Sam’s medical status: Sam was previously septic but there is no longer any bacteria in his blood stream. We are still wearing mask, gowns and gloves though, because his blood and lungs need to be tested to ensure they are not carrying any contagions that he might have brought back from Iraq. Once all those test come back clean, we’ll be able to do away with that particular precaution.
Sam’s neurological status is much better than the neurologist ever thought it would be when he first arrived at Bethesda. Yesterday I mentioned he was moving his right index finger and thumb. Today the rest of the fingers in his right hand got into the act. He also moved his left hand once today in response to the Corpsman pulling off the tape before cleaning out the area around his I.V.
God is listening to your prayers: One of Sam’s prayer warriors from this part of the country brought a couple of cards for Erin with Sam and her name, it’s origin and a bible verse. Erin keeps the cards on a little cork pin-up board that sits on the wall in front of Sam’s bed.
Samuel – “God Has Heard”
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6
Erin – “Peace”
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7
God IS listening to our prayers. Little by little, we are seeing small improvements. I know it is because of the love and faithfulness of his family and friends and the prayers that are coming from so many people…many who only know Sam through this blog.
There IS a courageous little angel watching over Sam—sometimes over twelve hours a day. Her name is Erin Nichols. I wish you could see Erin in action. I’ve been with her since Sunday evening and I am just amazed with my daughter. She talks to Sam all the time in order to stimulate his mind. Even when she is sitting next to his bed reading, she usually has one hand stroking his leg. Just a little while ago she was “teaching” some new hospital corpsman how to feed him through his stomach tube (with the nurse supervising). She also helped the nurse add new dressings to his wounds (some of which I can’t even look at!) and right now, she’s doing physical therapy on his limbs (which she learned from the physical therapist). On top of all that, Erin is fasting today in preparation for tomorrow where she will get on a conference call with Sam’s uncle who will be praying with him from Sacramento.
20 So Jesus said to then, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
21 “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 17:20-21 NKJV
Yes—Erin does mean “Peace”. Erin is the “Peace” that Sam needs to pull through. She is doing it with love, with laughter, with incredible empathy, and with the faith that God is working through her, the doctors, the nurses and all who are praying for Sam’s recovery.
Sgt. Samuel Nichols, USMC 
After my in-laws heard about Sam they started putting in prayers for him. This Sunday,Sept. 2nd, the prayers for a miracle will be hand carried to Lourdes by a Priest from Chico. For those of you who don’t know about Lourdes, it is a place of many miracles. Sam has already shown HE IS A LIVING MIRACLE! This will be the extra boost Sam and Erin need.
Here is what my In-Laws wrote to my daughter Callie:
Dear Callie, That is a wonderful video. I cried all the way through it. We are praying for Sam many times a day. His prayer for a miracle will be at Lourdes on Sunday, Prayers there have produced many miracles. Lets hope Sam’s prayer will bring another one. We love you, Grandma and Grandpa Cyr
I’ve got the shivers. It has occurred to me that none of us will ever be the same after being touched by Sam’s journey. When I think of the times I have lost faith in this life, times that were so trivial in the big picture, I realize a new faith has now hit me between the eyes like a 2 x 4. Praise God!
I want to say thank you to Erin for being so strong and helping Sam through this. I know that when he wakes up it will be for you. I believe that all our prayers are helping, but i also believe that all the prayers in the world might not be anything if Erin wasnt by Sams side. You know I have always admired you and loved you for making Sam so happy. Your a good friend, strong woman, and wonderful wife. Thank you Erin with all my heart! I love you please give Sam a kiss just for me!
Liz
Erin is simply a marvel. She’s a living testament to what marriage vows are spoken for. When I was in Bethesda with Erin, she was a rock, a fortress. She spent hours and hours beside Sam’s bed holding and stroking his hand and forehead, and she talked to him as if he were in conversation with her. She new what was happening with the machines and the medical jargon, and Erin would tell the nurse if something wasn’t quite right. Erin embodies the essence of what true love really is. What a world this would be if we all took a page out of her book.
Our God is an amazing GOD! I pray that Sam will continue his recovery with all of ‘Our Lords’ Mercy and Grace. I recieved this web site address from a friend whom recieved it from a friend, ect. Sam is being held up in prayer all over the country as my email came to Wyoming from Missouri via Nebraska.
The God of All Comfort
3. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4. who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (New International Version)
God is truley great ! I feel deep down in my heart that Sam will continue to amaze us all with his recovery. I believe that God has more in store for Sam then any of us realize. Sam is truley one of Gods angels here on earth. He has touched so many of us and given so much to those around him. God bless you Erin your strength is amazing you are truley Sams angel. God Bless You. I pray for you every day.
Everyday there is more and more wonderful news that i read as i check on this website about sam. Erin truely is the rock that is there is hold sam up! She is the rock that everyone has needed (and wants). Keep up the wonderful work that you are. Tell sam to keep moving and soon hell wake up good as new 🙂
You guys are embarassing me. I’m just doing what any wife would do. I know that Sam likes it when I’m around, but lets not forget that GOD is healing Sam. I am only so strong because I have full faith in God. I know that He is restoring Sam and He is blessing me with the opportunity to witness His works. Thank you to the thousands of people praying for Sam; our voices are being heard.
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”- Matthew 21:22
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”- Matthew 23:12
Erin…this is your scripture for today; it is for you; I believe that in Jesus name that you are depending on God, and you will NEVER be sorry. God Bless you young lady: A Dad can only pray that his children can be as awesome as you are. What’s awesome is that you give God the Glory for it!
Proverbs 31:10-28
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
WOW!!!! I don’t even know what to say because I am in shock. Everyday I get on this, it is a miracle, simply amazing that God is answering our prayers. All these wonderful and beautiful people who don’t even know Sam that continue to pray everday not just for Sam, but for Erin, and the whole family, that itself is something one of a kind and beautiful! God bless all the people like you! And God bless all the people who are praying for Sam and the family and freinds! I really just don’t know what else to say. This is such wonderful news and everyday he is getting better and better! I am VERY confident that Sam will wake up soon and come back to us!!! Just wait a tiny bit longer, and he will come back!
And to Erin, no words can express how wonderful you are! You and Sam are the ideal married couple. You guys are the key example of what and how a marreid couple should be. I cannot believe how strong you are, and everthing you do, its all for Sam. It amazes me to hear everything that you do with Sam/for Sam. And what amazes me the most is that your just about a year older than me, and I can’t fathom how you do this everyday. Sam is a Marine, and a true American hero because of that. In my eyes Erin, you to are a hero! What you do everyday, all that you give and all that you are, you are indeed a hero. Especially to Sam. He is so lucky to have you, and same for you. You and Sam are what everyone wants, and wants to have. You guys are like a fairy tell, and soon you will have your HAPPY ENDING!!! Just hang on for a little bit more! Erin I truly am proud of you and all that you give and I’m so thankful to have met you and known you and had both you and Sam in my life!!!!! God bless you!
Nicole Moen
Im glad to hear things are slowly progressing. I’m so very grateful for this site, its nice to be able to get on here everyday and know that there will be new posts on his current condition and all efforts being made. I know you all are so busy, I just wanted to say thank you to all the people posting info and keeping us all in the loop. Still praying and hoping for the best. Erin I really admire your strength, not a lot of women in your shoes would hold it together, and you have gone far and beyond all that. We are all so proud of you and the woman you are. You’re the best!
I will pray that Sam heals from his many injuries, and that the family stays strong during this ordeal. God is good…all the time.
I thank you for his service to our country. He is a true American Hero.
God Bless ,
Josette
This design is spectacular! You most certainly know
how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was
almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!