Laura keeps moving along nicely in her recovery. If you had the chance to witness the daily and weekly progress, you would be astonished. The speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy sessions are working wonders. A new and interesting issue to report is the use of “water therapy.” They placed Laura’s hands in a bucket of warm water. Apparently, she loved it! Her hands and fingers became really active when dipped. An absolutely creative idea by the staff at St. John’s skilled nursing facility! We really owe a great debt to the entire staff at Laura’s facility. They are determined, persistent, caring, and very supportive to Laura and our family. In addition, it was reported that Laura’s vocalizations are increasing in frequency and volume. In fact, she maintained a continuous verbalization (loud sounds on exhale and lips moving) for nearly 10 minutes. This is a great accomplishment for Laura. We are so proud of her!

We want to extend a message of gratitude to all of Laura’s visitors lately. We know that during the holidays, many family and friends are back in town. As a result, Laura has become even more popular. We hear that everyone is doing a great job during their visits. It is important to respect Laura, her roommate, other visitors, and the entire staff at St. Johns. As far as we know, this is happening. Thank you! It is a huge relief knowing that with all the visitors, no problems have occurred. It means a lot to our family and to Laura that many of you are making time to visit with our sweet Laura.

God has put it on my heart to share an important message before the New Year regarding Laura’s health and healing. While all the prayers are essential, it is important to know the complete and pure truth of the Word. The question is not whether Laura will be healed or not, it is when will it happen. Her healing was and is guaranteed by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and her accepting Him into her heart as personal Lord and Savior. The Bible clearly warns against being double-minded. Meaning, you cannot believe in the Truth of the Word and simultaneously doubt based on any external circumstances (doctors, medical examinations, overwhelming statistical odds, etc.). Let’s pray together for God’s will for Laura and for that will to be her expedient return to us. If that’s not His immediate plan, we will stay disciplined and maintain faith. For those of you already living with God inside of them, isn’t it awesome that God provides miracles and changes lives? For those of you not living it yet, we pray that you will find Him. Blessings will then, overwhelm you. We know, because it’s happening to our family.

Happy New Year! May it bring all of you more blessings, more love, and more joy!

WHO HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE, THAT WE, BEING DEAD TO SINS, SHOULD LIVE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; BY WHOSE TRIPES YE WERE HEALED. (1 Peter 2:24)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

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.

By now, most of you know and some have even watched and witnessed Laura’s substantial progress. As recent history would suggest, Laura will practice and develop these newfound abilities. If you don’t know what we are talking about, you must watch the progress video dated December 16, 2005 on Laura’s website. In it, she holds her head up completely on her own for the first time, since July. In addition, we captured a few foot movements on tape. Unfortunately, her best foot movements to command came before the camera was rolling. She must be camera shy (not exactly, for those that know her well!) Our job is to continue our faith, continue our fervent prayers, continue to trust, and continue to be amazed. God will do the work and Laura will show those gratifying results through the culmination of our persistence.

What a beautiful time of year to witness Laura’s progress and eminent recovery. The Christmas holiday represents a time of the year held very dear to our hearts. We celebrate the many reasons for the season. It is a time to celebrate with our loved ones, a time to count our many blessings. This year has been a special one for the Laughlin family. As you know, 2005 was not without its share of tribulation, fear, and uncertainties. Throughout Laura’s journey back, it is often difficult to rid those pesky thoughts of negativity and anxiety that want to creep in. We tend to forget our multitude of blessings. Blessings which include: a roof over our heads, loving families, lasting friendships, unselfish generosity, freedom of choice, countless opportunity including a more developed character through overcoming an unwanted, but real test of adversity, witnessing a powerful and courageous spirit living in Laura that fights on, and finally knowing pure truth of a living Savior and his plans for Laura and us all through recorded doctrine. What a list!

We hope to share Christmas Day with many family and friends. For all of you, know that we will be saying a prayer and raising a glass toasting a safe and joyous Christmas celebration. Our appreciation for you is immeasurable and difficult to communicate and express. Wait until Laura is healed and finds out how many people will be on our Christmas shopping list in 2006 (better her shopping than me, trust me!) Be thankful for the non-material gifts this year. Those gifts, special moments, and deep relationships don’t rust, go out of style, or become uninteresting. True relationships endure; your relationship with Him is eternal. As we saw with Laura, your time could come at any second. Do not wait to be saved! It is possible to continue on in a state of busyness, completely missing the boat.

Laura sends you a big thank you hug (and blows a kiss!).

IN ALL THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVED US. (Romans 8:37)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

After a few stable fairly unproductive days, Laura has gotten right back on track. What a terrific way to close our girl’s birthday week! A large noticeable change has been moving her feet to specific command on multiple occasions, especially the right foot. This positive development has occurred both in therapy and with others. In addition, Laura has begun wiggling her hands and fingers to command. It is really exciting to witness! Furthermore, Laura has been watching and noticing people entering and leaving the room. That unmistakable glance and look of “do you really have to leave” is enough to put a knot in anyone’s stomach. These are positive and impressive developments, indeed. Regardless of any medical odds or statistics, Laura is validating our belief!

It is important for us to respond to an often expressed concern. We have been and continue to be asked about the prognosis for Laura’s future. Many of you wonder, what exactly are her chances for a full recovery? From a medical standpoint, they aren’t good! Maybe you don’t like that answer. None of us do! But, how about the answers to these questions: What were Laura’s chances of surviving the initial impact? What were her chances of surviving the next hours, days, etc.? What were her chances of ever waking up? All can be answered the same way; they weren’t good! This argument works and only takes into account physical, medical, and experiential opinion. What is the truth?

We respect fully doctors and medical professionals. The reality is, no medication given or surgery performed actually heals the brain. These professionals do a wonderful job of managing her care, identifying problems, and preventing further damage. However, last time we checked, God had a monopoly on the healing business. That has not changed now that someone we know and love needs that very healing. In fact, it is more apparent than ever. God’s Word clearly warns against being double-minded. We have a free will to choose in all circumstances! Blessings or curses? Light or darkness? Life or death? Remember, with God ALL things are possible. Stand in faith on those truths. Show your belief in times of trial. Refuse to ride the wave of emotion, feelings, and instability!

IF YOU HAVE FAITH AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED…NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH YOU (Matthew 17:20).

Enjoy your weekend!

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Unfortunately, Laura has developed and expressed a sense of sadness lately. There have been several confirmed reports of crying and frequent expressions of fear. We understand and empathize with any anxiety felt on Laura’s part. We cannot fault her even if depression rears its ugly head. Without a doubt, Laura would not have chosen to celebrate her birthday, Christmas, and the New Year in this fashion. This is a positive physical sign that cognition is improving.

It is true, no one wants Laura to suffer and struggle. However, the self-realization of her condition brings her to a turning point. We are working everyday to ensure that Laura’s faith and Spirit are being fed, in an effort to bolster Laura’s decision making. In a physical sense, her life is difficult and full of challenges at a minimum. On the other hand, Laura’s Spirit is fully intact and poised to restore divine healing. Laura faces a similar challenge that we all face. Trusting and believing God regardless of present day circumstances! Only, for Laura, the stakes are higher. So, too, are the rewards!

In fear of a possible loss of hope, everyone could benefit from a reminder of how far Laura has progressed. Believe it or not, we dug up a past medical report. A highly respected unnamed doctor wrote this report about an hour after Laura’s crash. Here is the quote written under the PLAN section: “Continue resuscitation, give her Mannitol and follow her examinations. Should she start to show signs of improvement, then we would place an ICP monitor, else we would follow her for expected brain death.” Those following this story from the beginning know that this expected death never occurred, improvements came, and the monitor was placed. Look at where we are now! A true living miracle! God is in total control. The work has been done, our job is to faithfully believe. Glory be to His mercy and grace.

