Therapy continues to deliver results for Laura. Recently, her ability to make sounds and verbalize on command is coming around. We want badly to hear that sweet voice and know that it is close. Laura is learning to verbalize strictly during exhale. This was a major problem a few short weeks ago. Laura has increased flexibility and range of motion through persistent electrical stimulation. The left arm is still struggling with tone and stiffness, but is better. Laura worked harder this week than any other previous one. Last night was exciting to witness for two reasons. First, she picked up her right forearm (without any electrode stimulation), from the elbow. Secondly, Laura was wearing her effort all over her face. The look in her eyes and the struggle in her face were intense. I, personally, have never seen her trying this mightily. Get ready for Laura!

It is important for us to maintain perspective throughout this enduring process. Laura is recovering and she is on her way back. Unfortunately, we have no ability to predict or even estimate an appropriate time frame. Seven months seems an obscene amount of time to recover from any injury, especially in our day of high-tech advancements and multitude of medications. Put in proper perspective, Laura may just now be in the initial stages of recovery. In studying previous cases of brain injury, complete progress can take up to several years. We simply don’t know, only God does! We do know and feel what the Lord is doing with Laura and with her many fans. Whatever the physical signs; we will keep praying, keep hoping, keep believing, through Christ our strength and redeemer.

The persistence of prayer is the single greatest resource and power given to us by the grace of God. Through the Holy Spirit, we have direct access to victory in this life. When we surrender and ask, God is free to answer prayer. The key is to have our prayers and our lives line up with His will, spelled out by the living and abiding Word of God. Just as a child asks their parent, we have access to petition our Father. It must be through our personal relationship and it must be His desire. We do not make selfish demands upon our God of love. Ask to be part of His plan and serve. Try it; it works! Glory be to God! Today, we pray for the strength and resolve to sustain throughout this journey. Let your will be known to all, who may follow Laura. We place everything into your hands. For, without you, this journey would have already ended. You are the reason for this miracle. Take our lives!

BUT WHEN YOU PRAY, GO AWAY BY YOURSELF, SHUT THE DOOR BEHIND YOU, AND PRAY TO YOUR FATHER IN PRIVATE. THEN YOUR FATHER, WHO SEES EVERYTHING, WILL REWARD YOU. (Matthew 6:6)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.