Sunday, July 1, 2007

Update #29

Some big changes and news to share this time around…

They’re starting to see good progress in Nick at least every other day! Getting stronger, more control, etc. For instance:

  • He can now control both eyelids separately, which means he can wink
  • His right arm is getting stronger
  • He’s starting to control his left arm better, and his left hand is getting a stronger grip
  • He can curl the toes on each foot separately
  • He’s getting more movement in his legs

So the doctors have decided that they want to send Nick home. They’re encouraged by his progress and want it to continue so that he can return stronger to rehab a more active participant. The amount of time is a bit open ended, but they think it will be 1-2 months. Then he’ll start a rigorous, 3 hour a day rehab program.

Please pray for Nick that he doesn’t get discouraged, as he’ll need a lot more strength and stamina for that tough program. For now please pray for the family as bringing him home will bring a whole new set of challenges. If they need particular help, we’ll let you know.

Dwight and Lisa want to thank everyone for their prayers and support throughout. They are very touched.

I just happened to be listening to Alison Krauss’ song “In the Palm of Your Hand” as I was writing this update – here’s a relevant passage of the song:

I'd rather be in the palm of Your hand
Though rich or poor I may be
Faith can see right through the circumstance
Sees the forest in spite of the trees
Your grace provides for me

THE NICK BRACELET

The Brinkerhoffs had some cool bracelets made up to help us remember Nick. They’re like the Live Strong bracelets, with Nick’s name, the date of the stroke, and the phrase “Believing in a Miracle.” If you attend CCC, you can get them at the What’s Up booth. If you don’t, you can mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to CCC and we’ll mail one back to you. The bracelets are free! If you mail to request it, make sure to note how many you want, what color (black, red, or light olive green), and what size (medium or large):

Community Covenant Church
ATTN: Nick Bracelet

1835 Granite Hills Dr
.
El Cajon, CA 92019

Thanks!

Mike

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Nick I am so glad you are getting stronger and stronger! Keep fighting! We all miss hope you got the pictures that my brother got for you to see!
- Marissa

Anonymous said...

Nick, we all are happy you might go home to your loving and caring family! GOD bless you.

Anonymous said...

Nick, we are all happy that you are feeling much better. God is answering our prayers. Don't give up nick you are doing great
-Susanna

Anonymous said...

Nick im glad to hear that your moving towards a full recovery ...very slowly .. but your moving ... im happy that you might me able to go home... thats great news... well i love you and hope you get well soon ... i miss you lots ... xoxo ... love brooke

Anonymous said...

Dear Nick,
We've never met, but that doesn't matter. God's told so many of His people to keep praying for you, and we are. You fighting to get better, may be the hardest thing God will ever ask you to do. But He wants to show you, that He can be trusted. He wants to perfect something wonderful in you, that you will be able to share with others. And I know He will complete His work within you, Nicholas! Someday, you'll be telling everyone who will listen, about the "miracle-working" God you serve, and many will be saved because of your testimony. Hang on, Nick. God will give you what you need each day. He has surrounded you with people who love you dearly. Thank God for each little step of progress you make, because you have His Word, that you are "more than a conquerer,through Jesus Christ who strengthens you".

Believing with you,
Charla Marbut
Fellowship of the Metroplex Church
Arlington, Texas

Michaael Melanese said...

Nick i'm so glad you are getting better maybe when you get out of the hospital maybe i can come see you again.

Anonymous said...

Hey Nick im happy to know that your going home i will visit when i can and hopefully its soon

Anonymous said...

-Feeras posted the comment above sorry forgot to put my name

Anonymous said...

Dear Nick, I am an artist in Columbus, Ohio. My friends and I have been praying for you for several weeks and we are so excited to hear the great report. I wanted you to know that even people you don't know are praying for you and watching your progress with great joy.
God Bless,
Anita Miller

Jaime P. san diego said...

I can't wait to get my Nick bracelet...something tangible to have as we continue to pray without ceasing--believing in a miracle!!

Anonymous said...

Good job Nick. keep fighting and i cant wait to see you again soon.
Zach

Anonymous said...

hey nick!!
I hope you are feeling better :)Every time I pray I pray for you. Mrs.Fruend even opened up a spot for you in ASB. I hope you don't forget that everyone cares about you!!! Don't get discouraged when you know God is with you all the way.

Anonymous said...

Nick... I'm so happy! Home is where the heart is and this is where you will be loved and recover to your full strength! We are all still praying and thinking of you daily! Keep fighting!
Love you!!
Mrs. Freund

Anonymous said...

Nick, we all miss you at school and are all praying for you to get better!!! We all hope you get better soon!!!! Love you!!

- Mirisa Wilson