Update #17

Dwight told me yesterday that Nick has a couple signs of coming out of the coma, like an occasional cough reflex, and periodic breaths on his own apart from the ventilator.

Also, here's an update from Nick's mom, Lisa - plus a very tangible way you can help the Brinkerhoffs!

Today is day 16 since Nicholas had his stroke. The coma inducing medication is completely out of his system and still there is no movement. He has had a fever for the past 3 days between 101 - 104.

He is still unable to absorb all of the fluid in his brain. His blood pressure varies from very low to very high and his heart looks like it will beat right out of his chest. He has many other things that vary all the time - too many to bore you with. But on the up side, the left cerebellum (which is where the stroke took place) looks like it is healing. This is not by any fluke. Nicholas has had some of the best doctors, but I keep telling the doctors and nurses that they are being prayed for everyday and being guided.

My point in writing this to you is to ask you to please share the hope and faith that I have. I believe in his healing. It may not be the exact healing that a mother hopes for her child to have. I know in my own family we have other forms of healing taking place. And it has been shared that healing of spiritual, physical and emotional issues are happening in others too. So please do not become discouraged because we aren't seeing what we had hoped to see, but instead stay strong in your prayers for him and my family and allow God's healing to ooze into the deepest part of our lives. God is doing a work in all of us.

Saying thank you is not enough for all of the prayers, cards, meals, house cleaning, running errands, baby sitting and jamba juices we have received - but THANK YOU! It is humbling to be in the place of receiving so much love.

For the Lord,
Lisa

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Gina Vildibill had a great idea...that is to buy gift cards for their essentials. That will take some pressure off their finances (Dwight owns his own business, which he runs by himself).

If you don't have a way to physically get it to them, you can mail them to the church:

Community Covenant Church
ATTN: Brinkerhoffs
1835 Granite Hills Dr
El Cajon CA 92019
(619) 447-2675

Here are the main places they go:

FOR FOOD:

• Costco
• Albertsons (only available in stores)
• Whole Foods (only available in stores)

FOR GAS:

• Arco
• 7/11: You can buy a Convenience Card at a store and put any amount on it

Thanks!