AND THEY WHO KNOW YOUR NAME WILL LEAN ON AND CONFIDENTLY PUT THEIR TRUST IN YOU, FOR YOU, LORD, HAVE NOT FORSAKEN THOSE WHO SEEK YOU. (Psalm 9:10)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

The courage and strength Laura displays to fight is electric. You can only marvel at her unwillingness to accept this current state. Laura has been doing a superb job as of late. We are getting her to follow a diverse collection of objects within her peripheral vision. It is remarkable to watch and to witness her physical senses becoming sharper and becoming functional. The staff, friends, and family will keep on working with and challenging her. All of us, including Laura, are headed towards the same goal: complete healing and restoration! May this holiday season, the love for Laura, the power of prayer, and God’s perfect Grace work together to produce a breakthrough. The breakthrough we are looking for and need.

To date, these updates have been written and signed by Laura and Jeff. For Laura’s special day, this will change. I must make some personal confessions known. There are many reasons for sharing Laura’s message. I have thought about the validity and questioned them completely in private, always thinking from Laura’s perspective. One important reason, I have not shared to date. That reason being, I feel completely indebted to this woman. I owe her so much. She drastically changed my life for the better from the day we met. As I sit here next to her writing this, tears streaming down my face, hands shaking, that debt becomes ever more obvious and real. Laura taught me how to truly love, taught me how to think of others first, brought me back into relationship with God; all while treating me as if I were her knight in shining armor! While I often credit my faith in the Lord, she is the main reason this faith exists. I believe God placed this angel into my life for specific reasons. I could write for days and not do justice to what Laura has done for me and how being married to her make me the happiest and luckiest man alive.

On Laura’s birthday (December 12), I will be saying some special prayers of thanks for Laura. She has been a true gift in my life. I hope and wish that each and every one of you has someone in your life that means to you what Laura means to me. Laura is an example of how beautiful life can be. I will continue to be inspired by her strength, unselfish character, dazzling personality, loving nature, and ability to credit it all to her Creator. Happy B-Day, Princess! Your Jeffers loves you! (many others do, also!)

SO WHOEVER CLEANSES HIMSELF WILL BE A VESSEL SET APART AND USEFUL FOR HONORABLE AND NOBLE PURPOSES, CONSECRATED AND PROFITABLE TO THE MASTER, FIT AND READY FOR ANY GOOD WORK (2 Timothy 2:21)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Another great week of therapy and progress for Laura has come to a close. Every conversation this week with staff was filled with positive and hopeful discussions. Laura is much improved and is putting more effort and exertion into her strenuous therapy sessions. Just the other day, upon entering her room, we were met with an immediate head turn and glance from our Laura. It gave us chills! We are still working towards gaining consistent vocalizations. We know that a major step is near. Her overall awareness, which is confirmed by anyone who visits, is significantly enhanced. We’ve noticed more and more movements from her body, which is hopefully signaling the healing of the brain stem injuries. Also, Laura has been opening her mouth quite often, as if to attempt communication. She is right there!

With all that has been developing and given that it is Laura’s birthday weekend, let’s all collectively utilize the power of prayer. We cannot help, but to believe in our Lord and in the continual healing and restoration of Laura Laughlin. Throughout this whole process, Laura and her family have been intensely blessed by the constant prayers, love, and support shown by all. We know that this process is long and difficult. Unfortunately, there is no map to tell us how long this journey will be. We do have a clear final destination. This destination and our determination have not waned since that fateful day in the middle of July. We are on this road and we will complete the journey until our destination is reached.

Remember, there is a great deal of power in your thoughts and in your words. We believe that Laura will be healed and is healed. We have faith in our convictions and our future. We strongly trust that God has big things planned for Laura’s life. We also know that there are big things planned for all those connected to her miracle. We must continue to be a blessing in order to be blessed.

