Another terrific couple of days for Laura are in the books. It looks as though Laura is establishing a track record of success. Lately, calls from the therapists have been full of excitement, amazement, and encouraging progress. A recent significant improvement has been with Laura’s upper body strength and control. In particular, her arm, hand, and finger movements are displaying substantial progress. A new drill was introduced into her therapy sessions. Envision Laura in her wheelchair being wheeled up to a desk/table top with arms extended. They place, from her elbow to finger tips a device to eliminate friction (this device is described as sort of a “skateboard” for the arm, a board on wheels). Laura’s job is to move her arms as much as possible to specific commands. As you might imagine with our Laura, she did remarkably well. In addition, her doctor just so happened to be present and watching. This doctor was impressed and commented to the therapy staff on how great a job they were doing and on how well Laura was progressing.

Last update, we told you about Laura chewing gum for the first time (it is safe for her to swallow, only about a ¼ stick). Well, the first time she did swallow the gum after chewing for a while. This last experience with gum chewing had a more desirable conclusion. After chewing for quite some time, Laura’s therapist wanted Laura to give her the gum. She gave Laura the command to work the gum to the front of her mouth. This way she wouldn’t have to reach into Laura’s mouth. At this point, the gum was stuck on one of Laura’s back teeth. The therapist said that after about 30 seconds and 4-5 swipes of the tongue, Laura produced the gum right there in the front of her mouth! Incredible! Imagine, the frustration and amount of work it took to perform this task. Makes you not take things in life for granted! Aren’t we just in awe of Laura’s courage, determination, and perseverance?

Looking at this long enduring struggle of Laura’s, we can’t help but marvel at the pure love that permeates through, within, and around Laura. We could quote a bunch of statistics, read touching letters, and share the impact of others. Fortunately, there is no need to. You are all aware of the presence of this love. Most often, love of this world is conditional. There are strings attached; that is our human nature. We have witnessed the love for Laura, a tribute to the power of unconditional love. Laura cannot give back to you right now physically, what you can give to her! Or, maybe she can! That decision is up to you. In our walk, we must remember that there is NO greater example of unconditional pure love than the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He died for us; even dying for those that put Him to death. This is a kind of love we strive for, but will never reach. Love is actions, not feelings! Love is behaviors, not emotions! Love someone today other than yourself!


GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS… I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS… (John 15: 13, 15)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.