Updates like this one are simple to write, because Laura has been incredible over the past few days. Recently during her occupational therapy, Laura was actually doing repetitions with some arm pulley cables. Reportedly, she did an excellent job of gripping and holding on to the handles. She was real active during the 10 repetitions for each arm. Afterwards, she understandably struggled to catch her breath. It is encouraging to see the improvements in Laura’s strength, mobility, and endurance. Many of you upon visiting Laura, have recognized her drastically improved awareness. Commonly, she will follow you around the room with her eyes. We cannot wait for her to communicate. This reality is inevitable. Continue praying for it!

We have talked extensively of the reality of miracles and the fact that Laura is a living breathing testimony to that reality. This fact has been confirmed repeatedly and continued recently. During conversations, we were told that of all the TBI victims that have ever been treated at this location, Laura is the one true miracle. Her progress is virtually unexplainable according to the statistics of the medical profession. Laura’s neurons are firing extensively in recent days. This is the best news we could wish for. The potential for Laura’s recovery is unquestionable. For those of us with our trust in Him, potential is replaced with certainty. We thank you for your persistence and faith.

Not only do we need to have faith, it is important for Laura to maintain her faith. We are constantly feeding her the encouragement of God’s Word into her spirit. It seems that our faith over the past 6 months has been put to the test. Stop and think what it must be like for Laura or someone in her shoes. She must completely rely on faith, the evidence of things unseen. Her future and complete life depend on it. It is not enough to have faith, but Laura and all of us must maintain faith. Through good times or bad, there is no difference. Faith is not picked off of a buffet line; it must be deeply internal, ingrained in your soul. That is the kind of faith that sustains. Let’s lean on that faith and trust in the work of the Lord. Laura requests this of you!

THEN HE TOUCHED THEIR EYES AND SAID, “BECAUSE OF YOUR FAITH, IT WILL HAPPEN.” THEN THEIR EYES WERE OPENED. (Matthew 9: 29,30)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Laura has been dealing with a great deal of ups and downs over the past few days. Don’t let this alarm you; it is a normal part of the TBI healing process. As her level of awareness steadily increases, the frustration and anger will become more prevalent. Severe anger and even rage about these life-altering circumstances (remember back to the packet that was sent on “Stages of Coma Recovery;” it is still posted under the Updates link!) is a difficult, but necessary step. We have all noticed this increased agitation from Laura over recent days. We can remain at peace and even smile knowing that through these short-term struggles, long-term measurable progress is being made. Before we worry you too much, the past few days have been significantly more up than down (maybe an 80/20 ratio). She is performing the same types of tasks, but at higher levels. We want everyone to know that anger and rage signal progress. We want you to be prepared for it as we are doing the same!

There is a piece of uplifting news. Laura has now been at St. John’s skilled nursing center for over 4 months. During this time period, the staff has become more and more familiar with Laura as a patient. In addition, we have had the chance to explain and describe Laura’s personality in depth. They remark at the unbelievable potential for Laura’s future. They confirm the personality that we so frequently describe. While it may be awhile before Laura fully returns, it will be the same Laura that we’ve all grown to love; only better!

We all have storms to overcome in our lives. In the Bible, no one’s faith was challenged more than that of Job. In his life, Job completely lost his health, his family, his business, and his livelihood. Every time he was brought out of these calamities, his life would take a disastrous turn. He had every right and was even told to curse his God. Did he do that? Absolutely not! In fact, he credited God and fixed his eyes on the end prize. How could someone with these circumstances glorify God? In our generation, any one of these tragedies is usually enough for people to lose faith and blame God. Regardless of the size of your problems, God is your constant friend and companion. He is the one constant peace; the calm during your storms.

I AM LEAVING YOU WITH A GIFT – PEACE OF MIND AND HEART. AND THE PEACE I GIVE IS A GIFT THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE. SO DON’T BE TROUBLED OR AFRAID. (John 14:27)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

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.

Where do we even start with this update? There are a bunch of new things to report with Laura’s progress. Over the past few days, yes/no flashcards have been introduced. This gives Laura a way to answer basic questions by visually selecting to look at a “yes” or a “no” card. We are actually getting a nice response rate from Laura. Over time, this could be a major development for Laura to move on to the next stage and out of the skilled nursing facility. Also, we have confirmed reports that Laura’s upper body is slowly starting to regain strength. For now, her lower body hasn’t really come around, but that will come with time. We’ll take our progress one step at a time.

There is even more to report with Laura’s improvements! Her oral motor functioning is making significant advancements. She has been consistently drinking about a half cup of soda/juice per day (and having no problems with it!). Laura was given a sucker the other day. For quite a few minutes, she had no problems. Her saliva control was excellent. This is a very difficult task for someone with Laura’s injury and at this particular stage of the recovery. We should be proud of her! Wait, there is more! She was a given about a quarter of a stick of gum to chew and took to it well. There is even reports that she said the words “I want gum.” Laura’s improvements are incredible and real. What an absolute miracle orchestrated by our God of pure love. This may quite possibly be, the most exciting thing to watch; Laura progressing slowly to maximize the amount of people changed and transformed for God’s glory.

We have now, officially, passed through the first 6 months of Laura’s recovery. Without a doubt, we look forward to what lies ahead. However, we have to acknowledge the miracles of the past. Laura was virtually given not much chance of survival. Just look at her now! She is incredible! All of Laura’s friends, family, and supporters get a large pat on the back for their continued love and support. Laura’s website has grown to over 35,000 visitors per month. Daily living continues to be busy, often stressful, but everything always seems to workout itself out perfectly. This can’t always be coincidence; He must be directing it. All of us are a testimony to what happens when you follow instead of carving your own path. One of the greatest messages in the Bible is regarding Jesus and the working of miracles. He continuously worked miracles throughout His ministry, except in His hometown. There, because of their unbelief and doubt, He could not work those same miracles. We are told that He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We are being rewarded for our complete belief! The miracle is happening! Do you believe?

HE DID NOT DO MANY MIGHTY WORKS THERE BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF. (Matthew 13:58)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

News, of late, with Laura has been exciting and encouraging. On a typical weekday, we usually get the call from the therapist around mid to late afternoon to discuss that particular days therapy session. This was different on Thursday. This call came much earlier in the day, nearly two hours. Apparently, Laura’s therapy session and the news of it couldn’t wait. Laura is working so hard and making all out efforts to verbally communicate. All of us involved with Laura on a daily basis are on the edges of our seats for what is to come. We seem to be just around the corner. Laura’s verbalizations have been described as “watching a baby learn to talk.” Keep praying for new developments and expressing thanks for this miracle!

There is no doubt that Laura’s level of cognition over the past weeks and months are drastically improved. With that level of improvement, how we interact with Laura becomes more important and more challenging. In the past, we have expressed thanks as to how well all of Laura’s visitors have done. With Laura’s awareness increasing, it is paramount to treat her like a normal person. Integrating Laura back into society is important for her development and recovery. The basic rule is and has always been; treat her how you would if she hadn’t been injured. Remember, she is smart and likely understands what is going on. That is not the problem. The issue is Laura’s ability to get her body to do what her mind wants it to do. Tell her about your life, how much you miss her, how you can’t wait to have her home, etc. You are very important to her health and recovery.

As we approach the 6-month barrier mark with Laura, we look back in awe and look forward in pure faith. God chose to save Laura from the valley of death. Our unquestionable belief is that Laura’s life was chosen to bring glory to the kingdom of truth. What Laura is going through is difficult; we never want to downplay this adversity. However, with this level of uncertainty comes an opportunity to mature, grow, and impact change. These times will come for Laura. The larger the struggle, the greater the stage will be for Laura’s purpose. My guess is that day will come sooner than anticipated. Be ready for it!

I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. (Hebrews 13:5)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Laura had another great weekend and continued her progression over the past few days. At this stage of her recovery, Laura’s accomplishments are impressive. We know that you want some specifics on her recent progress, so we have them. She has started to open and close her fingers on command to make a fist and release the fist. During therapy, oftentimes Laura is sat up on the mat. We were told of the major improvements that she has made in this area. The ease at which she sits and the overall control of her body has improved significantly. In one case, Laura’s face became “buried” in the shoulder of one of her therapists. In an instant, Laura picked her head up and shifted into a new position to enable nasal breathing. We were told that this one act signifies a substantial level of brain functioning. She had to move her head back, which has been a difficult proposition of late.

After being sent the application multiple times, Laura and I are applying for the Crescent Fund grant through the Tri-Delta organization (Laura’s sorority). To apply, we needed letters of referral from professionals who could explain our needs and the reasons that we are applying. Our wish is that you could read these letters. Without sharing the names of the authors, we can share the message. The letters were all different, but contained many similarities. These letters all described the seriousness of Laura’s injury and how not much hope was initially given. They discussed Laura’s incredible determination and will to reclaim her life. Furthermore, these letters are a testimony to God’s miracle and the fact that none of these authors expected Laura to be where she is now. From the beginning, we were told how important these months are in Laura’s recovery (especially months 6-12). We are approaching the 6-month mark, which will take place on the 15th of January. We all know how far Laura has come. Imagine what is in store over these upcoming glorious months!

This process and the nature of traumatic brain injury are long, arduous, and demanding both physically and mentally. We all want Laura healed quickly and fully. Laura occupies a place inside many of us. We all have a void due to this temporary loss. Some of us have more substantial voids than others, but these voids do exist. Giving the temporary loss and the extreme length of time of the process, loneliness can be a substantial foe. One of the beauties of trusting and maintaining faith in the Lord is that a new perfect relationship is formed. We may have moments of loneliness in the physical, but our Spirit and Souls are fixed on the Truth. When Laura is completely healed by the miraculous powers of that same Truth, this tragedy and the overcoming of it will become pure victory. Every aspect of this journey will have brought glory to God and light to the World. Be proud of Laura’s short-term accomplishments, but be fixed on the long-term reality.

WHEN THEY WERE ALONE, HE EXPLAINED ALL THINGS TO HIS DISCIPLES. (Mark 4:34)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Laura completed a solid first week of the New Year. Recently, she is becoming a pro at holding her head up. On her previous progress video, all of you got a glimpse into the first time this was accomplished. If you notice from that video, she had to slightly tilt her head back or else she would fall forward. Now, Laura can essentially hold her head up almost at a near perfect 90-degree angle in the seated upright position. The other day, in therapy, they had Laura sitting on the side of her own bed and she was calm and relaxed, holding her head up with a sense of confidence. We believe that she is getting closer and closer to speaking and eating a larger variety of foods. This could be a long process. We need to be patient, yet persistent. Only time will tell us how quick these eminent developments will take place.

We are excited about posting this Sunday, the video that we shot of Laura at therapy this week. With that said, we also must warn you on this one. The staff had her doing a very difficult drill and position for most of this particular session. It really shows you the struggles that Laura must deal with on daily basis. Even during this session, you can witness the substantial progress Laura is making, especially near the end of the video. Stay tuned; this video will post by the end of the weekend.

Throughout Laura’s journey, we have talked about the absolute and complete power of choice. This is our ultimate freedom. When we choose the Christian lifestyle, we are set free to flourish. Struggles become opportunities. Selfishness becomes selflessness. Insecurity becomes confidence. Addiction becomes discipline. Envy becomes contentment. Fear becomes faith. Hate becomes love. Death becomes life. What a lifestyle to undertake! It only works if you believe, receive, and surrender. We know, because we have tried both ways. We spent too long trying to do it our own way. Experience it! You will then be freed to lead, because you first chose to follow.

FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HATH MADE ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH. (Romans 8:2)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

It has been a positive start to what is going to be a great year for Laura and company. She is looking better and better. We have even had many visitors, after not having visited for a few weeks or more, comment on the amazing differences they are seeing in Laura. Many of the improvements are in similar areas as previously mentioned (eyes, head movements, attempts at vocalizations, actual verbalizations, unstiffening of muscles and joints, etc.), but these improvements are staggering to witness. We are excited to produce more videos and pictures in the near future to enable all of our wonderful supporters to witness God’s miracle through Laura. This is a life altering experience for everyone involved. Be thankful for the opportunity to witness and share this message. While it is nice to be able to make petitions and requests through prayer, don’t forget to be thankful for all these blessings. That is as important in the process of Laura’s recovery. It is also important for our spiritual development and ability to overcome our own life challenges.

Here is a short note requesting prayers for favor in our next insurance dealing. As of the 1st of the year, Laura switched insurance coverage to Healthlink (my employer’s policy). Previously, she had Cigna, then Blue Cross Blue Shield. After a great deal of research and many hours of analysis, this is the best coverage and will be the final change. Pray for favor upon Laura and our family. The new company will have to evaluate Laura based on where she is now. Pray that they will see all these newfound developments and decide to cover Laura’s nursing facility stay again. We will update you when these happenings occur. It may be a week or two. Do not fret if things do not go our way initially. It will be one more issue for Laura to overcome (she is really good at doing that!). We will not waver in our determination. Insurance companies are no match for the abundance of God’s pure grace, blessings, and love.

Doesn’t it seem that there are so many issues to deal with? Laura’s health and recovery, insurance issues, legal and financial dealings, the emotional battle that all of us face that love Laura dearly. It would be much too easy to allow fear and worry to absorb into your mind, will, and spirit. We haven’t allowed that to happen and we won’t. We combat fear and worry with faith and trust in the Lord. Prior to Laura’s accident, I never took to heart the reality of God’s ability to provide EVERYTHING you need. That has all changed. I wish I had just 5 minutes with all of you to witness to you what he is doing for us. He finds a way to accomplish everything at the right time and in the right way. Whether it is the right resources, the right knowledge, the right people, or whatever; it always shows up when the time is right. We serve an incredible God. Thanks for believing in Laura and for trusting in God’s abundant powers.

FEAR NOT; FOR I HAVE REDEEMED THEE, I HAVE CALLED THEE BY THY NAME; THOU ART MINE. WHEN THOU PASSEST THROUGH THE WATERS, I WILL BE WITH THEE. (Isiah 43:1-2)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin