New GI Bill Signed Into Law

Today, President Bush signed into law, the new GI Bill.  The new World War II-style GI Bill for America’s Iraq and Afghanistan veterans ensures the men and women who volunteered to serve their country during this time of war will get the educational benefits they deserve.

The new GI Bill which was sponsored by Senators Webb, Hagel, Warner and Lautenberg increases the educational benefits for members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001.  It provides for the cost of tuition, enrollment fees for state public colleges and includes a monthly housing allowance and $1,000 per year for books and supplies.  The GI Bill is also transferable to the family members of servicemember’s who serve at least ten years in the military.

Complete information on the new GI Bill can be found at www.GIBill2008.org.

Sam’s medical status from Sam’s father Eric:

Good Morning All,

My visit yesterday [6/27/2008] found Sam quite groggy, but probably feeling no pain. I mentioned last time that his doctor was experimenting with the reverse affects of the tranquilizers to his responsive state. He was getting Valium, which they also decided to discontinue yesterday for another derivative of Valium to which he has had more success. He didn’t feel like talking and said so quite plainly. He was totally with us and would answer all questions put to him. Just because he was relaxing didn’t mean he wouldn’t be subjected to Erin’s constant stimulation and endless challenges. It is amazing to me where she comes up with all that she does. She asks him questions about their life before the incident, what he looks forward to, and asks him to comment on current events. Yesterday she was throwing him algebraic equations in word form. If 2x = 4, then what is the value of x? If 18 over 6 = x; well you get the idea. He handles them perfectly. Their 5 year anniversary is approaching and she asks him to recount how many…(a question he has gotten wrong in the past)…but not this time…He flashes all 5 fingers…his memory is getting stronger. Erin asks him to do many small tasks that he can do for himself; like wash his face, brush his hair and teeth, put on and take off his surgical mask when going out of the room…(he has to wear one because technically he is still carrying that bacteria that causes his infections)…Yes small tasks, but huge milestones to a TBI patient…One day last week he even shaved himself a few
strokes…AWESOME!!! One of my continuing prayers is that God strengthens Erin to continue to push him in the right directions…all this is done with the motivation of kisses and hugs, positive verbal motivation, and just pure love…tough love in the sense that it just doesn’t end…Thank You Lord, for Erin….See the picture of Erin in Sam’s bed; isn’t she cute? Sam was up in his chair when I arrived at 10am and didn’t go back to bed until about 4 or so…Erin rotates his position every half hour or so to relieve any pressure he may be experiencing…

When I was ready to leave and fight the Friday night traffic back to Sacramento; I leaned in to hug Sam, kiss him, and tell him how much I love him…While I was still hugging him I heard Erin say “Aaaahhhh….did you see that?” I backed up a step or two to see what she was talking about and he was placing his hand over his heart and then pointing his index finger at me, to return the I love you….He did it three times, as he wanted to be certain I was getting the message. Oh my goodness gracious; he melted me right there on the spot. Yeah, a big emotional pool right there in his room. He held it long enough for me to get my phone out and snap a quick picture for you all to see. The pure sweetness of this kid knows no depths. He touches me every time I visit. Visitation of the sick is supposed to be for their benefit; how come I always feel better? God’s grace is the only answer…

As I drive home I contemplate the sacrifices of so many parents of the past…starting with Father Abraham that was asked to kill his only son because God had asked it of him…we know that God never intended to take his son, but if he had refused; well we would have missed out on the covenant God established with us. I am so glad I wasn’t the one on which all that depended; I, like most other people love my sons dearly…Then I think of God himself putting his only son through a living hell and eventual death for us…that kind of love cannot be comprehended; just enjoyed…and finally I think of all the parents that have lost their sons and daughters as they defend this great nation from all enemies…whether we agree with the premise of this war or not, I simply ask God for his protection of all our young men and women in harms way….

With much love,
Eric

The Brain Trauma Vets

“We are facing a massive mental health problem as a result of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a country, we have not responded adequately to this problem. Unless we act urgently and wisely, we’ll be dealing with an epidemic of service-related psychological wounds for years to come.”

–Bobby Muller, President Veterans For America

I read a very thoroughly researched document by Conn Hallinan describing traumatic brain injury as it relates to our service men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.  It’s fairly long, but briefly hits on all the major areas affecting our brain injured veterans.  The good news is that we are saving so many service members who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I believe the ratio of deaths versus injuries is 1 to 17 (1 death per 17 injuries) in our current conflict.  In Vietnam it was a 1 to 3 ratio and in World War II it was a 1 to 1 ratio.  The bad news is that as these wars continue on and on with no end in sight, the count of brain injured veterans continues to grow.  Many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who were near IED blast don’t even know they sustained brain injury and the symptoms of their injury may not show up for years.  To read the complete story,  click here.

Sam’s medical status from Sam’s father Eric:

I spent the most uplifting day yesterday with Sam and Erin and am excited to relate the events to you…Sam has been having some seizures which are not all that uncommon with TBI’s.  It was confirmed this week by an EEG which showed some seizure activity in his left frontal lobe. This is the area that controls the speech
process…(not the speech content; for we know that he is totally cognizant of what he wants to say) but the actual mechanical process of delivering the message. It’s a standard operating procedure to give a patient a tranquilizer of sorts (something in the Valium family) after a seizure to relax the area of the brain affected and allow them adequate time for rest. They should become sleepy and at very least a little groggy. Three separate times, the exact opposite has occurred. He became very “awake” and quite chatty. His primary care physician got to witness both a seizure and the episode after, so She and Erin decided upon a test to see if it would happen again. Yesterday at approx 1:30pm they gave him a dose of this medicine and he then went right to physical therapy. He was groggy and even a little weak as he stood in the standing frame, responding slowly to the techs, but as usual to Erin…towards the end of the session, as the meds seem to be absorbed and “kick in”, he seem to become much more animated.

By the time he was back in his chair and headed back to his room for speech therapy, he was fully awake. Katie, the speech therapist was so impressed and commented his improvement was at least 50% over her last session with him…His doctor asked to be paged at this time and she arrived and immediately became interested in his apparent progress…She asked Sam a lot of questions, sometimes with Erin’s help; but he answered with his voice! She asked him what year it was and he answered 2005. Oops. She asked him if he knew where he was and at first he said a house, but later changed it to hospital. My brother Greg and my son Donny both called yesterday during this time and got to hear Sam say hello to them on the phone. While I was standing away from Sam and Erin and finishing my conversations, Erin asked who that man was and he said, “My Dad”. She asked him what was he doing here, and he answered without hesitation, “Talking on the phone”. Ha!

Erin called this reaction a paradox…a mysterious outcome, or a result not expected from the stimulus given him. Of course it is…but from where? An accident or a coincidence? That I don’t believe. Erin and I discussed this last week when he first had the seizures and his talkative time right after. We surmised then that the Holy Spirit was at work, stirring him for another great advancement. Don’t get me wrong; I take nothing away from the doctors and all of the medical professionals. I so admire them and absolutely feel they are God’s instruments here on Earth. The love and care they put into their work is just awe invoking to me and I will forever be in their debt. BUT, I also refuse to share God’s credit and glory with the doctors. If it hadn’t been for the seizures, they wouldn’t have given an already sleepy patient tranquilizers; so I dare to hear someone say that God isn’t in control of all of Sam’s care and rehab…Oooh, that sounds kind of mean, but I know this as well as I know anything else…

The infectious disease doctor was in to talk about Sam’s recurring infections. He thinks after much testing and bouts with antibiotics, that Sam may have a very small piece of infected shrapnel in his abdomen somewhere; or the bacteria may be hiding of all places in his prostate…Again, I emphasize that in Jeremiah 32:27 it says; “Behold, I am the Lord, Is anything too difficult for me?” and these problems although severe are nothing for the creator of the universe…Sam said yesterday that he wants 3 children and a 4 bedroom house so I believe on that faith, God will move to protect his prostate. That is my prayer of the week…Will you join me in that?

It is such a joy to visit with Sam and Erin and I always come away with much more than I bring. Erin was jazzed yesterday and highly encouraged, and to see her beaming smile just made my weekend. We laughed, we prayed, we celebrated Sam’s great favor with God and men…They had gotten me a large volume with 3 books by my favorite author for Father’s day, and Sam handed it to me, said Happy Father’s day and hugged me. Tears well up when I think of all of their challenges and they have the love to take the time to honor me…I can only think and say a big thank you to God for the privilege of being this boy’s father…

Until next time, Much Love…

Eric

Brain Injury of America Conference 2008

From Erin Nichols:

I’m finally organized enough after my mini-vacation to sit down and write about how rewarding last weekend was. For those of you who don’t know, last weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the Brain Injury Association of America Caregivers Conference, thanks to the generosity of the Wounded Warriors Project who paid my way. I really didn’t know what to expect, and to be honest I was somewhat dreading the trip; but I knew this was an opportunity that I could not refuse.

The conference began with keynote speaker Lee Woodruff, wife of NBC’s Bob Woodruff and co-author of “In an Instant: A Family’s Journey of Love and Healing.” Lee spoke very honestly and personally touched each one of us. As she was speaking I noticed a lot of nodding heads, including my own. She did a remarkable job of making a room of 100 or so people, all with different stories, feel our common connection. We all have a loved-one with a brain injury.

The content of the conference varied from lessons on taking care of ourselves as caregivers, to brain injury 101. They even offered breakout sessions on military specific issues such as Tri-care and VA benefits. The people conducting these lessons were all very knowledgeable in their respective areas and provided us with a wealth of information. Sometimes it’s good to know more than you need; you don’t always know what questions to ask, or you are afraid of the answer.

As enriching as the curriculum was, the greatest, and for me the most unexpected element of the conference was the people. I’m a very independent person (you know that if you’ve ever tried to help me), and I didn’t think I needed the camaraderie of other people in my situation; yet, it was so comforting and relaxing to be surrounded by people who almost always knew what I was talking about. During meals and between workshops we would swap stories and learn about each other’s loved-one.

