LAURALAUGHLIN.COM :: Live, Laugh & Love Like Laura Laughlin

Laura is dealing with a few issues carrying over from the weekend. Her left ankle has swollen up a bit. The doctors are going to run some precautionary tests to be on the safe side. Laura has a couple of blisters on her left foot. She has been biting on her teeth and bottom lip and consequently, that lip is now swollen. Keep praying for Laura to be able to deal with these issues. Laura has overcome everything and she will continue to do so. We are responsible for loving, praying, and supporting. God and Laura will do the work. On a positive note, there were some significant developments early in the weekend. Laura had her first few sips of water BY MOUTH. She drank it down like a true champion. The therapy staff informed me that she was very active in her Friday session. They stood her up again flat-footed and she was stronger. Laura even pointed her right index finger, on command, at the staff. This is great news. While being transferred from her bed to the wheelchair, Laura was accidentally pinched. She blurted out what the nurses say was a loud yelling sound. They couldn’t believe it. They began clapping and cheering and we’re really happy for Laura. We know Laura, the Laura that we know and love so very much, is in there and she is fighting for her life back. Please, continue to support all of us through this. I know I say it a lot, but our friends and family are a major driving force in reaching the ultimate goal: Laura’s complete healing and restoration in mind, body, and spirit. Many have asked for more pictures of Laura and I. I attached two that I found saved on our computer. Enjoy! IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, THEN ARE YE MY DISCIPLES INDEED; AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE. (John 8:31-32) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin. LAURA LAUGHLIN MEDICAL FUND

September 28-29, 2005

We continue to get good news about Laura. The therapy staff is encouraged by the continual progress that she is physically making. It is almost a certainty that Laura is becoming aware of the seriousness of her situation. We all struggle to understand what it would be like to wake up in Laura’s shoes. This is a good and a bad situation. The difficulty, for Laura and everyone that loves her, is knowing how much fear and pain she must be experiencing. Unfortunately, Laura has a severe brain injury and has a challenging road to say the least. On the positive side, this is a necessary step in the healing process. We were informed that all patients in Laura’s situation go through these types of emotions. These are healthy signs. She is going to have to experience this “reality check” eventually, so why not get it over with ASAP? Once she gets over the initial shock, she will have a choice. Do I fight for my life or quit? Knowing Laura, the former is the ONLY option for her. Laura is still receiving continual therapy. It is becoming more intensive. She still gets put in her chair and taken outside for some fresh air. The staff continues to feed her spoonfuls of yogurt daily. They informed me how amazed they are that she is able to eat at this stage of her recovery. Much progress is being made. Laura gets stood up in her therapy sessions everyday. On Thursday, the staff said this was the first time her feet went flat when they stood her up (a very good sign for the future). In addition, she supported a good amount of her body weight, while she resisted falling. The staff still has to support her from falling, but remember baby steps are what we look for. That is it for today’s update. The next paragraph is specifically written for those that support Laura and I through faithful and heartfelt prayer. We need God to work an emergency miracle for us this Friday. The more synergy we attain through prayer, the more powerful the force. I have told Laura how important this Friday is and she agreed to work hard and try her best. Now she needs your help. Basically, Friday is always a big day because the staff doesn’t work on the weekends. Therefore, their last chance to get thorough documentation of Laura is on Friday. This is what the health insurance company uses to decide if Laura is approved for coverage for another week. There are two specific requests. One, pray for Laura to start distinctively and consistently communicating, either verbally or through hand gestures, with the therapy staff. Two, pray that Laura accepts this trial in her life and decides to fight like heck with every single fiber of her being. Thanks for everything. We couldn’t do it without you. Have a great weekend. KEEP ON ASKING, AND YOU WILL RECEIVE WHAT YOU ASK FOR.. KEEP ON SEEKING, AND YOU WILL FIND. KEEP ON KNOCKING, AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED TO YOU. FOR EVERYONE WHO ASKS, RECEIVES. EVERYONE WHO SEEKS, FINDS. AND TO EVERYONE WHO KNOCKS, THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED. We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin. LAURA LAUGHLIN MEDICAL FUND

September 26-27, 2005

Laura is continuing her amazing progression. It is a slow process, but there are definite signs that down the road, she will return to us. Laura is becoming more and more aware of her surroundings. I speak with the therapy staff almost on a daily basis. They have confirmed their hope in Laura’s future. They are guarded against raising the expectation level too high, but they are forced in these situations to do so. It is difficult to describe how it is that we know she is improving. You almost have to see her in action. It is little things such as heavier and more pronounced breathing, greater and more intense awake cycles, more movement in the arms and fingers, and more frequencies of mouth movements and facial expressions. On the time scale of severe brain injuries, Laura is in the very early stages. We do know that the Bible promises that through Jesus’ stripes, she is healed. However, we don’t know of God’s will as far as timing. That is why patience has to be coupled with faith. It could be several months or it could be several years. Regardless, we will wait with content and convinced hearts. The staff will continue to thoroughly work with Laura to maximize physical and mental stimulation. We will continue praying for progress and for this new medicine to be a blessing. We are so very thankful for the incredible support from family, friends, and even complete strangers. I realize it is difficult to stay positive and focus on what is unseen, especially when the future is so uncertain. I can tell you that I am utterly committed to Laura until the day either her or I breathe our last breathe. Thank you all for sticking with us during a time in which it would be easy to give up. Laura is the strongest person I have ever met and she will not give up. Please, don’t ever give up on her! It is during these times that our true character and spirit our tested. You all have continued to inspire us and we pray that will only become stronger. Thanks for helping to bring her back. AND I AM CONVINCED AND SURE OF THIS VERY THING, THAT HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST, DEVELOPING AND PERFECTING AND BRINGING IT TO FULL COMPLETION IN YOU. (Philippians 1:6) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 23-25, 2005

I had a chance over the weekend to meet and discuss with Dr. Koss, Laura’s new neurosurgeon. She was interested in seeing Laura’s response and interaction with me. She also asked several questions to gather information. Like many other staff members, she commented on the need for time and patience for Laura’s brain to heal. We were informed that Laura is going to be placed on a stimulant called Provigal (not sure on the spelling there!). This medication is somewhat similar to Riddelen, except with less side effects or downsides. There are 2 main goals for this new medication. First, it should serve to expedite the waking up process and lead to more responsive and effective sessions with the therapy staff and others. Secondly, the medical staff is striving to make Laura’s sleep/wake schedule more defined and predictable. Ideally, she would only sleep once and be awake once (similar to what we do each day). Lately, Laura has been really inconsistent with her sleeping schedule. This should allow her to be awake all day and sleep all night. We do appreciate all of the visitors that stop by Laura’s room. I wanted to mention that there is a notebook sitting in the corner next to the bathroom. It usually sits on the end table next to the fan. Feel free to leave a note or a message to us if you wish. Also, there is a blue colored CD/radio player. The therapy staff wants music to be playing for Laura at all times. Many times, the radio gets turned off by someone and nobody is there to turn it back on. If this is the case, please turn it on to a reasonable volume level (2 stations that Laura would enjoy would be 101.1 or 102.5). People are always asking how they can be of help and this would be a good way to help Laura feel comfortable. I also wanted to reiterate how thankful I am for all the cards, letters, and emails that are sent to Laura and I. I read each and every item sent to me word for word. I know that I don’t always fully respond as I would like to, but your words of encouragement and stories bring hope for a better future. Please, pray wholeheartedly for progression to be made in the next few days. We are at a crucial point with the insurance company and document participation in therapy must be accomplished. We know that in times of trouble and doubt, the Lord will find a way to provide. AND GOD WILL GENEROUSLY PROVIDE ALL YOU NEED. THEN YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND PLENTY LEFT OVER TO SHARE WITH OTHERS. (2 Corinthians 9:8) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 21-22, 2005