IF ANYONE DOES NOT OFFEND IN SPEECH, HE IS A FULLY DEVELOPED CHARACTER AND A PERFECT MAN, ABLE TO CONTROL HIS WHOLE BODY AND TO CURB HIS ENTIRE NATURE (James 3:2)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Laura’s journey with the Lord builds momentum! As we approach the meaningful days of December, we hope, pray, and believe that Laura is on the verge of a significant breakthrough. There are several examples of breakthroughs including qualifying for extensive rehab, improving to meet criteria to revert to full insurance coverage, eating more solid foods, speaking clear and coherent words, and more. Won’t we ever know when one occurs? Laura’s amazing and glorious progress continues to be self-evident. I’ll spare repeating details, because these improvements are in the same areas (eyes, head movements, facial expresses, body control, etc.). It is simply that watching this progress on a daily basis is so remarkable; you cannot help but spread the word.

We would like to keep on encouraging and thanking you for the persistence, depth, and specificity of your prayers. The evidence of their effectiveness is real and we will never stop sharing that truth. We are saved, healed, delivered, forgiven, and vindicated by what God’s Son, Jesus, did over two millenniums ago. We are to remain faithful to our beliefs and convictions regardless of present temporary circumstances. Laura and I will celebrate with all of you when the blessings are showered down upon all of us. We will be thankful, but we know whose name the Glory belongs.

History is complete with examples of courage and heroism while battling against all the odds. In the face of such fear, those that overcame faced that fear with courage and knowledge of certain truths. One being, while you cannot control your circumstances, you can control your response to such circumstances. That freedom to respond is our most basic, yet most important freedom. In that choice, we control our destiny. This choice allows us to choose courage, hope, and victory. Circumstances do change us forever. However, as we mature and learn to condition our responses, it becomes evident: Adversity is the only thing that develops character! Thank God for providing you this opportunity to develop, grow, and mature.

HAVE NOT I COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG, VIGOROUS, AND VERY COURAGEOUS. BE NOT AFRAID, NEITHER BE DISMAYED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO (Joshua 1:9)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

What another great weekend of progress and improvements for our Laura. Friday was one of Laura’s best therapy days or perhaps the best to date. She was increasingly consistent in her head movements to command, both to the right and left sides. Laura’s left eye has been displaying drastic improvement. That eye has been moving more and more back to the center and out of the corner. The rest of the weekend continued validating what we have known since the beginning, Laura is healing and struggling her way back into our lives.

We completely understand that this is a long, slow, and grueling process. We oftentimes wonder why someone so loving, caring, and harmless is forced to overcome such a difficult and life altering event. Essentially, life is not easy or fair. Laura represents that reality. Everyone faces difficulties, maybe not to Laura’s extent, but challenging nonetheless. Being inspired by Laura’s persistence can help us to deal with the realities of our own life challenges. We keep thinking back to the special verse explaining that God will never give you more than you can handle. Obviously, he knows that we can handle our problems. More importantly, he knows that Laura can overcome hers. What a joy it is to watch this miracle unfold before our very eyes.

At the beginning of this difficult journey moments after Laura’s accident, many of us questioned what we would have to deal with and how we could do it. We didn’t know if we had the strength or courage to get through. A gradual, but major change, has taken place throughout this journey. That change has been the knowledge gained through the truth and revelation of the Word. The challenge is to believe first, then see. The reverse of what is natural. Now, we are getting to see the fruits of our beliefs. The reward of healing will come. Keep praying for Laura!

COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD; TRUST ALSO IN HIM AND HE WILL BRING IT TO PASS (Psalm 37:5)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Welcome to Laura's update blog! Sorry, if it confusing at first. All past updates are archived on the right side of the screen (just scroll down and click). This blog is where update letters will now be posted. Laura's website and this blog are linked together making it easier for you to navigate and for us to post. Thanks for maintaining patience as we continually look for ways to improve Laura's site.