From talking with other families, I learned how unique Sam’s situation is. Sam’s injury is not unique, but the fact that he has full-coverage insurance, 15+ hours of quality therapy a week and a doctor who not only knows what she is doing, but leads the field in neuropharmacology. Sam is afforded the benefit of expert care that most civilians cannot afford. I was shocked to learn that many civilians with TBI’s are treated by General Practitioners. GP’s are great if you’re relatively healthy, but brain injury medicine is highly specialized. Brain injury awareness can change this. We need more doctors to become Physiatrists (specialty in Physical Medicine and Rehab, PM&R), and insurance companies need to cover the cost. If you had a heart condition you would see a cardiologist; likewise, if you have a brain injury, you should see a doctor who specializes in brain injury.

I’d like to thank the Brain Injury Association of America and all of the weekend’s speakers for a wonderful conference. Also I’d like to thank the Wounded Warriors Project for making it possible for me to attend.

For more information on brain injury and brain injury awareness go to www.biausa.org.

Sam’s Medical Status:

On Saturday my wife Julie, my daughter, Allison, and myself went to Kentfield to visit Sam and Erin. Sam has been moved to room 412 which is in the far south-east corner of the hospital. It’s a really nice room because it is a “single” and it has a nice view of some trees.

Sam is still getting over the Seizures he had on Monday. He’s also just finishing up with a round of antibiotics for another bladder infection he’s been fighting. So—it wasn’t in much of a talking mood this weekend.

Sam is going to be put on a new drug called Provigil which is used for people with narcolepsy. His doctor is hoping the Provigil will help his attention span and thus improve many aspects of his daily interaction with the therapist. He’s also having an EEG today in the hopes that they will determine the cause of the seizure.

Mr President - Pass the new G.I. Bill

Erin is back home safe from her trip to Dallas for the Brain Injury Association of America Care Givers Conference. She actually got stuck at the airport in Dallas-Ft Worth because of mechanical difficulties with the plane. No problem though—American Airlines gave her a hotel and meal voucher and she came home yesterday.
While Erin was waiting at the airport on Sunday, she met another Marine and found out that he was in 2/11 Golf Battery (Sam was in Kilo). He didn’t personally know Sam, but did recognize his name from when they were in Iraq on Sam’s first tour. The Marine was nearing the end of his second enlistment and told Erin he had been deployed overseas on six different occasions (three being to Iraq).

I can’t imagine what this Marine has seen and done in the past eight years. How do we repay him for his service to our country? Wear a Red shirt on Fridays…send care packages to the troops, put a yellow ribbon sticker on our car? Ok, those things are nice, but how about a new GI Bill? That is exactly the thought of our Congress. The House of Representatives passed the new GI Bill 256 to 166. The Senate passed the bill 75 to 22. Oddly enough, the only hurdle to this bill passing is the signature of the President of the United States. The Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces!

President Bush is not in favor of the new G.I. Bill because he feels it would hurt retention rates. He and a few other congressmen feel the new G.I. Bill (which is much less generous than the original WWII G.I. Bill) is too good and will reward veterans to richly for their service to our country. I would think President Bush would be the head cheerleader of this bill. I would think he would be encouraging all Americans to support this bill.

Why not take a few minutes to let President Bush know how you feel? Just click on the graphic below or this link - G.I. Bill 2008. You will be taken to the IAVA G.I. Bill web site where you can sign a petition letting the President know how you feel and encourage him to sign the bill. The link also gives you more background information about the bill and how it affects retention and recruitment of our troops.

Sam’s medical status (from Sam’s father Eric):

(Before I get to Eric’s update, we received a call from Erin this morning. She said before she arrived to see Sam this morning, the nurse told her he had five seizures. The first seizure was a “Grand Mal” and the other four were “Petit”. Sam is just getting over another bladder infection and the doctor said they seizures may have occurred because his immune system was weak. He is on oxygen today as a safety precaution but Erin said he he talking and doing well. When one of the nurses came in to give him some Tylenol, he asked her, “what are you giving me?”. That was pretty cool because he initiated the conversation himself without being prompted. When Erin called Eric to tell him about the seizures, even though Sam was falling asleep, he kept repeating words that he heard Erin saying. Her and Eric got a laugh out of that.)

Good Morning All!

I usually write to convey my feelings and observations about Sam and his road to recovery. It occurred to me this week to maybe write about someone else’s experiences that they’ve had with Sam…I’ve written about Erin extensively and rightly so; her dedication and love for Sam continues to inspire and motivate me to believe in God’s promises…after all, if he (God) gives that kind of love in a marriage, then of course he will follow through on his promises to heal Sam…

I took notice of another very special love this week…As Erin spent 3 days in Dallas at a caregivers conference, where I’m sure she blessed those in attendance; Kelley and I willingly shared the duty of being with Sam. The time I spent with him was wonderful, although uneventful. It is a pleasure to sit back and envision Sam’s restoration through faith…Faith is the evidence of things not seen, but of which we are totally certain….AND we are certain of that full restoration…Anyway, Kelly had dropped me an email describing her past two visits with Sam and I thought they were cute enough to share…

When Kelly arrived she knocked on his door to let him know he had a visitor; he turned his head in the direction of the door and a very large and distinct smile beamed forth…Kelley announced, “It’s Mom!; as if he didn’t know…Ha! In his excitement to see her, he began to blurt out a greeting…Two full sentences of pent up glee to see his Mom…Some of it was lost in translation, but the intent and joy were unmistakable…I’ve always known that when a kid (of any age) is hurting or injured; he wants his Mom…It is no different with the toughest Marine I know…Kelley’s warmth and caring demeanor for Sam is apparent, and he recognizes it…Vanessa, (Kelley’s husband’s daughter) is also visiting and lovingly shares her Ipod with Sam. She gives him the ear bud and Sam adjusts it himself to enable him to hear a selection Vanessa has chosen just for him…Sam lays back with his eyes closed and enjoys the music…A while later, they hear Sam snap his fingers and even without any music in the background. This is new to them so they ask him to repeat it and he does. Jose, (Kelley’s husband) snaps his fingers along with Sam to an imaginary song…It is fatiguing to Sam and he quickly tires but Kelley reports the snapping was loud, and perfectly formed…What a creative way to stimulate and entertain him…

Kelley works a full time and very demanding job with 24/7 responsibilities, but still makes the time to visit with and let Sam know of her constant love and continual involvement in his rehabilitation. I am gratified by her dedication. I also appreciate the love and support shown for Sam by Jose and his daughters. They are a Christian family and display that belief with the works of a very alive and active faith…Indeed, another blessing to which we give God all the credit…

Please see with your Spirit, Sam’s total restoration and then never be influenced by what you may see in the natural again; for that “finished work” is our new reality, and I will not entertain any other vision…

Until next time, much love,
Eric

Weekend with Erin

This weekend Erin came up to Sacramento for the baby shower of one of her (our) closest friends.  In the photo, Erin is standing next to her younger sister Allison, 20, who prepared and coordinated much of the shower.  It was so nice to have Erin spend the weekend with us.  She has such a bubbly and infectious personality—you can not help feeling better when she is around.

I can honestly say that the two girls in this picture are my (and my wife’s) greatest creation.  As you have read in this blog, Erin is a very loving and faithful wife.  But her sister, Allison, is just as amazing a young lady as her big sister.  It was so fun and amazing to watch these two girls work so hard and have so much fun preparing a baby shower for one of their closest friends. 

On Friday Erin will be flying to Dallas-Fort Worth for the Brain Injury of America Care Givers Conference.  Erin and four other military wives of wounded military personal with brain injury are being given an all expenses paid trip to this conference by the people at the Wounded Warriors Project.  The special guest speaker at the conference will be Lee Woodruff who is the wife of news correspondent Bob Woodruff who was hit by an IED and sustained traumatic brain injury in Iraq while covering the war.  The family(s) will coordinate having someone stay with Sam on the days Erin is in Dallas.

As usual, Sam’s parents were at Kentfield on Saturday and Sunday hanging out with him.  I’ll let Eric give you an update on Sam’s recovery:

Hello All,

Erin got to help put on an awesome baby shower for a close, childhood friend; and as she described the food they had prepared; it made me wish I had been invited. Ha! It truly sounded wonderful…

I got to spend yesterday with Sam and Kelley spent today with him. I arrived as they were getting him into his wheelchair for a session of physical therapy. He was dressed in blue shorts, a navy blue USMC T-shirt and wearing tennis shoes. He looked like he was about to play some hoops, or a game or two of racquetball…

I accompanied them to the gym and they put Sam in the standing frame…He is 6 feet tall and holding his own around 176.5 pounds…at one point in his coma he weighed 160, down from 185 before the incident. He still has a lot of muscle in his upper arms and shoulders…As he stood there, he held his head erect and neck and shoulders back as if he were at attention. It was impressive to the physical therapist who hadn’t worked with Sam in a while, as she only works weekends. Her name is Jennifer (the physical therapist) and was asking Sam to perform some exercises in a very pointed and determined voice. Although I thought Sam seemed a little groggy and didn’t think he would respond; he slowly and very smartly raised his hand and gave her a mock salute as if to say, Yes, Ma’am! Jennifer and Ramsey (technician) and I just roared with laughter; as did Erin when I told her about it. It was so cute to see his sense of humor peek through the proverbial prison he finds himself temporarily in…

After the session, we wanted to enjoy the sunshine and we went out to the deck and kind of dodged the direct sun and chased the shade for a few hours…We prayed together; and the only words I heard him say my entire visit were; “I believe in Jesus” and a prayer of “Jesus, heal me!” It still made my day…As we sat on the deck and we sat close enough to talk face to face; Sam several times laid his right arm on my forearm and patted my shoulder a few times…He was just trying to connect and let me know he has presence of mind and that he loves me…after  about 3 hours in the wheelchair; he is ready to return to his room and stretch out in his bed…there is a Rocky marathon on and when I ask him if he likes Rocky he says yes, (1 finger) and shows me a fist…maybe to let me know he is fighting…His male nurse today makes his bed with clean linen, pillows, and refreshes him with a wet wipe on his forehead, cheeks and nose…he looks comfortable and at peace…we watch the movie and I notice he is getting drowsy so I turn the sound down just a bit and quietly back out of the room. All they way home I thank God for his mercies of saving Sam on the battlefield, healing Sam from hospital to hospital, and most importantly, for what he has yet to do in Sam & Erin’s lives….

Much love till next time,
 
Eric

Memorial Day Honors

Last summer I went to Columbus Mississippi for the wedding of my niece. My sister, who is married to an Air Force pilot instructor took us to the old part of the town of Columbus and showed us the cemetery where Union and Confederate soldiers are buried. Hopefully you can read the tombstone in this picture, but if not, it just says “Unknown Confederate Soldier”.

There were hundreds of grave markings like this one in the cemetery—some with names of soldiers and many without. Visiting this graveyard really made me pause and think about the history of our country and the many brave men (and women) who have given their lives for the freedoms we take for granted. Regardless of whether or not these soldiers were Confederate or Union, they believed in what they were fighting for. They believed in their leaders and they believed in their country.

Today our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are still dying in Afghanistan and Iraq. They also believe in their country. They served their country with honor and should be held in the highest regard. To the men and women of our armed services who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country—Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI and so on, I salute you. You are the cornerstone by which this country was built. You are the eagle, the statue of liberty, the twin towers—you are the reason I look at the flag and get tears in my eyes…You are the stars and stripes that bind our country together.

I would like to pay special tribute to the fallen heroes of Kilo Battery—Corporal James H. McRae, Corporal Matthew R. Zindars, Lance Corporal Robert A. Lynch and Hospitalman Daniel S. Noble. We honor you for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to your country.

Sam’s medical status:

From Sam’s Father Eric:

SAM IS BACK!!!! Just as Erin had predicted, there were medications involved that had conflicting results; leaving Sam rather listless last week. The battle between Seratonin and Dopamine if my memory serves me correctly. I just love it that Erin knows all of the scientific names of most or all of the drugs being used to help stimulate the natural production of chemicals in Sam’s brain…Erin called it last week and Sam’s primary physician (Dr Dougherty) confirmed it on Friday of last week. At any rate, he is feeling much better and is getting back to his steady and sure progression towards wellness.

We spent a few hours yesterday listening to Sam’s own voice
complete and fill in blanks of many different items that Erin had collected. Everything from a “Starwars Rap” to television and movie dialogues. Erin reports that she is beginning to see Sam’s own personality coming through in not only what he says, but how he says it. Little catch phrases that are unique to them and have special meanings just to them. Comments on places and events they have visited, expressions from their almost 10 year history together, (pretty good for them only being 23 & 24) and most of all, terms and phrases of endearment…There isn’t a visit that goes by that I don’t hear an “I Love You” from each of them to each other…We all know God’s love
transcends all understanding; so I can only assume he has given these two a large dose of his own love to share with each other and those around them…

It is so good to see Erin in both an attempt to refresh Sam and give
him tasks to complete; offer him a wash cloth and ask him to wash his
face…he vigorously washes his face all over and hands it back to her. She then asks him to check his hair and see if it needs to be cut. He checks the length and flashes her the number 4 with four fingers. We don’t understand and ask if it means 4 times per month, or in 4 days. It is Brandi [Sam's brother Donny's fiancee] who suggests later that maybe it is the #4 attachment of the clipper that will be used in the haircut…He is sharper than the rest of us…Ha! It is an incredible visit and I leave so happy…Please note the better look he has about him and note he is waving goodbye to me as I am leaving…It is sooo hard to say goodbye and leave…

It’s been 10 months since that fateful day in Iraq and the 1 year mark
looms…One thing I wanted you all to know that reside in my address book is how much I appreciate Tony & Julie Neria. (That is Erin’s parents)…When this horrible incident first happened, they were devastated like the rest of us…their only thought was what they could do to help and take some pressure off Sam’s Mother and I. Tony, being the gifted computer techie that he is; originated the blog that is still going strong to this day…this media of information has been an effective tool in getting lots of news about Sam to those interested, and around the world. Sam’s Marines were following it in Iraq…Tony started it to keep the questions and endless phone calls to us at a minimum, and back then it was soooo appreciated. It truly is and has been a labor of love, and the Nichols family has appreciated it so much. It’s no wonder Erin is such a dynamo with incredible character and dedication; she comes by it naturally…Tony is the Worship and Music Director at his church; and He and Julie play practically all of the known instruments…They have been blessed by God to be a blessing to others…

Until next time, much love….
Eric

They Bleed Red So We Wear Red

Red Shirt Fridays: There are a couple of web sites out there that advocate wearing red on Fridays to show support for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m not sure exactly who is the originator of this idea in the US—I think it actually started in Canada by the wives of some Canadian troops in Afghanistan. But regardless of when or where it started, I would like to show my support for our troops by wearing red on Fridays. In fact, I’ve got a couple of Marine Corps tee-shirts I’ll be wearing. Here is a quote from http://www.redshirtfridays.org:

The mission of redshirtfridays.org is to show support for our servicemen and women. We are not a political organization. We do not care whether or not one supports or does not support the war. We care only about making our support of our servicemen and women known to our fellow Americans and the world. We are a silent majority that does not wish to remain silent anymore. We need to let our servicemen and women know we support their sacrifice and we will not forget them and we will do this by wearing red on every Friday.

Sam’s Medical Status (from Sam’s Dad Eric):

Good Morning All!

I sincerely enjoy writing to you all and telling you of the amazing progress God is making in Sam and Erin’s lives…Yesterday, through the help of the Holy Spirit, My brother Greg, and Erin; I came to realize something rather clearly. To say Sam was not having a good day would be an understatement. He had another urinary infection, no doubt brought on by the bacteria that resided in his body that he picked up in Iraq. Although painful; I’m not sure it is worse than the meds he’s getting that make him tired, irritable, and lethargic. Wherever it comes from, he feels lousy; and more than that I believe it fatigues his morale. Erin said along about Wednesday he ceased all talking without some real coaxing on her part…Yesterday, all we could get out of him was “Hi Dad,” and a few whispered words to Erin. Whether this be intentional on his part or a result of the meds, or just because he doesn’t feel good enough for banter, is not to be our focus. My Pastor said it best, “This is not 2 steps forward and 1 back; but a step to the side, or just in place until God pushes him forward again.”

I absolutely love to be able to find something about my visits to share with you all that will edify you and lift your spirits regarding Sam’s condition. (I find great joy in this) I will continue to do so and always remember to give God thanks for his mercies and grace to Sam…BUT, even as I give no credence to bad reports, the good ones should be just a matter of fact as well. You may ask; “Well, what else is there, Eric?” Our focus should be on the unchanging and inimitable power of the Word of God. If you remember Abraham in the Old Testament, regarded not his own body and believed without failure in the word of God, and was 100 years old when Isaac was born…(I believe Sarah was 90)…God plays no favorites; what he did for Abraham, he will do for Sam; and that is a creative miracle for total restoration, or an acceleration of his own God given natural healing ability…In all love a friend of mine recently told me that Sam may be restored as much as God wants him to be; well I’m here to say that I totally reject that as an evil report, and will only entertain the thoughts that are brought under submission to Christ for his total restoration…..

Soooo, as I visited with Sam yesterday; I didn’t see a young man with some physical challenges lying there, but a Son of God patiently waiting for his Heavenly Father to fulfill his promise to heal and revive his spirit, mind, and body…and you know, that brings more joy than if I had sent a picture of him gleefully loving on Erin as he did when she arrived…the picture I am sending is of Sam awake; but either too tired to keep his eyes open, unable to because of the meds, or just wanting to escape it all by shutting his eyes and retreating until he feels better…Yes, I already know it; he is handsome even on his less than stellar days…Ha!

Until next time, God is Love…Love creates Faith…God Honors Faith and it is the Only way to please him…Wow!…what a pattern he laid out for us….

Eric

A conversation with Sam Nichols

From Sam’s father Eric:

Good Morning to You All!

What a great weekend! I’m sure you all had the opportunity to pay tribute to your Mom or A Mom somewhere…we had a BBQ at my house and I had the grill honors…My Sisters and Brother’s wives all did the side items and it came together very nicely…The grandkids did the desserts and the Fruit Pizza, the Orange Juice Cake, and the Chocolate Frosted Brownies are enough to tempt anyone off their diet…Ha! We had some very special guests as Erin was in town to honor her Mother and Grandmothers and we were able to have Tony, Julie, and Erin have lunch with us…It is sooooo good that Erin takes the short weekend away from Sam’s side; not just because it’s Mother’s Day, but because she needs the occasional distraction to refresh her mind and spirit with thoughts and feelings of other things…She spends much of her time telling about God’s goodness to Her and Sam, and of Sam’s progress, to friends and relatives she hasn’t seen in a while. She does it willingly and almost as a duty; and as I sat and observed I spoke a silent blessing on her for her faithfulness. (She also keeps in touch with the nurse’s desk and knows up to the minute where Sam is at all times)…Julie, (Erin’s Mom) brought us gifts even though it was Mother’s Day…She brought Donny and I, T-shirts with Sam’s picture in his dress blues on the front and back; and the text that reads “Please Pray for Our Recovering Iraqi Veteran”; and on the back the web link prayforSam.com , which leads to his blog…What an incredible sweet thing to do…A walking advertisement for soliciting prayer for Sam…Kudos Julie…

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting with Sam on Saturday and he looks so good. (Please see the photos attached from that visit)…I got there maybe an hour or so after Erin left and he was watching the discovery channel (one of his favorites)…he loves the animal stories and regular features like World’s Dirtiest Jobs, etc…When he saw me he gives his usual wave hello; and when I ask him for a hug and a kiss, he lifts his right arm all the way up as if to say, Get over here…He wraps his arm around my back and pats my back, as I kiss his cheek…I say I love you, Sam; and he says so distinctly, I love you too…Sam’s Mother and I raised the boys to show affection freely and rarely do we see each other or even speak on the phone, that we don’t remind each other of our love. This isn’t that unique, I’m sure; but when they would see me with their friends when they were teenagers and still give me a hug and a kiss is quite remarkable, I think…At any rate, he was talkative when I arrived so we had quite a conversation; discussing his Mom and Brothers, the presidential campaigns, and of course some prayer time together…One of the pictures is he holding my hand and praying the Lord’s Prayer…He repeats what I say and sometimes I can see he is frustrated because he can’t form the words I just said…I don’t see that as a problem, as I know adults that can’t say the word aluminum or film….BUT he does a masterful job in my opinion, and he is glad to have said it when we are done…We can have an even more in depth conversation since Erin has taught him some other ways to answer. It is not just yes or no anymore, as we all know that there even degrees to yes or no…When he doesn’t know or just can’t remember he throws up his hand, all five fingers fully extended, in a gesture that emphasizes, “I don’t know”; and he is good at using it…he even uses his eyebrows and maybe a shoulder shrug to underscore it. After an hour or so of conversation and prayer; I believe he is fatigued and wants to rest. He is non conversational at this point although does acknowledge a CNA he hasn’t seen in a month by saying his name…A loud and froggy Michael…He seems restless and will occasionally utter some words I’m not sure of, but tries to watch t.v…While he is watching, (and I am watching him) he begins to laugh…I’m astounded and excited…It is sort of like heh, heh, heh-heh-heh, heh…it is loud and he seems to be smiling while he is laughing…I whip out my phone and am able to capture it for you to see…(The second picture)…I look to see what was so funny on the set and I have to do a double take…There is a documentary about the Alcoa Company building a processing plant in Iceland and their challenges there…What? So I’m still not sure what was so funny, but it was
so good to hear him laugh…

I know Erin has said that there was a test to see if he could swallow well enough, and that maybe it will determine if he can safely begin eating and drinking something. I’m not exactly sure of the results of that test so I’ll wait till next time to report on that, or maybe Tony or Erin will touch on that in the blog…

Thank you all again for your continued prayers…Scripture says that the prayers of the righteous avail much and that God seeks an opportunity to implement his word so that it will not return to him void…It is on that word that I take as promise of his healing for Sam and it is obviously not going to return to him as empty; but see Sam and Erin fully restored and even better than before…
Much Love which brings Hope, which creates Faith and we all know that it is Faith which God honors….

Eric

The Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008

There’s a new bill that was just referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs by the Senate on 4/28/2008 called The Caring for Wounded Warriors Act of 2008 S.2921. There isn’t much information out on the bill as of yet, but it is endorsed by the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). The legislation was introduced to the Senate by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Here is a summary of the bill:

A bill to require pilot programs on training and certification for family caregiver personal care attendants for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, to require a pilot program on provision of respite care to such veterans and members, and for other purposes.

The bill sounds like a perfect fit for people like Erin. There are so many more wives and family members out there in the same situation. I’ll keep you updated on this legislation.

Sam’s medical status: On Saturday my wife Julie and I went down to Kentfield to visit Sam and Erin. Sam has another bacterial infection which doesn’t seem to be too big of an issue. A little silver lining to this situation is that he’ll have his own room for a while. He’s now in room 118 if you’re thinking about visiting. The rooms are pretty small in this hospital, so now friends and family will have a little bit of elbow room when they visit. He also has to wear a mask when he’s out of the room so you may see some pictures of him with his face covered if he’s out of the room in his wheel chair.

The picture’s that I’m sharing with you today were taken on Saturday. Erin had just shaved Sam’s face. She handed him the brush and told him to brush his hair which he gladly did. I was very surprised at how well he moved it around his head. The only problem he had was moving the brush over to the far left side of his head.

In the other photo, Erin is talking to Sam and asking him to complete her sentences. I was standing about five or six feet away from him and actually heard very clearly some of the words he was saying. Other times, Erin had to get her ear right up next to his mouth to hear him—but, he is still doing so well.

Erin noticed something very interesting during all her question and answer sessions with Sam. It seems he has about a two year gap in his memory. For example he doesn’t remember that they bought a new car a few years back—He still thinks they have their truck. He also didn’t remember being promoted to Sergeant. The most interesting thing…he doesn’t remember how he got hurt. Erin said he thinks he was home when he got in his accident. I guess for now, it’s better that he doesn’t remember what really happened.

On Friday Erin sent me a photo from her cell phone of Sam taking a ride in a motorized wheel-chair. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find the photo, but the next time he takes it out for a spin, I’ll have her send me another photo and I’ll post it in the FLICKR strip. This particular wheel chair didn’t have all the neck and back support that his regular wheel chair has, but Erin said he was doing really well keeping his neck and trunk upright. He also did pretty well at moving himself around after Erin gave him instructions. Another step towards independence!

Of course, my favorite part of the day was watching Erin kissing and hugging Sam. He’s pretty good at kissing her and now he can get his right arm around her and give her a really nice hug back. I wish I could bottle up the love these two share with each other. Regardless of Sam’s difficultly in speaking, there is no lack of communication between these two young people.

From Erin as of Tuesday May 6th:

As of today Sam is back in room 129. The bacteria that bought him a private room is gone and a new patient with a different bug came in today, kicking Sam back to his old room. It’s not bad, but he was able to rest a lot better without a roommate.

Sam had a very verbal day today. during his mid-day break, I asked him what he wanted to do and he said,”go to sleep.” I think this was the first phrase he said without repeating after me. I’ve started asking him open-ended questions instead of yes and no, and he’s really stepping it up. I’m able to understand more and more of what he’s saying, and his voice is coming out more and more. He sounds like a frog. he’s so cute.

Brain Injury Association of America Caregivers Conference

I received a very nice email from Anna with the Wounded Warriors Project. Her organization is sponsoring a small number of caregivers to attend the Brain Injury Association of America’s Caregiver’s Conference held in Dallas Texas June 6~8. They are going to pay for Erin’s trip (registration, travel and lodging). The conference is a great opportunity for family caregivers to take part in discussions about the issues of caring and supporting someone with a brain injury and also gives them a chance to meet and network with other caregivers.

Prayers for Air Force Families: I’d like to ask for prayers for some other military families. My brother-in-law is an Air Force Reserve pilot instructor stationed at Columbus AFB Mississippi. On Wednesday one of the other flight instructors along with his trainee were both killed while taking off in a T-38 Talon trainer. The student was 25 years old and has a wife who is 28 weeks pregnant. The instructor has a wife and a two year old son and a six month old girl. Both families need lots of prayers in dealing with their loss. You can read more about the accident at this link to the Air Force Times.

From Sam’s Dad, Eric after his visit on the 25th:

What an incredible privilege it is to visit and hang out with Sam and Erin…to be in the very presence of the Holy Spirit who is working constantly on Sam’s and Erin’s behalf. You have to come away from there not wanting the cheer and great vibes that are given off by these two. This is just not measured by Sam’s progress, but also by the peace and contentment that is displayed by Erin…She is excited by his achievements and encouraged by his efforts to practice all that is becoming available to him…Please take a close look at the pictures and notice the exchange by these two…Neither let a little thing like a wheelchair nor a brain injury come between their almost electric like conductivity…they exchange more love than most healthy couples that I know…

Erin bought some walkie-talkies this week and has been challenging Sam’s coordination (using the switches) and using his words vocally at the same time…She’ll talk to him and ask for responses and “checks” on him to ensure he is using them correctly…All I can say is, “Creative and Brilliant”…She has been doing “Mad-libs” with Sam and although silly, they are quite funny…Ask the closest 7 year old if you’re unfamiliar with them…Ha! Sam has completed an entire page of them with either him vocalizing the words or spelling them out on an alphabet board of Erin’s design…Yesterday morning he spelled out to the physical therapist that he was hungry…I see that as real progress! Ha! He asked again if I would take He and Erin home as he must be getting bored as he is becoming more cognitive…Boy does that ever tug at the old heart strings…Erin is quick to inquire if he is ready to walk out of there and it reminds him that he still has work to do. He is resigned to getting better so that he will achieve that very goal…

Sam likes to pray with Erin and I, and says he prays without us as well. He also said (in answer to Erin’s questions) that he would like to travel and tell his story to other brain injured patients, (especially other Marines and Soldiers) when he is able…He included that he would like to meet and tell his story to all those that have and are continuing to pray for him…I’m not sure what wells up faster; the Father’s pride or the tears that are produced by listening to this noble young man of immense character.

I wanted to get this update in the mail this morning as I am going to be unavailable for the next 10 days, literally running from airport to airport…busy, but missing Sam and Erin…Sam has an infection of colonized bacteria that the doctors have told Erin he may have for the rest of his life…Erin and I are in agreement that it is in error…and we intend to pray that bacteria away…won’t you please join us in that accord? We say that bacteria has no chance against the healing power of God brought about by the prayers of the many…(and that is YOU!!!) Thank you and God Bless….
Much love,
Eric

P.S. Notice the “thumbs up” Sam is flashing in the pic [FLICKR Photo]…and in one Sam is “tickling” Erin’s cheek…

Sam’s medical status:

4/22/2008 - Erin likes to play a game with Sam’s brother Donny and his girlfriend Brandy called Mad-libs. It’s one of those games where you make up a story by each person adding words to a frame work of half sentences. I hope that makes sense. Anyway—today Erin said she was playing the game with Sam and he was adding words using the alphabet board. She said he created some pretty funny sentences (the object of the game) with worlds like “Fudruckers” the letter “O” for “something round”. He made about twenty words in the game they played today.

Sam and Erin took a field trip today back to Marin General for a CT scan. Erin thought he might be having petite-mal seizures because he occasionally goes off into a blank stare. The trip only took about 45 minutes total and then they were back at Kentfield doing Sam’s physical therapy.

4/28/2008 - Yesterday when my wife spoke with Erin, she said Sam had a fever of 103 and was being put back on antibiotics. Hopefully this won’t be as serious as the last fever he had.

An Email from Samuel Nichols: I received an email from a young man named Samuel Nichols from Ramona, CA today. He was “googling” himself and came across this blog. He took the time to write me a very nice email and wanted to share a scripture (Job 14: 7-9)

For there is hope for a tree,
If it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
And that its tender shoots will not cease.
Though its root may grow old in the earth,
And its stump may die in the ground,
Yet at the scent of water it will bud
And bring forth branches like a plant…

And this is what Sam “Kenneth” Nichols wanted to share with those of us who are praying for Sam:

These are the words of God to Sam as he lies in his bed. And also, these are what may comfort all who love him, to know that God is on Sam’s side, and that when he comes back, he will thrive as if like a new bud. Like I said… I don’t know Sgt. Samuel Nichols, but I do know Him, the everlasting, hope-giving, life-fulfilling God, and He will renew Sam back to his fullest. I am praying for you all… - Samuel Kenneth Nichols