Laura has had a solid past couple of days. I have had the opportunity to speak with the therapy staff on multiple occasions to hear some good news. Laura has been much more responsive. She has moved her fingers on her right hand to command. Laura has reacted with more distinct arm movements in response to pain stimulus. She was even fed about 6 spoonfuls of yogurt through the mouth. They said it was amazing to see her eat the food. They placed the spoonful just inside her lips. Then, Laura proceeded to immediately move her tongue forward and in a scooping motion work it to the back and easily swallow it down. I can only imagine how good it must feel to taste something after over 2 months of eating nothing. There are a couple of reasons for these recent improvements. First, the miracle of Laura’s healing is still taking place. The brain is regenerating and reconnecting virtually every second. Also, the medical staff took Laura off of a medication that they believe was highly sedating her. In addition, Laura recognizes and is aware of the incredible support of her family, friends, and loved ones. Finally, Laura’s energy and God’s will remain a powerful and unstoppable team. We will all be inspired by the perseverance, resolve, and determination that Laura has and will continue to display. Not many people get tested in such a manner. Laura and all of us have an incredible opportunity to show our true character in a time of extreme adversity, difficulty, and hardship. You know what Laura will choose to do! What will you choose? MY BRETHREN, COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YE FALL INTO TEMPTATIONS; KNOWING THIS, THAT THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE. BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK, THAT YE MAY BE PERFECT AND ENTIRE, WANTING NOTHING. (James 1: 2-4) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin

September 19-20, 2005

Sorry to have taken a brief break from the updates. I know there were people wondering if something was wrong with Laura. She is continuing in her healing process and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, we all know that her healing may take quite some time to manifest. I want to inform all of you of the new plan to reduce the updates to 3 times a week (my thought is to send them out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). This will be the plan, unless there is some type of major development in Laura’s progress. In that case, you will receive a message immediately. The past few days with Laura have been gratifying. We continue to encourage and stimulate her hoping to jump-start her awareness. It is really difficult to diagnose the difference between random movements and awareness. She continues to get her much needed rest and stimulation hours in. The therapists have made it clear that we are still early in terms of Laura’s brain healing. Each day she looks more and more beautiful. Her hair is growing quickly and covering up the scars. The scars on her stomach keep healing as well as her traech scab and her collarbone. It is unquestionable that Laura’s body is strong and quick to heal. I want to briefly discuss what could be the most important role all of us can take on to complete Laura’s full restoration and healing. It centers around one of the most important words and concepts of the English language; FAITH. To truly be a helpful part of Laura’s restoration, we all need to fully develop our complete faith in God’s healing powers. It sounds so clich� and easy to agree with, but the need is to put it into practice. It is natural for humans to have doubts, fears, and worries. However, these must be cast aside and replaced with complete faith. It is not a denial of reality. Faith is not a feeling. Faith is trusting, faith is devotion, faith is conviction, and faith truly believes. Lean not on your own understanding, there are higher powers at work. WHILE WE DO NOT LOOK AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN, BUT AT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN. FOR THE THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN ARE TEMPORARY, BUT THE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT SEEN ARE ETERNAL. (2 Corinthians 4:18). I cannot understate the importance of this verse. If it went right over your head, please read it again. For those that are having difficulties with their faith, I give you this challenge. Make a conscience effort to look at and investigate everything that you see today with your eyes. Ask yourself, is any of this eternal? The answer will be no, because the scripture is complete truth. Take the challenge! Keep and develop your faith! We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 16-18, 2005

What a wonderful birthday weekend! I would have to say that it was the best one yet. When I arrived on Sunday to Laura’s room, the staff and others had the room decorated with balloons and posters saying, “Happy Birthday Jeff, Love Your Wife Laura.” They had Laura dressed up all cute in a reddish pink button up shirt with a collar and some black pants. She had perfume and lip gloss on and was wide-awake and looking adorable. The nurses transferred her into the wheelchair and I was ready to take her outside. We spent over 3 full hours outside in the garden. It was an absolutely beautiful day in terms of weather. Laura is communicating! She makes noises more frequently and we believe moves periodically to commands. We will get her to the point where she is doing it consistently and routinely. She needs only God’s strength and time. I want to give everyone a huge thank you for making my birthday so special. We are very lucky and blessed to have the friends and family that we do. I only hope to be as good a friend and family member to all of you that you are to me. I could go on and on about what Sunday meant to me, but no one has that kind of time. I can just say thank you for the incredible love and support. We all miss Laura and we maintain faith for the day when she completely returns. It is great knowing that we have so much support. Thank you for making the sting of loneliness not feel so bad. Collectively, you have filled a void in my heart. WE LOVE YOU ALL. YOU WILL GUARD HIM AND KEEP HIM IN PERFECT AND CONSTANT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU, BECAUSE HE COMMITS HIMSELF TO YOU, LEANS ON YOU, AND HOPES CONFIDENTLY IN YOU. (Isiah 26:3) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 15, 2005

Unfortunately, there is not much news to report. Her progress continues to be positive, but slow. She has had no setbacks and there are no foreseeable ones to come. The previous issue with her bladder has been taken under control by the antibiotics. Her traech hole, collarbone, and head scars are all healing up nicely. She is swallowing better and in a more pronounced manner. The therapists continue to work aggressively with Laura throughout the late morning hours. I, personally, believe that Laura is getting closer and closer to verbalizing. She seems to be trying really hard to communicate. We know she has so much to say. She looks absolutely beautiful. Her hair is growing so fast. She gets totally pampered. Family and friends have provided manicures, pedicures, facials, and more. I am deeply thankful for what all of you are doing with her (Lord knows that if I tried to do those things, it would be a disaster!!!). I hope all of you have a great weekend. It will be a bittersweet weekend for us. It is my birthday on Sunday. I am hoping and praying for something great to happen with Laura. For those of you that know Laura well, other people’s birthdays are the most exciting thing in the world for her. She treats me like her “knight in shining armor” on a daily basis, but on my birthdays she puts me up on a pedestal. It will be an emotional day for us. I have faith that she is in an aware state. Ultimately, her healing takes precedence over everything in my life. There will be several more birthdays to share in the future. We miss being team Laughlin (that’s what we call ourselves) and spending time together with family and friends. That is such an important part of our marriage. Keep the faith, those days will return. BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULLNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL. AGAINST SUCH THINGS THERE IS NO LAW. (Galatians 5:22-23) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 14, 2005

OK, I promised that I would not do this. My goal is to provide hope, but remain realistic. I want to keep expectations reasonable. Laura’s recovery could take year(s). She is progressing nicely, but these are definitely baby steps. Nonetheless, these are very important steps. Sorry to keep you waiting for the news! I believe that tonight Laura was talking to me! There were no words specifically coming out. Basically, late in the evening I was really working with her closely and pressing her hard. I told her many things including we’re so proud, you’re doing so well, I can hear you, can you talk to me, etc. While I was doing this, she blurted out about 5-7 distinct groaning type noises. They were in close proximity (they all occurred within about a 30 second time span). When I told the nurse, she said that is a sign of starting to come out of the coma-like state. Keep praying for this miracle to continue and progress. I wish I could write more about my experiences, but time is a limiter. There is another thing I HAVE TO discuss. As of today, I have been appointed, by the St. Louis County Probate Court, Laura’s legal guardian and conservator. With these powers comes an incredible responsibility, which would take me hours upon hours to explain to you. In summary, I am required by law as a fiduciary for Laura to make decisions that are in her best interest regardless of how it may make others feel including myself. The court and I take this role very seriously and rightfully so. This brings me to probably the most important thing for you to know and remember. I had lengthy discussions with the therapy staff. Essentially, Laura needs two things that are extremely important, sleep and stimulation. These two should not be co-mingled. If you don’t remember anything that I ever tell you, please remember this; If Laura is sleeping do not wake her up by touching or talking, you can look at her (DO NOT WAKE HER UP IF SHE IS SLEEPING). However, if she is awake, you can and should stimulate her. The therapists said the best motto for this is; the simpler the better. This means one or two at a time and get up close to her and talk to her like she is an aware 25-year-old young woman. I fully trust that each and everyone of you will abide by these stipulations. It is very much in the best interest of Laura’s recovery. I cannot be there all day nor should I be there all day, but I trust that Laura’s health will be respected. The staff emphasized how important this next month is. Her therapy is in the morning hours. She has to be rested for the staff to be able to fully work with her. Thanks for your understanding in this matter. Laura still does need your support. She needs to see and hear from you. Just remember, that there is a proper time and way to communicate to her. LOVE BEARS UP UNDER ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT COMES, IS EVER READY TO BELIEVE THE BEST OF EVERY PERSON, ITS HOPES ARE FADELESS UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND IT EDURES EVERYTHING. (1 Corinthians 13:7) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 13, 2005

Laura’s traech hole is healing way ahead of schedule. The nurse commented to me on how incredible of a healer she is. The hole closed itself right up within 24 hours. We are going to be taking some more pictures on Wednesday. We have been documenting Laura’s progress, with pictures, throughout her recovery period. It is amazing to see the transformation that she has made. It’s hard to believe how far she has come since day 1. What is more amazing is the progress that she will make in the days, weeks, and months to come. Please, do not become restless or impatient in the process. It is certainly stimulation time! I want to pass on a suggestion made to me by the staff at the St. John’s nursing facility. When any of you plan on visiting, see if you can find a good picture to bring to show Laura. Ideally, it would be a picture of you with Laura. The larger the picture, the better! She may have difficulties with her vision. Go ahead and bring a picture with you, show it to Laura, and talk to her about it. There is an extremely high likelihood that she can hear everything you are saying. This is great therapy for her. Anything we do in this area can be of great help. Remember (I know it seems as common sense, but I have to mention it!) DO NOT mention the severity of her injuries. Speak only in a positive and loving tone. We need to keep her positive and maintaining a fighting spirit. Tell her about your lives and current events, just as you would if you called her up on the phone to chat. She needs to know that her friends and family are there loving and supporting her. Slowly, but surely, and with God’s will, Laura is fighting her way back. Thanks for all your help. We could not do it without all of you. LOVE DOES NOT INSIST ON ITS OWN RIGHTS OR ITS OWN WAY, FOR IT IS NOT SELF-SEEKING; IT IS NOT TOUCHY OR FRETFUL OR RESENTFUL; IT TAKES NO ACCOUNT OF THE EVIL DONE TO IT. (1 Corinthians 13:5) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 12, 2005

More exciting news happened for Laura today! Her breathing has been getting so strong that her traech was completely removed. This is a great step. After removal, a bandage was placed over the exposed traech hole. There is no stitches or staples involved for this healing process. The hole will take about 2 weeks to close up on its own. Step by step, Laura’s body is getting stronger and stronger. The removal of the traech should aid Laura in being able to speak. There will be less resistance as she attempts to move air up through her vocal chords. We have to believe that it will be any day now before we hear her speak. You all know how much Laura loved to talk before, imagine how much she has stored up to say! We even had a report by the nurse late in the evening, that Laura made a loud attempt to communicate. She said it was not a moan or a yawn, but seemed to be a clear effort on Laura’s part to speak out. With time, this fact will become more evident and Laura’s voice will return. She is on her way back to us! It also seems that the bladder infection is well under control. Laura appeared to be in absolutely no pain. Her mild fever had been eliminated. The staff believes that the antibiotics performed as planned. At this point, Laura has only two tubes within her body (the feeding tube and the catheter). She has come a long way in the past two months. Her poor little body has had to endure just about everything. But, now we are systematically overcoming each and every challenge. The doctors and nurses keep stressing how much Laura’s age and healthy lifestyle have expedited her recovery. With this fact and God’s will taking over, our little living miracle is an inspiration for thousands. We are forever indebted to your continued love and support. Rely on faith, persevere with patience! WAIT AND HOPE FOR AND EXPECT THE LORD; BE BRAVE AND OF GOOD COURAGE AND LET YOUR HEART BE STOUT AND ENDURING. (Psalm 27:14) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 9-11, 2005

Laura had an up and down weekend. It started off great. I want to thank all of the visitors for coming over the weekend. Those that came on Friday and Saturday got to see how truly active she is becoming. It seems, to everyone that she is slowly starting to wake up. I wish that all of you could experience the beauty of her progress. We are all talking and communicating to her more and it really relaxes her. We know that this is consistent with Laura’s personality. She always wants to be around friends and family. Unfortunately, on Sunday morning, we were made aware that Laura had developed a bladder infection. She was in some pain and incurred a mild fever. They are treating her with the proper antibiotics. These types of infections are common for someone in Laura’s situation. It should take 2-3 days for the bacteria to be killed. Therefore, she needs a lot of rest from Sunday through probably Tuesday. If you plan on visiting during this time period and she is sleeping, please do not talk or make any noise. This should be temporary, but it is for Laura’s good. I know that everyone will understand. The great new is that this infection is nothing for Laura. She has overcome each and every obstacle with flying colors, regardless of how difficult the obstacle is. Laura’s strength and spirit is absolutely incredible. Praise God for that! UNDERSTAND, MY BELOVED BRETHREN. LET EVERY MAN BE QUICK TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO TAKE OFFENSE AND TO GET ANGRY. FOR MAN’S ANGER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. (James 1:19-20) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 8, 2005

Laura had another solid day. She seems to be coming around a little more each day. We believe that St. John’s skilled nursing facility is just the thing she needs. The therapy staff is really quite excellent. They are going to be working with her a great deal and Laura will respond. The staff will sit her up, perform more drills, and even stand her up. In many of these similar cases, this extra stimulation serves to “wake up” these patients. Laura will be the perfect little student. In the very short future, she will have a wheel chair, which is currently in the process of being ordered. When the chair arrives, she will get to move around more and go outside to get some fresh air and sunlight. There is a really nice garden just outside her room. She will enjoy being outdoors. Please, pray for the therapists and staff at Laura’s new location to have the wisdom and skills to maximize Laura’s recovery. We are also currently in the process of making Laura’s new room feel like home. We picked out pictures to hang and display, selected and provided clothing for her to wear, brought up lotions and candles for fragrances, and even some makeup and other similar products which will all help to portray familiarity. This is now her temporary home and she will be fully waking up here. We have to make her feel comfortable and safe. Just a quick note to ease any worries: Laura is doing absolutely excellent medically. She is very stable. The trach may get removed sometime in the next few weeks. Her body is simply healing and it needs time to take place. She has a tough road to grind ahead, but she will do it. She needs all your love and support. I thank everyone daily for all the amazing support. Have a great weekend! MANY PLANS ARE IN A MAN’S MIND, BUT IT IS THE LORD’S PURPOSE FOR HIM THAT WILL STAND. (Proverbs 19:21) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 7, 2005

Laura is resting comfortably and peacefully in her new surroundings. She was moved late afternoon to her new location at the St. John’s nursing facility. Her room number there is 47. Upon visiting last night, Laura appeared to be more mentally alert than ever before. As you know, the process is long and enduring it is essential. Her improvements, though slightly, are become more evident each and every day. She got her first glimpse and taste of sunlight in over 7 weeks. When Laura was being transported, I was told that her eyes became as big as saucers upon being introduced to the open fresh air and some sunlight. As soon as Laura begins sitting up more, the staff will put her into a chair and she will be mobile enough to take outside on a daily basis. Knowing Laura, this will be awesome for her recovery. She loves nice weather and these next few months will be perfect. Once again, we would like to encourage visitors. Laura is very medically stable. All she needs is time for God to fully heal and restore all of her capacities. I was led to a great passage today: THESE THINGS I PLAN WON’T HAPPEN RIGHT AWAY. SLOWLY, STEADILY, SURELY, THE TIME APPROACHES WHEN THE VISION WILL BE FULFILLED. IF IT SEEMS SLOW, DO NOT DESPAIR, FOR THESE THINGS WILL SURELY COME TO PASS. JUST BE PATIENT! THEY WILL NOT BE OVERDUE A SINGLE DAY! (Habakkuk 2:3) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 6, 2005

Laura is preparing for her big move tomorrow. The move is going to take place around noontime on Wednesday. Everyone needs to know that visitors are encouraged. I will give out the room number when that information becomes available, but remember that the front desk will give that to you. We are all excited and ready for the move. It will prove to be the change that Laura needs. Everyday her body keeps getting stronger; the brain is healing, her airway gets stronger, the collarbone and skull fractures are healing, her scars are reducing, her hair is growing. This complete transformation is going to be amazing. Pray for Laura to be restored and healed. We want her memory in tact, her independence restored, and that wonderful personality to be back in our lives. That day keeps getting closer. YOU HAVE FORGIVEN ALL MY INIQUITIES; YOU HAVE HEALED ALL MY DISEASES; YOU HAVE REDEEMED MY LIFE FROM DESTRUCTION; YOU HAVE SATISFIED MY MOUTH WITH GOOD THINGS SO THAT MY YOUTH IS RENEWED AS THE EAGLES. (Psalms 103: 2-5) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 2-5, 2005

Hopefully, everyone had a great holiday weekend. Laura had a good one. Early in the weekend, a CT scan was performed by Dr. Backer (her neurosurgeon). He was very pleased with the results. The swelling was way down and the VP shunt was performing properly. He stressed how satisfied he was with the scan. Laura’s brain is now, finally, in a state where she has ideal conditions for the healing process. Laura is now fully recovered from the surgery that took place this past Tuesday. We were told not to expect any changes or progress for quite a few days following such an involved surgery. I would say that Saturday and Sunday, Laura returned to the state she was in prior to the surgery. This is very exciting for what is to come. We know that once Laura is given a chance, she will display her courage and inner strength (as if she hasn’t already!). Her little body has been through a lot. However, given enough time and the continued love and support, we will welcome our Laura back home. I am unsure of the specific details, but the plan is to move Laura this Wednesday. She will be transported by ambulance across the street to the St. John’s skilled nursing facility (SNF). I will make everyone aware of her move and new room number. The SNF is located at the intersection of Ballas and Conway. Thanks again for all the support and encouragement. In the wake of the national tragedy, we all realize what is important in life. I realize that there are thousands if not millions of people with more difficult situations than I find myself in. However, my hope is that these updates bring hope to your days. I am thankful that all of you play such an important role in Laura’s recovery. I place all of these tragedies in God’s hand. We may struggle to understand the meaning, but there is hope in the process. HE WHO IS OF GREEDY SPIRIT STIRS UP STRIFE, BUT HE WHO PUTS HIS TRUST IN THE LORD SHALL BE ENRICHED AND BLESSED. (Proverbs 28:25) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

September 1, 2005

Laura continued to rest and recover from her big surgery. This update is going to be very brief, but here is my plan. I have a great feeling about this weekend. She is going to start to make some real progress. I will be ready to tell you all about it in the next weekend summary update. For now, Laura is looking really great. Everyone that visits comments on her skin color and how beautiful and warm she looks. Like all of us, Laura loves those 3-day weekends. Therefore, I know she is looking forward to the holiday. Again, I am sorry for the briefness. Have a great weekend. You know that Laura will. Pray for it. SO THEN, AS OCCASION AND OPPORTUNITY OPEN UP TO US, LET US DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE. BE MINDFUL TO BE A BLESSING, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH. (Galations 6:10) We love you, Jeff and Laura Laughlin.

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