
Emily and Luke were finishing up bowls of cereal and milk when we spoke with
Grandpa Rees. They RAN to Grandma and Grandpa upon arrival. Rees said, "I
am glad we came." The words were very full of emotion.
The flight was long but Emily and Luke were able to sleep. Grandpa Rees has them at the apartment being provided to the family. It is a nice 3/1.5 apartment, fully furnished, even with toys. Luke was happy about that!! They have been watching videos and playing with toys. Rees said to assure everyone they are in a safe and secure location. He feels very good about the accommodations. Please continue to pray for Emily and Luke and the emotional trauma they have experienced. Pray for calmness and peace, cooperative spirits, and joyful hearts.
Rees and Frankie's Condition
Rees asked for prayer for he and Frankie - for strength and energy while
dealing with sleep deprivation. That will probably be an on-going issue in
these early days. Rees has only had approximately two hours sleep since
leaving Tampa. Rees is staying with the children at the apartment and
attending the evaluations at the hospital. He is very pleased with the
hospital and staff. He feels they are being very sensitive to the family and
their needs. He feels they are where they need to be at this time.
Frankie is staying at the hospital with Samuel and plans to be at his side
when he awakens. She too is extremely exhausted and in need of rest. Please
continue to lift Rees and Frankie up in your prayers as they minister to the Wombles. They are very weary and full of emotions at this time, but are also
very, very, very glad to be there.
Offers of help
Thank you for your many offers of help. Our greatest need at this time is
for prayer. Many of you have offered financial assistance. All financial
issues are being taken care of at this time. Should any needs arise, we will
let you know. Thank you for your love and willingness to give...
Thank you
All of the family would like to thank each of you for your prayers, support
and words of encouragement during this time. We have felt your prayers all
around us. Please continue to pray. Rees said the greatest issue for Jeff,
Cindy and Samuel at this time is the risk of infection spreading. Please
pray all of their bodies will respond quickly and effectively to the
medications and that they will all be infection free. We are believing God
for a miracle. We have seen so many happen already and we are boldly asking
him to bring the entire Womble family home safely and fully recovered in a
very short time. Thank you for standing with us....
We also want to stop a moment and say thank You to the One who has carried all of us the last 4 days: Father, thank you. Thank you for Your Grace, Your Mercy, Your Faithfulness and Your Love. Bless all your dear children for their prayers and for so lovingly standing with us. Father, we commit Jeff, Cindy, Emily, Samuel, Luke, Rees and Frankie to your care trusting and knowing You love them and desire only the best for them. We pray for their safety. We pray for peace in their hearts. We pray for rest. We pray for healings in miraculous ways. Thank you, Lord, for your Love. We love you and pray this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Trusting in Him,
The Nickersons
"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." Ps 138:3
