Laura Kathleen Laughlin (12/12/79 - 2/20/07)
"An angel has left our presence, for now"

If there were words capable of justifying our family's complete appreciation for the love, support, and encouragement displayed during this struggle, they would surely be inserted here. Unfortunately, there aren't any. What is certain is this; your love continually lifted us up, helped us to keep going, and allowed us to transform our situation into something meaningful for others. True friends and a supportive family are fully tested when tragedy strikes. We are truly blessed in quantity by those passing such tests. It's been a long andmostly uphill road, thanks for refusing to give up.

We have our memories. We will always have our memories. Hold them very dear and very close to your heart. Hopefully, it will not stop there. On behalf of Laura, I would like to offer her up to be used for service in your life. I would be a failure as a husband withholding the message and dream, which Laura repeatedly spoke and lived.

- To focus on what is eternal. Laura loved Christ and His message and wanted everyone to know it and share in it. The process has been jump-started with Laura in many, but work is nevercomplete.

- To make a real lasting difference in the lives of all those she came in contact with. Laura would be thrilled to see anyone positively changing their lives because of her. So go ahead, smile a little bigger, laugh a little harder, love a little more, express gratitude often, don't be afraid to dance, cherish each moment as if it were your last. In these ways, Laura's impact continues to live on and grow through each and everyone of us. Make every effort to focus on what matters most to you. Laura's dream depends on it.

My immeasurable love, Jeff.

LAURA LIFE LESSON #17 – 27 years full of life

Twenty-seven years of purpose
Twenty-seven years of commitment
Twenty-seven years of passion
Twenty-seven years of caring
Twenty-seven years of strength
Twenty-seven years of loyalty
Twenty-seven years of compassion
Twenty-seven years of generosity
Twenty-seven years of love
Twenty-seven years of service
Twenty-seven years as an example

For everything you have done for all of us, today is your day Laura. Twenty-seven years ago today an angel was born. Uniquely and intricately created, this life continues to serve, strengthen, and encourage others to boldly transform towards living lives of loving and selfless service. Happy 27th Birthday, Laura! You are a true hero and inspiration to many.

IF YOUR GIFT IS SERVING OTHERS, SERVE THEM WELL. IF YOU ARE A TEACHER, TEACH WELL. IF YOUR GIFT IS TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS, BE ENCOURAGING. IF IT IS GIVING, GIVE GENEROUSLY. IF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU LEADERSHIP ABILITY, TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY SERIOUSLY. AND IF YOU HAVE A GIFT FOR SHOWING KINDNESS TO OTHERS, DO IT GLADLY. (Romans 12: 7-8)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #16 – Taking responsibility

We are fully accountable and responsible for our own lives. Undoubtedly, the temptation to blame circumstances, situations, and others exists. The results and current state of your life is a product of you, not the other outside junk. To be effective, you cannot allow factors outside your control to steal your single largest God given freedom, the freedom to choose one’s response. Take to heart this reality, if you are struggling mightily with whatever and are frequently unhappy and unfulfilled, you chose it. Fortunately, you can and should change it. Although not easy, trust God to grant and develop a new spirit of accountability deep within.

It would be a lie to say Laura takes complete responsibility for all of her decisions. Being proactive is a life-long process in which, we all struggle. No one is and can ever be perfectly responsible. We can get better and Laura’s life is a fine testimony. Placing blame has never been a central part of her character. If given a choice, she chooses the path of responsibility, certainly responsibility with relationships and responsibility in her other life role’s.

Ultimately, our behavior stems from our choices, not from our situations. Our situation can only magnify our decisions, not determine them. If you are struggling with a decision or in desperate need of some change, we hope you find a source of encouragement. But remember, countless people may support you, others may doubt you, but only you can control you. Choose not to be your own enemy, rather your own greatest asset. Make things happen through initiative and by taking responsibility.

PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO YOUR OWN WORK, FOR THEN YOU WILL GET THE SATISFACTION OF A JOB WELL DONE, AND YOU WON’T NEED TO COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE ELSE. FOR WE ARE EACH RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN CONDUCT. (Galatians 6: 4-5)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #15 – Be branded, a giver

We all enjoy having people with a sincerely generous spirit in our lives. There are many reasons why people give and many reasons why they don’t. It is unnecessary to understand these reasons. What is important? Deciding if you desire to be this person and realizing, you can be. Giving is much more than financial. An act of generosity can include time, talents, and any resources at your disposal. What differs is our capacity, not our opportunities. Although, our capacity is irrelevant, for it is not the quantity of the gift, but the spirit and will supporting it.

It is simple to go on and on about Laura’s perpetually generous spirit. Instead of selecting one of many stories in which she demonstrated this quality, it is more effective to point out a couple realities. First, the stories all of you share on how much Laura has done for you are a much greater testimony than anything I could share. What Laura has given to you is evident through your spoken words. Secondly, Laura continues to give so much through her daily struggle. Who else would have this impact? Only one possessing a truly real spirit of selfless love and giving! Laura may be out of sight, but never out of mind.

Love seeks out the needs in others. It finds ways to meet those needs. In order to genuinely discern the needs of others in your life, you must be part of the solution.
Selfishness does not live within a generous character. You can obtain and maintain an openhanded spirit; be open for when God prompts you of other’s needs. He can lead you to become more generous in all areas of your life. But, you need to ask and be open to change. Opportunities to share your time, talents and other resources abound. Giving is the greatest gift. It yields the highest return, immeasurable!

AND I AM PRAYING THAT YOU WILL PUT INTO ACTION THE GENEROSITY THAT COMES FROM YOUR FAITH AS YOU UNDERSTAND AND EXPERIENCE ALL THE GOOD THINGS WE HAVE IN CHRIST. (Philemon 6)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #14 – A spirit of thanks

It seems appropriate to borrow language from a true American patriot and icon, Abraham Lincoln, and his proclamation of Thanksgiving, "…announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand, which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, by the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people.”

As we use the season to reflect, what is there to be thankful for? There is the obvious: loving family, loyal friends, health and vitality, and countless blessings. For us, it goes much deeper. We are thankful for those following Laura’s story, aware of the reality, but choosing to focus on the beauty of her life and its message; a life with an indelible spirit of thanks and appreciation; a loving message needing to be shared; an empowering message that must be spread. As this message spreads and Christ becomes real for others, Laura’s dream marches toward fulfillment. It is the greatest gift we can ever receive. Our spirit of thanks runs deep and continues to grow with each passing day. We are thankful for you.

OH, THAT MEN WOULD GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNESS, AND FOR HIS WONDERFUL WORKS TO THE CHILDREN OF MEN! FOR HE SATISFIES THE LONGING SOUL, AND FILLS THE HUNGRY SOUL WITH GOODNESS. (Psalm 107: 8-9)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #13 – Opening doors

It must not of been easy for God. He faced an infinite amount of tough decisions in creation. Should He provide us with a free will to choose? We know God is all-powerful, but giving us free will would transfer a great deal of power, at least initially, to us. To identify our love as pure and not obligatory, we would have to CHOOSE Him. There had to be both options. In essence, we own the door and the choice to either keep the door closed, or to open up and let Him in. Throughout history and presently, people have done many things with their doors.

Closed and locked doors – Not content solely in their disbelief, often these people are on a mission to criticize, judge, and condemn others and their beliefs. It is likely they believe “religion” is stupid (or not on par with their intelligence) or only for weak people.

Closed and unlocked doors – Possibly believers and usually willing to hear you out, their door remains closed. Usually, they’d rather this subject, as well as death and tragedy, didn’t exist. Likely to make excuses about being too busy, not being ready, or may be afraid God will take away their fun.

Cracked open doors – They are definitely believers, but mostly when it conveniences them. If God can benefit them at the moment, then full speed ahead. They must be careful of a common trap, claiming personal credit when things are well and blaming God when things are not.

