It was a better end of the week for Laura. Therapy was more productive the past couple of days. Laura was more upbeat and actively participated in her exercises. To be completely honest, this was not one of Laura’s best weeks; that is OK! We are already familiar with the roller coaster like nature of brain injury recovery. Having a few “down” times will inevitably prepare us for the excitement and elation of future gains and progress. We are still on course and still headed in the right direction. We are sorry that progress is slow and there aren’t more specific improvements to report, but we are thankful for your continued faith, support, and encouragement.

For some good news, Laura’s new wheelchair finally arrived after much anticipation. This chair is a significant improvement and a much better fit for Laura and her current needs. She holds her head up better and appears to be comfortable for now. With God’s blessings, she will be up and out of this chair or any other chair before we know it. Maintain that faith!

How do we maintain faith when, at times, it seems God has pulled away? We must focus and think upon real truths. The truth that God doesn’t ever change! The Word says that He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He isn’t a God that has love, but a God that is love. We can be thankful and gracious for that gifts that He has already provided. We should continue to trust in the commitments God has made in the living and abiding Word. We have direct access to Him through the Holy Spirit and through belief in His Son. While it may seem God has pulled away, it is actually us that have done so. He has always been there and will never forsake us, particularly in our times of need.

I GO EAST, BUT HE IS NOT THERE. I GO WEST, BUT I CANNOT FIND HIM. I DO NOT SEE HIM IN THE NORTH, FOR HE IS HIDDEN. I TURN TO THE SOUTH, BUT CANNOT FIND HIM. BUT HE KNOWS WHERE I AM GOING. AND WHEN HE HAS TESTED ME LIKE GOLD IN A FIRE, HE WILL PRONOUNCE ME INNOCENT. (Job 23: 8-10)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

Throughout Laura’s recovery, we have communicated the nature and realistic patterns of a brain injury victim. Progress, when viewed in a long-term perspective, typically follows a positive trend. However, the daily struggles to overcome such an injury are truly filled with substantial highs and lows. We are relying on God’s Word and His truths to endure and sustain Laura. When updating all of you, our goal is to provide hope and spread God’s message while communicating in complete honesty, in regards to what is happening with Laura. Having said that, the past few days haven’t provided much improvement to report. We must stand strong together, with a long-term focused viewpoint, maintaining faith in the eye of the storm. If we do, certainly there will be positive developments to report. Please, resist discouragement and trust in Him. These patterns are fairly normal for a person in Laura’s position.

Pray for Laura and all her family and friends about the upcoming month. Our family is beginning to deal with the reality that Laura may be coming home in the very near future to live. To say the least, this is a major transition for everyone involved with Laura. If and when this thought becomes reality, please pray that this be God’s will and the next necessary step in Laura’s recovery. We welcome specific prayers for wisdom and discernment with upcoming decisions. May all these decisions place God and Laura’s needs solely at the forefront of our minds!

For obvious reasons, the only issue that we could think of for today is trust, complete trust in God’s plan. We know, by virtue of His word, that God does not in any form cause or allow tragedy to occur. We are told that life can be unfair and that we will be tested. Our tests provide an opportunity to display our true character and beliefs. Will we completely trust the Lord regardless of our circumstances? Irrespective of God’s plan for Laura and others on earth, our ultimate destination remains residence in the heavenly Kingdom. Pray vigorously for perspective to be maintained. Wisdom, knowledge, and application of the Word, in fellowship, provides light in times of perceived darkness. Continue to feed your Spirit and not your flesh; eternity may be closer than you had planned!

TRUST IN THE LORD AND DO GOOD; SO SHALL YOU DWELL IN THE LAND AND FEED SURELY ON HIS FAITHFULNESS, AND TRULY YOU SHALL BE FED. (Psalm 17:1)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

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.

Hard to believe seven months have passed since Laura’s unfortunate car accident. Also, difficult to believe is how much progress she has made during this time span and how far Laura has come. We pray for and expect more miracles now, and in the future. In the meantime, there are more developments to report. The electric stimulation is working wonders to jumpstart Laura’s muscular strength. These electrodes are being utilized primarily on both of her arms in two locations, for the wrists and for the elbows. It is exhilarating to witness Laura moving her fingers, wrists, and arms in such a fluid manner. This hasn’t happened since the morning of July 15th, 2005! Therapy video footage was shot early this week and will be posted for you to view by the end of the week. Be prepared to witness Laura’s marked improvements.

For all of you that did your Valentine’s Day restaurant thing, you must think you got one up on Laura and I. Think again! Although, we couldn’t do the dinner (that will wait till next year), we did have our celebration that included cards, stuffed animals, balloons, and one red rose. She gave me a small grin and a look that said, “Hey, buddy! Where are the other 11 roses?” While it wasn’t a dream day or one we would have planned, it was much needed for us. Thank you to all those sending emails, cards, text messages, and bringing gifts. You really picked us up for the holiday. As usual, your love and support is remarkable.

This holiday got us thinking about love and what it means to truly love as a Christian. We know that love is not a feeling or an emotion, but is found through behaviors and actions. Unconditional love expects nothing in return. Thinking more about love, there has to be more to it than this. There has to be something that separates the love expected of a believer and generally accepted love; and there is! We are expected to love and forgive all people regardless of conditions or circumstances. We must love those that have wronged us, those who have done evil, and those that are difficult to love. This is what separates Christ-like love from conditional love. It is easy to love those that love you, the challenge is not found there. Good luck on your quest to love and forgive all people, as Christ did!

BUT TO YOU WHO ARE WILLING TO LISTEN, I SAY, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES! DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU. BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU. PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HURT YOU. (Luke 6:27-28)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

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.

Healing, healing, healing! Laura is following more commands for the therapy staff. While sitting upright in her wheelchair with her arms placed on the arm rests, she was asked to pick the arm up and move it into her lap. Well, what do you think she did? Here’s a hint: we wouldn’t be telling you about it, unless she did it. Laura is incredible, an undeniable statistical miracle! More good news; as we previously explained, Laura is on a medication that serves to stimulate her brain. We are nearing a point in which that dosage will be reduced. Her brain activity is increasing and consequently, less medication is needed to stimulate this process. We can report Laura’s further improved posture and balance, especially in a seated position. Also, Laura continued working with the pulley cables. Her participation is more apparent and Laura’s strength and development is enhanced. For now, her wrists are a weak point. Pray specifically for more intense and higher levels of strength, cognition, and progress.

As of late, we have been receiving an abnormally high quantity of emails containing inspiring stories. This is great! Please, don’t stop sharing these remarkable life-changing stories with us. We apologize if the responses to your long letters are brief in length. We do read all of them and try to save all of them for future reading. In addition, we do attempt to respond to each and every email. It humbles us to know the incredible amount of people using Laura’s battle as inspiration in their lives. We’ve been telling you all along how this is not simply about Laura’s life and struggles. It is more about the difficulties and trials that all of us must overcome in our lives, whenever we may be so tested. We continue to draw on our strength from each other, but find our road map completely through Him.

The beauty of this miracle, while we wish for the results of complete healing now, is found in the process. All too often, our eyes are fixed on the prize at the end. Our goals are always results focused. While we know and can verify that God’s ultimate goal is complete healing and deliverance for His children. For now, His goal can be found in the process. The process, not the outcome, is what God utilizes to prepare, develop, and transform eternally. Be patient for, be loyal to, and be certain of the process and the outcome. But, know that every moment is precious; an opportunity to glorify God during trying conditions. For this is His will, this is our responsibility, and this is Laura’s ultimate legacy. Smile, for we are on the path of salvation!

DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. (James 4:8)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

Another successful week of therapy and developments for Laura has drawn to a close. An excellent first month of the New Year! The past couple of days have, you guessed it, created more news to report. While lying on her stomach and up on her elbows, Laura is not simply doing a great job of holding her head up against gravity, but also turning to both sides on command. In occupational therapy, Laura continues to work and to work well with the arm pulley cables. She has a long way to go, but her strength and coordination will be restored. Her attempts at communication are reaching new heights. While really working hard with Laura the other night, she repetitively moved her tongue in and out of her mouth. The tongue came an inch or two extended from the mouth. This cycled for several minutes. It was completely exciting, as if she was talking, only no words! This act, as we were told, displays a higher type level of brain functioning. This is progress to smile about.

Many of you have asked, and rightfully so with all of Laura’s improvements, when will insurance decide to “skill” and correspondingly, cover her expenses again? The simple answer is that we are headed in that direction, but not there yet! In order to request for Laura to be considered skilled again, we need to be fairly certain that the request will be granted. Remember, the ultimate goal is for Laura to qualify for intensive rehab back on the 3rd floor of St. Johns Hospital (one of the top programs of its type in the country). This is the final step before Laura would come home. There she would have 6-8 hour days of intense rehabilitation. She must be ready to participate, in order to qualify. They would focus on re-developing her independence and ability to perform basic life tasks (dressing herself, feeding herself, using the restroom, walking, communicating, etc.). The work would not stop upon returning home. Let’s pray together for these better days!

It is easy for everyone to feel helpless throughout this recovery process. The beauty is, that as believers, we are granted complete power and authority over our circumstances. This power is granted on an individual level, becoming increasingly powerful when collectively focused. As long as our petitions align with God’s will and the truths of the living Word, this authority persists. Complete healing for His children is spelled out repeatedly. Not only can we and should we declare these truths in our own lives, we can intercede on a fellow believers behalf. Laura thanks you for your collective intercessions and unrelenting dedication. God’s work was completed at Calvary. We don’t need to rely on Him to perform for us. The helper, the Holy Spirit, was sent to grant us complete dominion over our lives through His will. We are commissioned to not simply continue these works, but declare and complete greater ones. Look at this opportunity!

IF WE WALK IN THE LIGHT AS HE IS IN THE LIGHT, WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER. (1 John 1:7)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

Laura continues chugging along on the progression train. Chu-chu! (Thought we would make you laugh for a change!). All kidding aside, she is doing more and more new things. We were told that Laura shook her head no for the first time. Apparently, she hates the “arm board on wheels” with a passion. We did tell her that the arm board is important for developing muscle strength and coordination. She is achieving better results with her inward arm movements. The next step is moving her arms in an outward motion. This will obviously pose a greater challenge. As for Laura’s speech, we are achieving more verbalizations on the exhale, which is great news. But, no clear articulation, yet! Laura has become increasingly expressive in recent days, even smiling more often and more distinctively. We can’t wait for that unique smile of Laura’s to fully return.

We have some exciting news. Laura and I have been approved for the Tri-Delta Crescent Fund grant. This is what their website says, “Originally designed to assist elderly members, the Crescent Fund adapted to meet the changing needs of alumnae of any age. Grants provide assistance with medical bills, food, legal fees and basic household expenses.” Many of you following our story have close ties with this organization. You all should be proud of their true commitment to alumnae during times of need. One final announcement: Today (Wednesday) is the FINAL day that you can buy tickets to the L6 dinner auction for this Friday night. We have nearly 450 confirmed tickets sold to date. Let’s hit the 500 mark!

Looking back over the past half year, we cannot help but to recognize and confirm the drastic highs and lows of this journey. This world and its challenges have brought us, and many of you, through many battles. From the struggle to restore health, to the daily emotional struggle, to financial uncertainty, to losing your independence and having to completely rely on others; the task appears overwhelming. Do we have to overcome circumstances alone? Of course not! God has shown us what He will do, when you begin to completely rely on Him. Our only hope is that one day, we can share absolutely every miracle and blessing that has been poured out unto us. As God heals Laura, our time available to serve increases and our needs are reduced. The tables will turn drastically. We long for that day! Blessings will flow intensely and continuously from Laura and I. We hope the world is ready for it. We know God will be; that is His will for our lives. Believe it!

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU. (Matthew 6:33)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.