A new concept was introduced to Laura this week in occupational therapy, electrical stimulation. The ultimate goal is to assist and further develop the mind to muscle connection. At first, Laura appeared to be confused and was resisting or fighting this new method. They had her lying on her back on the floor mat and were attempting to have Laura curl her arm inward, similar to a bicep curl, towards her face. By about the third or fourth attempt, Laura was starting to catch on. She began performing the curl and was cooperating significantly. Laura is a star! The main battle, at this point, is the elimination or reduction of tone (tone is basically extreme tightness or stiffness of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons). After working with the arm curls, the next step was the wrist and her fingers. Attempts were made for Laura to open her fingers from a close-fisted position. This proved more difficult, but she will get there. There were even reports that Laura was smiling after the session. Essentially, glowing about her newfound accomplishments.

As the Valentine’s holiday approaches, we can’t help but think about the changes of the past several months. I’ll probably get in trouble for saying this, but I want to vent. This holiday really has no significant meaning for us. If you love your partner, in the way that you should, everyday should contain the love, affection, and romance meant by this holiday. The only way to distinguish this day from others is to think outside yourself and even outside of your partner. By doing something special and abnormal for others, you separate this holiday. Laura and I will lead by example on this one. We challenge everyone to do the same.

Why do we experience pain and suffering in this life? If we view life in the proper context, eternally, we realize the importance of pain and suffering in a physical sense. Physical pain, while given a poor reputation, is absolutely necessary to sustain life. In its most basic form, pain is the body’s warning system, an internal alarm. Many unbelievers say, “If God is a God of love, then why do we experience pain and suffering?” We, as believers, know that the very reason we experience these realities are due to His love for us. Without pain and suffering, would we realize our opportunity to choose Him? Would we realize our inherent weaknesses and sinful nature? Would we know that strength and eternal life come solely through Him whom created us? Likely not! Therefore, be thankful and appreciative that you were chosen to endure. The ultimate prize awaits!

HE WENT ON A LITTLE FARTHER AND BOWED WITH HIS FACE TO THE GROUND, PRAYING, “MY FATHER! IF IT IS POSSIBLE, LET THIS CUP OF SUFFERING BE TAKEN AWAY FROM ME. YET I WANT YOUR WILL TO BE DONE, NOT MINE. (Matthew 26:39)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.