Wide open doors – Not much explanation needed. These people are the first ones to drop everything and come to the aid of those in need. They live a life established on hope, faith, love, and positive behaviors. They know that to be an influence, they must be an example. Their relationships are usually deeper and based on respect, trust, and mutual understanding. And they love a God, who chose first to create and love them.

Those who know Laura and those following her plight know about an insatiable life purpose and goal of saving others and witnessing for Christ with a zest and a passion. Laura’s door was thrown open with maximum force and intensity many years ago. No restrictions! No strings! No hesitation! A spirit completely open and willing, void of indecision. A choice setting the course for a life lived on principle.

What is the position of your door? Are you stuck in your character development, refusing to open up? Maybe you keep it cracked open, creating a convenience buffet on your road through life. It is never too late to make a change. We are never too old, too tarnished, or too flawed to start. Turn the lock, grab the knob, and swing that baby wide open. Oh, and once yours is open, try helping out others with theirs.

FOR EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED. HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF MESSENGERS WHO BRING GOOD NEWS! (Romans 10: 13, 15)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #12 – Believe for better, believe for more

Would you be considered a person full a belief or more consumed with doubt? Many of our battles can result from the struggle among these opposing forces. This fight can produce results or stagnate the growth of our journey. Forgetting our doubts is exceedingly difficult. We have all been hurt or let down. We battle insecurity and self-doubt. Our world is imperfect and perpetually so. We can’t make it perfect, but we can advance it through individual change. Is it really possible to be personally filled up with belief?

Laura is a person of strong beliefs; belief in who she is, belief in those she cares about, and belief for a God who loving created her. Laura does have doubts (who doesn’t?), but her doubts lose out to the ferocity of compelling belief. Laura chooses to see, not the past or the present, but the potential in those around her. By selecting this path, she continually lifts others to new levels. Laura has always been and will always be this person for me. Countless others can witness and testify to the power and reach of Laura living this principle.

We do have doubts, always will. The commitment to overcoming our fears and doubts for ourselves and for others is a trying process. We must focus on seeing someone for who they can be, not where they were, or even where they are. By believing for more and believing for better, you can aid all those striving to become the person God created them to be. Believing in the definitive destination is the first step in reaching it. Believe for more in yourself, believe for the best in others, and believe ultimately in the truths and life of Christ.

FOR WE LIVE BY BELIEVING AND NOT BY SEEING. (2 Corinthians 5: 7)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #11 – Be an encourager

People love having “an encourager” in their life. Think of the person doing this for you in your life. They are irreplaceable, right? So, why is it we often find ourselves prone to complaining, criticizing, comparing, or judging? Many reasons are given, but they all fall short. We may believe if someone else achieves more or has more, than we are inferior to them. Not true! History shows the way to build yourself up is to build others around you up first. We may even believe we don’t have the time to be this type of person. Wrong again! If you have time to complain, criticize, compare, or judge, then you have more than enough time to encourage. The truth, being an encourager is a learned behavior and a choice. The good news is, we can and should do a better job.

We all have people in our lives providing us with much needed and frequent encouragement. Laura is the single greatest example for me to offer up as a person of this type. Whenever a friend or family member of hers has a situation calling for encouragement, an important job interview, a big exam, a major life changing event, or a significant problem, Laura moves to action. She swoops in at the right time to build you up, describing to you all your becoming qualities and telling you how you are going to go in there and “own it” (that’s her phrase!). While others may view this task as burdensome and even unnecessary, Laura sees it as an opportunity and a source of pure joy.

We are surrounded continually by opportunities to encourage. Fight the urge and the natural impulse to complain, to criticize, to judge, or to compare. How do we achieve this transformation and renew our thoughts and behaviors? By trusting in the principles of Christ and making a choice and a commitment to step out of our comfort zone. By becoming an active encourager, you will find your own never ending supply. Make the change. The people you care about may be waiting, in need of your words and some reassuring encouragement.

SO ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP, JUST AS YOU ARE ALREADY DOING. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #10 – Become a person of action

Our thoughts, while necessary, are only the starting point. Real change, progress, and personal development are the products of our thoughts executed through real action. In a way, we are all defined and ultimately judged by our actions. We have many choices; positive action producing growth, negative regrettable actions that hinder, limited or partial action, or maybe even taking no action. We live in a society where we frequently feel overworked, overcommitted, overbooked, and downright overwhelmed. Change is tough. We find comfort in the norm, our habits. Maybe take a few minutes each day to step out of your comfort zone and think about the changes you wish to make. Then, go for it. Perhaps Laura’s life may be of service for you.

One of the least expensive, yet most cherished and thoughtful gifts I ever received from Laura was for our first V-day celebration 2002. It was a picture of the two of us in a frame, but with Laura not just any frame. Envision a frame in a scrapbook-type design littered with our favorite catch phrases, nicknames, and inside jokes. You could tell in an instant the large amounts of both time and thought placed into such a gift. All to cause one smile and touch one heart! These types of actions are common with Laura, seemingly in a natural and effortless fashion. It is a memorable to witness her always going the extra mile. Laura’s constant thoughts and willingness to do for others, lead naturally to consistent expressions of love and deep caring.

Often, the instant we acknowledge the need for change is precisely the instant to begin taking action. Have you been waiting on something or someone, causing you to postpone action in your life? You’re waiting for conditions to be just right? You’re going to do X, once you take care of Y, right? Take heed and rejoice, the time is now here, for today is all that is promised. You can’t afford to risk missing your last chance!

A GOOD TREE CAN’T PRODUCE BAD FRUIT, AND A BAD TREE CAN’T PRODUCE GOOD FRUIT. YES, JUST AS YOU CAN IDENTIFY A TREE BY ITS FRUIT, YOU CAN IDENTIFY PEOPLE BY THEIR ACTIONS. (Matthew 7: 18, 20)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #9 – The power of your thoughts

This lesson will refrain from deceiving you by saying, “all you have to do is think positive thoughts and everything will be rosy.” Countless lives throughout history are a witness to this unfortunate misconception. Instead of focusing on what positive thinking lacks, let’s focus on the truths of our thoughts. All actions and behaviors, arguably, can be traced back to an original thought. Thoughts lead to beliefs; beliefs to principles; principles to action; action to consistent behavior or habits. Sadly, we have limited power to control what happens to us or around us, but we fully control what happens in us.

Laura, in my eyes, has always been known for turning bad into good, and good into better. A glaring memory was back in the summer of 2002, returning home from a family vacation. Upon arriving in Houston for our layover flight, we received news of poor weather in St. Louis and how our flight was postponed indefinitely and may even be cancelled. You all know how the feeling of traveling home after a long trip; you had fun, but you’re tired and ready to get home. It was a situation ripe for frustration and even anger, but not with Laura. We ended up making a good time of it, meeting a few people, cracking jokes, relishing some family time, and really enjoying ourselves. For years to come, we would run across those pictures of us in the airport wrapped up in blankets and just smile.

It doesn’t matter the scale of your impact. We all can apply this “renewing of our minds” philosophy. The beauty of the gift of life is our God-given freedoms. The extent and real existence of this freedom lies in the ability to effectively utilize your thought life. You can either be held captive as a prisoner by your thoughts or choose to use them as a catalyst for change and a source for impacting positively those within your influence. It is always your choice; be accountable. Remember, if you are letting someone or something dampen your spirits, look within to your own thoughts and Christ’s teachings. Only then, will your solution appear.

AND NOW, DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, ONE FINAL THING. FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT IS TRUE, AND HONORABLE, AND RIGHT, AND PURE, AND LOVELY, AND ADMIRABLE. THINK ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT AND WORTHY OF PRAISE. (Philippians 4:8)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #8 – Making a difference

Everyone touched by the story and struggle of Laura is aware of the impact of her life both before and after July 2005. A top priority and dream for Laura has always been to make a difference in the lives of people. And now, we marvel at the large scale of her unquestionable influence. Obviously, it wasn’t always to this level. The sting of overwhelming adversity has magnified the character of her personhood and enabled her light to shine for many.

It started through expressions of love, a warm smile, a welcoming ear, a thoughtful gift, or a kind word. Laura brings a level of passion and energy to every activity. These small everyday tasks make all the difference. She has a way of seeing the best in everyone and working to expose those qualities. Laura’s actions have led to her being a significant hero, role model, and inspiration for many.

The scale of one’s impact, large or small, is irrelevant. We all have the ability to help others in our lives. Look around you; your workplace, your home, your family, your friends, your community. People are looking for you to be their light. The easiest way to overcome your own difficulties is to help someone else with theirs. In a nutshell, this is what Laura’s life and our message and commitment is all about. Do you contribute to the problem or are you the solution? Be that light, a difference maker!

LET US THINK OF WAYS TO MOTIVATE ONE ANOTHER TO ACTS OF LOVE AND GOOD WORKS. (Hebrews 10:24)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

PS – Have to throw in a “How bout those Cardinals!”

LAURA LIFE LESSON #7 – Constructive criticism and the other kind

One of Laura’s favorite things was our periodic “relationship retreats.” This gave us an opportunity to pause from the busyness of life and discuss our short-term and long-term goals for our relationship. We were both required to give specific examples of what we were happy about and what we were not so happy about. You should have seen how excited she would get for these days. I had to come up with a few things for her to improve on (it was difficult!), but I knew she would have her list for me. She enjoyed hearing what I would suggest and would go to work on whatever it was. She would ask me often how she was doing. I marveled at the way she viewed the criticism as a way to improve and further develop our relationship.

We all see the inherent value in constructive criticism and often change in response to well presented suggestions. Self perceived unjustified critique is another story. Unfortunately, we live in a world where gossip, hearsay, and rumor can become commonplace. These difficulties may arise more often than we desire. How should believers act to defend themselves against these possibilities? What should we do? Absolutely nothing, except to press forward.

First, Christ already took on this problem and teaches the inevitability and perpetual condition of this reality in our lives. God’s Word repeatedly teaches the difference in two key terms. These terms, character and reputation, seem similar upon initial glance but differ drastically. One is what people may think you are, the other is what you are. One can be devastatingly wrong, the other cannot be. You are always in control of one, but control in the other is limited. One blows as the wind, the other lays firm as a rock. On judgment day; one will be carefully analyzed, the other cast aside.

Jesus was called a drunk, a liar, and a hypocrite. Would our salvation have been secured if He spent all His time defending a reputation? His character and destination were always secured and His mission endured to the end. What an example to us all! Are you satisfied with your character or are you a touch too focused on maintaining a reputation? It’s never too late to change.

GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR DOING RIGHT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS THEIRS. GOD BLESSES YOU WHEN PEOPLE MOCK YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU AND LIE ABOUT YOU AND SAY ALL SORTS OF EVIL THINGS AGAINST YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE MY FOLLOWERS. BE HAPPY ABOUT IT! BE VERY GLAD! FOR A GREAT REWARD AWAITS YOU IN HEAVEN. AND REMEMBER, THE ANCIENT PROPHETS WERE PERSECUTED IN THE SAME WAY. (Matthew 5:10-12)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #6 – Overcome your fears

As we walk through our battlefields, we try everything to negotiate the landmines (our fears) in our lives including avoidance, rationalizing, and even outright denial. Why don’t we identify our fears, face them head on, and leave them (once and for all) in the rear view mirror? Unfortunately, we must face intense challenges, overwhelming difficulties, and heavy doses of fear.

Talking about fear and Laura in the same sentence seems misplaced. Fear never appears to be an issue for her. I have witnessed Laura cliff-diving, bungee jumping, sharing her love and God’s Word with complete strangers, and more. Even the way she communicates with anyone and everyone, fear was never present. The higher purpose in her message is not Laura’s actions, but why she acted in this way. The truth, Laura places her ultimate trust in her creator and savior, Jesus Christ. With this trust, she is ultimately freed to be confident in who she is and why she was created.

Our struggle isn’t the process of overcoming our fears, but in determining who is accountable for the process. All too often, we fail. Why do we fail? It’s because we expect our own abilities to be sufficient. They are in a few instances, but not here. Not for this! Jesus Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and the symbol of the cross are the only surefire means to overcoming your fears.

God provides the example; the sinless life and gruesome death of His Son, followed relatively quickly by the overcoming of the fiery pit and the glorious rising to heaven. While we are here on Earth, Christ essentially says, “Been there, done that! Now, hand them over to me. I will take them for you. Do you trust me?” We can continue in our struggles or release them and be freed.

What will you choose?

EVEN WHEN I WALK THROUGH THE DARKEST VALLEY, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID, FOR YOU ARE CLOSE BESIDE ME. YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF PROTECT AND COMFORT ME. (Psalm 23:4)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #5 – Love first

Regardless of the complexities of life and supposed metrics of success, we are in fact defined by our relationships. Busy schedules and other commitments often lead to limited and brief moments of social interaction. It is in these moments, the greatest opportunities are available to form the bonds of true friendship. Everyone, on different levels, yearns to be loved and to reciprocate such feelings. Oftentimes, we wait, guarded; hoping for the other person to act. The difficulty is not in loving or being loved, but in choosing to love first. In choosing to practice this principle, you are accepting the accompanying risks and vulnerabilities that your love may not be returned.

You must know where this is headed! Laura’s life is, in fact, one of the true examples of the power of displaying love first. You’ve probably seen it thousands of times. You’re thinking handshake, Laura’s thinking hug. You’re thinking hug, Laura’s thinking kiss. You say bye, see you later; Laura says OK, love you. Her ability and desire to love first is attractive and contagious.

This isn’t something we SHOULD do as Christians. It is what we are called to do. Living this principle doesn’t come easy. Exposing yourself in this way may leave you open to attack. This adversity and resistance is at the very core of a life of impact. Take the example of our savior, Jesus Christ. Persecuted, mocked, scorned yet also revered, admired, and followed. Similarly, Laura’s life is an example in how loving first changes lives and helps others. We all have a limited sphere of influence and can decide to display our Christ-like love for those within our circle to see.

Loving those agreeing and supporting you is not as difficult. But God’s Word asks us to love those who may scorn or criticize us. This Word declares that by following Christ, you will face trials and even persecution. The existence of this in our story is the beauty and perfect truth of this doctrine becoming reality. It proves God can use anyone, in any situation, to accomplish anything. Should we continue to share our lives? I say we must (in love!).

SO NOW I AM GIVING YOU A NEW COMMANDMENT: LOVE EACH OTHER. JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER. YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER WILL PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES. (John 13: 34-35)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #4 – Listen well

It is tough to have good listeners in your life. It is even tougher to be a good listener for others. What draws people magnetically to Laura is this unique listening ability and the sense of truly being heard. She cares about what you are saying and isn’t afraid to show it. Laura’s favorite place to be is always right there, with you. She never allows her attention to wander or to lose focus on the conversation at hand.

After a few months of dating, I was enamored by Laura’s recollection of past events. I actually said, “How good is your memory?” Laura majored in chemistry and said memorizing things and recalling past events always came easy. She told me that she could name, over the past three weeks, every place we had been, where we went each night, and what I was wearing. Scary, huh? She did it. I didn’t know whether to be scared of or to admire this quality. Fortunately, she never used this power to her advantage. One thing is for sure, Laura remembered because Laura cared. Since she cares to listen, Laura always knows what is important to each of her family and friends. Maybe we can all become better listeners.

UNDERSTAND THIS, MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS: YOU MUST ALL BE QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK, AND SLOW TO GET ANGRY. (James 1:19)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin