This may be the toughest update to write of yet. At its conclusion, a year essentially void of Laura will have passed. As from the beginning, the commitment, in both time and energy, is to God and Laura. At this time, Laura desperately needs her family’s complete focus. What does this mean? It is time for us to take an extended break from the updates. It will not be permanent, but temporary. There is a time for everything. We are still committed to our two 5K race announcements: the establishing of a foundation in Laura’s name and the release of the completed book, “A Year in the Life of Traumatic Brain Injury; Jeff and Laura’s Tragic Newlywed Love Story.” Unfortunately, now is not the time for these tasks. Laura needs us. In God’s perfect timing, we will be back full force dedicated to the purpose and passion placed before us. Traumatic brain injury is one of the most difficult areas to be involved in. Our family, through open and honest communication, hopes to display with dignity our best efforts in dealing with our sweet Laura and her wishes. All we can say is, we love you! In this process, you have become family. We will never quit, never stop, and not delay a moment too long making a difference for Laura and for everyone having graciously loved and supported us. Don’t forget about us while we are gone. I sobbed for days thinking about the events of the past few days and how I would write this paragraph.

I do owe all of you a 5K follow up report. We had somewhere in the ballpark of 1,400 registered participants! Fleet feet said this number is unheard of for a first time race. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone involved. It exceeded every single expectation of ours. There are a few t-shirts and medals left unclaimed. Make contact with us if you desire these items. We are planning, in the coming days, a special section on the website for the 5K. It will include about 100 pictures from the event, posted race results, and suggestions that the committee has already made to improve for next year.

Lord, we need your help during these upcoming days. As always, we look to you for direction in all of our complex dealings. Allow us to act in accordance with your will and with compassion, kindness, and love. We want what is best for Laura in both the here and now, as well as for the long term. All the while, we will allow you to prepare us in your time for whatever you desire. While you guide and prepare, we will let you work. Tell us what, when, and how you want things done, both now and for the future.

SO THE LORD MUST WAIT FOR YOU TO COME TO HIM SO HE CAN SHOW YOU HIS LOVE AND COMPASSION. FOR THE LORD IS A FAITHFUL GOD. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO WAIT FOR HIS HELP. (Isaiah 30:18)

Bye for now!

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

Our plan is to provide all of you with video footage and/or pictures in the near future (maybe after the big race day when things slow down a bit). There isn’t a great deal of change to report in her condition. Her muscles and level of control of those muscles has improved. We are hoping to get a better read on her level of cognition over the days and weeks ahead. By cognition, meaning essentially the mind-muscle connection. Are messages being sent from the brain to the body? Is the body receiving those messages? Are her movements solely random and reflexive in nature or is there intent and purpose? We desperately want answers, but patiently still wait. May God grant us the ability to recognize when those answers come and the courage to accept and sustain the period void of such answers.

Laura’s 5K run/walk is less than five days away. Updated registered participants: 670! This means we have increased over 170 people in the past four days. Speaking for the committee, all of us are astonished by this level of interest and support. Why don’t we just go ahead and hit the 1,000 mark? For a heads up, several messages will be sent out over the next few days making you aware of registration times for packet and t-shirt pickup, as well as, discussing final issues before the event. Please, be patient with us over these next several days. With your help, this will take a day otherwise filled with darkness for our family and shed much needed light.

Throughout this process and over the past year, much has taken place. All the events have come together and descended upon one theme, the life of Laura Laughlin and her passionate belief in sharing God’s Word with others. Interestingly enough, when light is shown upon you, it can do one of two things. Light can expose you or it can radiate you magnificently for all to see. What we are doing with Laura is truly this simple. We chose to allow God’s light to shine through Laura for all to see. Selfishly withholding Laura and this life purpose and mission is not an option. Laura will be used for God’s workmanship, which is her spoken dream. Please, God, continue to shine your light and radiate Laura (her character, her spirit, and her passion for you), for there must still be work to be done!

WOULD ANYONE LIGHT A LAMP AND THEN PUT IT UNDER A BASKET OR UNDER A BED? OF COURSE NOT! A LAMP IS PLACED ON A STAND, WHERE ITS LIGHT WILL SHINE. (Mark 4:21)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

After several weeks with no changes worthy to report, we finally have received positive news from the many therapists working with Laura. The theme or terminology has been noticeable change in posture, demeanor, and participation. She has been gaining a bit more strength and control, particularly with her legs. We were told these movements, at least some of them, might be intentional and not reflexive. It is refreshing to be rewarded by positive gains after several weeks. Please, persevere in faith for these important days for Laura.

If you were unaware, our family has been taking Laura “home for the day” on a rather frequent basis of late, around 3-4 days per week. Laura’s parents were able to locate and borrow a van equipped with an electric lift, making this possible. Our goal is two-phased, to give Laura a much needed change of pace and to evaluate how she interacts to more familiar surroundings. Continue to pray for these options to have God’s blessing and bring about greater levels of healing and progress.

As we celebrate our independence, what does freedom really mean? Freedom can be defined in many ways by many people. We live in country, which protects this core value, often at the cost of our bravest men and women. With all this effort, are you truly free to be the person you wish to be? If not, what is holding you back? God offers you the solution; belief and application of the powerful Word of God. This Word contains the means to set you free. Maybe, everything does happen for a reason. But you, coupled with this Word, can take what happens and use it to serve others and fulfill your purpose. Your freedom awaits!

NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT, AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin.