We apologize for the extended absence and lack of recent updates. We decided to take a short break to refresh, enjoy Christmas time with family and friends, and gather our thoughts. To be quite honest, it has been difficult to not write over the past week. Laura has been doing amazingly well. The past week was full of positive and beneficial therapy sessions. She has begun verbalizing on the exhale for the first time to date (the verbalizations are getting really loud, which is good!). It is thrilling to witness Laura’s daily progressions. All areas of Laura’s rehabilitating body are making gains. It may take a while for her to effectively communicate, but that is the direction we are headed in. Laura’s courage is incredible! Even though many of us will take a sort of break during the holidays, Laura doesn’t have that option. She somehow keeps working harder and getting stronger. God is raining blessings upon Laura and her supporters. Incredible, the fruits of our faith, discipline, and persistence!

We thank everyone for the enjoyable Christmas Day. Everything went as planned with Laura. She looked great and appeared happy to be home. It was a long, but enjoyable day for Laura and family. She split time between our house and her grandparents’ home. Laura was fairly active for most of the day, but expectedly tired near day’s end. We look forward to bringing her home again in the near future. More importantly, we wait with hope for her miraculous healing to bring Laura home permanently. This is where she so deservedly belongs!

What is so impressive about Laura and her battle is what we previously alluded to. While we have the ability or option to relax and take a break, Laura is not so fortunate. She faces her struggles each and everyday. Laura could easily give up, but she chooses vehemently against that option. Laura draws strength from the truth in God’s Word and boldly fights to reclaim her life. We can never fully understand what it is like to be in Laura’s shoes. However, we can draw strength from her example and from Christ’s example. Although we all have problems in our lives, we can easily put these into perspective. Feel free to draw some courage from Laura. She is an overcomer, a fighter, a believer, and a child of the most high God. We are to live bold and courageous lives. Chose to overcome and make a difference for others and for God. The rewards are eternal!

BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS. BE CAREFUL TO OBEY ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS MOSES GAVE YOU. DO NOT DEVIATE FROM THEM, TURNING EITHER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THEN YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. (Joshua 1:7)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.