re: Deputy Nick Tullier (officer in July shootings) responding to commands

For those who don't follow the FB page by his dad, here is today's post:

Day 45 Update:

I’m sure lots of you by now have heard the report on WBRZ News that Nick has started responding some. I posted earlier that what was about to be said on WBRZ was true; which is correct. One of the reasons that I started this nightly update was due to trying to stop untrue rumors. If you hear a news report or someone’s post saying something different about Nick and haven’t seen that I’ve said it or confirmed it, please message me. Rumors don’t help anyone and can actually cause pain. Mary and I can both attest to that.

Regarding my updates, there were some subtle little hints in my writing that could have flagged some that something had changed. Starting with day 38 update, I had quit saying “no changes to report”. I didn’t want to lie, but at the same time wasn’t ready to make an announcement. I also started saying that a miracle “was” happening. When the changes started appearing, we discussed as a family about how and when to say something about it publically. For numerous reasons, we decided to keep it quiet for awhile. For one, we wanted to make sure that what we were seeing continued. We know all to well that people all over the world are watching and interested in the miracle that’s happening here. We also feel that the continuous efforts by Prayer Warriors everywhere meant they deserved to know their efforts were being rewarded. But we wanted doctors to see and recognize what was happening. That’s still a toss up depending on which one you’re talking to. Some I guess will debate is that really the sun shining up above. Not all though; I know that for a fact due to being told by some doctors they are praying for Nick's miracle.

But on to Nick:
Days ago, we noticed that Nick started moving when asked to do so. I don’t like to say commanded. The first real significant time, Nick was moving his feet one at a time. Whichever foot he was asked to move, he did. It was slow, but very deliberate. He also moved just his toes up and down when asked to do so. Then he was asked to squeeze our hand, to which seemed harder to do for him. But he was able to do that and in the presence of a doctor. He also has blinked his right eye one time or two times due to requesting such. One doctor had spoken to Nick and asked if he understood to raise his thumb. That also did happen.

Some keep asking or saying “is Nick awake”. Take that however you want to. Nick has never been in a medically induced coma. I guess when he makes these movements, he has to be awake to some extent. But to say he is AWAKE, no. Also at play is whatever meds he’s on at the time. Most of the time, he’s been pretty unresponsive. Between pain meds and other drugs for different reasons, he’s out.

President Obama’s physician called yesterday to discuss rehab facilities with me. In the call, he asked about the movements. Some way he had heard. We knew it was getting around to different medical personnel. Those movements come into play with which rehab facility if best for Nick. That’s why he had to re-discuss facilities with other doctors he’s conversed with. I continue to thank President Obama and Vice-President Biden for their help and their physicians help in moving forward with making sure we are getting the best care for Nick. We owe that to our Son.

Please remember, what I’ve been describing are baby steps to this process. Nick’s not out of the woods yet. He’s not even been in the woods to be able to get our of them. Miracle? Decide for yourself. I know what I’ve seen after what I’ve been told to expect.

General condition:
Temp has been pretty well under control for the past 12 hrs or so. Heart rate is down to way better numbers than over the last 4 days or so. Tube feeding has been restarted and feeding through IV drip stopped. Some breathing treatments are still stopped while trying to keep him from throwing-up anymore.

Head related:
Still having some drainage from his lower left scalp on and off. That continues to be an issue, though external healing continues.

Abdominal related:
Wound vacs still hooked up. The front incision continues to close off. Left rear flank (bullet exit wound) still has to be packed but has closed significantly. Doctor has told nurses to attend to that area twice as much as they were doing.

Shoulder related:
Still has scabs where the bullet entered and exited. Slow process there.

Phase 2 related (Rehab):
Still discussing which clinic would be best for Nick's case. It's either going to be TIRR in Houston or RIC in Chicago. I have now talked to a TIRR rep but still need to talk to RIC reps.

In closing:
Everyday to us is a miracle. Do I fully believe this is a miracle? Most definitely yes. Will it continue? Most definitely yes. Is God in Control? Most definitely yes…

As I’ve said before, we don’t expect; we ask. Prayer Warriors, Please Keep the Prayer Train going. This Miracle is happening and there's no other explanation...
James