Laura maintained her current level to maybe slight progress. The staff continues to work vigorously towards improving Laura’s ability to communicate. While it is important to move forward with physical therapy and keep her body limber, the top priority and number one goal is consistent and unquestionable communication in some form (eye blinking, head turning, etc.). Once this level would be reached, all other improvements become more of a likely possibility. We promised to keep you updated on Laura’s progress and that will continue. These updates will now be available to you on a once a week basis. Expect now only a couple emails per week. One to update you on new happenings and one to update you on Laura’s progress! As always, if there were urgent news, we would definitely report that immediately. Nothing is wrong, of course, but as we are in this for the long haul, there simply isn’t as much news to report.

Laura had her visit this past Tuesday with the neurologist from Washington University. It was a successful visit and we found out a great deal of valuable information. The big picture is that, we are on the right track with Laura’s treatment and with where she is located at this point. She will remain at St. John’s Skilled Nursing, at least for the meantime. The doctor did suggest to us a plan for treatment. At this point, we have some thinking and talking to do before making a decision. As this decision is made, further information will become available. Pray that we make solid and wise decisions, because they are not easy ones to make. Seek God and He will make our path known!

A simple message today on being thankful and acknowledging your blessings and the source of both. Life is full of difficulties and challenges, no question. There are so many areas that we desire positive results; our relationships, families, careers, emotions, spiritual development, physical health, and more. While all of our lives are different and we may be struggling with some of these areas, aren’t we graciously blessed in abundance? Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on your perspective), this life is not where we set our sights. We look to the example of God himself. The person He loved the most, His only begotten Son, was allowed to suffer and endure extreme difficulty throughout His lifetime. Even through this, He maintained a perfect sinless nature and impeccable character. What was the ultimate result? Complete victory and the availability of salvation for the entire human race! Can’t we take a minute and marvel at the grace and mercy of our Lord. Be thankful!

I WILL PRAISE YOU, O LORD, WITH MY WHOLE HEART; I WILL SHOW FORTH ALL YOUR MARVELOUS WORKS AND WONDERFUL DEEDS. (Psalm 9:1)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin