May 14, 2014 Laura's Update

After rehabilitation at home, Laura was able to return to the temple she loves.

 Laura always has a good attitude and is trying to smile.

 After three months wearing a neck brace, doctors said i don't need it anymore. The healing process is going amazing. I am SO grateful to my Heavenly Father for his miracles and mercy, and to all of you for your prayers and support to my family. I can honestly testify that God lives, loves us and always watches over us.

Doesn't she look fantastic!  Miracles are real and she has lived one!

March 13th update

Reporte sobre la salud de Laura Laparra
Jueves 13 de marzo 2014
No he publicado nada últimamente porque no he tenido suficiente información para compartir con ustedes. Como dijimos, el proceso de recuperación será lento. Sanar de un trauma cerebral severo, como lo está haciendo Laura, es una maratón, no una carrera corta, como bien nos recordó un amigo.
Laura está bien, definiendo bien como sanando, agradecidos de que lo está haciendo con muy pocas complicaciones. Tiene una parálisis en un lado de la cara pero puede hablar y hay una posibilidad de que la parálisis desaparezca a medida que sane el tejido y los nervios en el cerebro. Aún tiene un tubo para alimentarse en su estómago, pero ya puede comer por sí misma. Probablemente lo remuevan en 2 semanas.
Laura puede caminar con una caminadora, aunque como podrán imaginarse esta muy débil y frágil. Laura está siendo monitoreada por especialistas y tendrá que realizar extensas terapias. Su mente está funcionando perfectamente y su sentido del humor no ha cambiado.
Hoy tuvo la oportunidad de visitar la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en el Hospital Maricopa Medical Center en Phoenix, y agradecer personalmente a las personas que salvaron su vida. Fue maravilloso y muy emotivo. Ellos no podían creer lo mucho que ha progresado.
Los padres de Laura aún están aquí. Ellos vinieron desde Costa Rica. Ellos están a su lado cuidándola. Son unos angeles, los amamos. No habían visto a Laura desde hacía 4 años, por lo que a pesar de las dificultades, este es un tiempo muy especial para ellos. Un maravilloso empleado de US Airways hizo los arreglos para traerlos inmediatamente después del accidente. Estamos muy agradecidos con este caballero.
Por favor sigan orando por Laura. Ella tiene un largo camino por delante y necesita sus oraciones continuamente. Laura les envía a todos su amor y agradecimiento.

I haven't posted for a while because I just haven't had enough information for you. As we said, this will be a very slow recovery. Healing from severe brain trauma, like Laura's, is a marathon, not a sprint -- as a friend reminded us.

Laura is doing well - "well" is defined as Laura is healing, with thankfully very few complications. Her trach hole is finally healing and closing – that's been a worry. She has paralysis on one side of her face, but she can talk, and there's a chance the paralysis may go away as the brain tissue and nerve endings heal. She still has a feeding tube in her stomach, although she is able to eat. It looks like that may be removed in a couple of weeks.

Laura can walk with a walker, although she is very weak and still very fragile, as you can imagine. But she is seeing specialists and will be doing extensive therapy. Her mind is extremely alert, and her sense of humor is very much intact!

Today, she had the opportunity to visit ICU at the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, and say thanks to the people who saved her life. It was emotional and wonderful. They couldn't believe her progress!

Laura's parents are still here from Costa Rica. They are at her side and are taking great care of her. Laura's parents are angels; we all love them so much. They had not seen Laura for four years, so this is a very special time for them, although a difficult one. A wonderful employee of US Airways was able to arrange "buddy passes" for Laura's parents, so they could come immediately after the accident. Much gratitude to that gentleman.

Please keep praying for Laura. She has a long road ahead, and she needs your continued prayers. She sends immense thanks and love to all.

Silent Auction Begins!

I am so very excited to announce this GILBERT TEMPLE PRINTS SILENT AUCTION!!! We've had two amazing photographers donate various prints of the new LDS Gilbert Temple in order to raise funds for Laura! If you would like to bid on one or all of these beautiful prints, please GO TO THE FOLLOWING BLOG and ENTER with your name and Bid Amount on the appropriate picture post! All bidding will start at $50/each. The auction details and rules will be on the blog. It runs until March 18th!!!! Please visit this site today to ENTER to win! Please try and not bid or comment on this post. Only comments made on the blog will be considered official entries. Thank you and GOOD LUCK!!! Don't forget to LIKE and SHARE this post with others! 

http://lauralaparra.blogspot.com/

Temple3 BlueSky

Photographer: Jamie Johnson

Temple 2 Sunset Pink

the artist name will not be on the print.

Temple 1 Daytime Glow

the artist name will not be on the print.

Gilbert Temple Prints Auction Begins!

Garage Sale... A HUGE Success!

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  We are amazed by your generous contributions of items to be sold as well as supporting the sale, by buying many items, baked goods and donating funds.  We were overwhelmed by the love, generosity and giving spirit of everyone around.  SO many hours of service in setting up, selling and cleaning up were donated as well.    Thousands of dollars were raised and all the funds will all be doubled through a generous donor.  Hopefully, this will alleviate financial burdens of the Laparra's so they are able to focus on what is most important.   The LaParra's are so loved!  It was incredible how many people donated time, items and money in their support.  Thank you again!

Gracias! Gracias! Gracias! Estamos maravillados por las generosas donaciones que recibimos tanto de cosas y comida para vender, como de dinero. Por supuesto agradecidos con todos los que vinieron a comprar. No sobrecoge el amor, la generosidad y el espíritu de ayuda de todos los que participaron. También muchas horas de servicio preparando, vendiendo y limpiando fueron donadas. Logramos reunir miles de dólares que serán duplicados por un generoso donante. Esperamos que esto alivie las finanzas de la familia Laparra y les permita enfocarse en lo más importante. Todos aman a la familia Laparra! Fue maravilloso ver la forma en que tanta la gente dono su tiempo, pertenencias y dinero para apoyarlos. De nuevo GRACIAS! El mejor cierre para un día como este fue que Laura regreso a CASA el sábado por la tarde para continuar su rehabilitación desde allí. Que gozo fue verla regresar a casa!

The crowning jewel to this entire day was that Laura returned HOME Saturday afternoon to continue her rehabilitation from home.  What a joy it was to watch her come home!

March 5

Reporte sobre la salud de
Jueves 6 de marzo

La foto muestra el momento en que Laura y su hija de 7 años se reencontraron finalmente. Una escena enternecedora.

Laura está en un hospital de rehabilitación y tiene sesiones de terapias cada día. Esta comenzando a hablar aún cuando sufre de una parálisis facial. Puede usar sus piernas y brazos pero aún debe utilizar una silla de ruedas.

Neal A. Maxwell dijo: "más cosas de las que el mundo puede imaginar suceden a causa de la oración". Una gran verdad, especialmente en este caso. Cuán hermoso ejemplo de amistad y del poder de la oración.
Nuevos amigos que ni siquiera conocen a la familia Laparra. Sepan que ellos les aman.

Por favor sigan orando por esta familia tan maravillosa y por la recuperación de Laura.

Por favor recuerden ir a comprar al Garage Sale este Sábado en el 8104 E Peralta Ave, Mesa, AZ, 95212
Un generoso donador ha ofrecido igualar los fondos al 100%!

Gracias a todos por su amor y oraciones!

This photo shows Laura finally being able to hold her seven-year-old. Tender reunion.

Laura is in a rehab center and works with therapists everyday. She is starting to be able to talk, although she still has facial paralysis on one side. She has some use of her arms and legs, but she is still in a wheelchair.

Neal A Maxwell once said that "more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."

How true that is, especially in this case. What a beautiful example of the power of prayer and of friendship - some new friends who don't even know the LaParra's personally. You are all so very loved by the Laparra family. 

Please keep praying for this incredible family as Laura continues healing.

And don't forget about the yard sale this Saturday at 8104 E. Peralta Ave., Mesa, AZ 85212. If possible, please stop by and show your support. A generous donor has offered to match the funds raised by 100%! How generous and kind!

Thanks to all for your love and prayers.

Garage Sale and Bake sale March 8th in Arizona

If you are able to help, donate or even just come shopping please stop by the garage sale at 8104 E Peralta, Saturday from 6 am-1.  Here is a list of things that we need help with if you are able

I spoke with regional director Dan Ferrin with Modern Woodmen/Fraternal Financial Services Organization today. This is the group that is matching the donations of this garage sale. He had great news for us, he was able to arrange for 2 regions to match and donate funds which allows for the amount matched to be upwards of $5000 which is double the original offer. I feel so blessed to be a part of this entire process, its amazing to see the good people have within them! I was handed a $10 bill from a women who was just chatting with her neighbor about the garage sale and why she was donating the items so her neighbor ran into her home and grabbed the money and offered it as a donation. TRULY AMAZING!!!

March 1 - moved from the hospital into the rehabilitation center

She was here exactly for 3 weeks! Now into a Rehabilitation Hospital!

Estuvo aqui exactamente 3 semanas! Ahora al Hospital de Rehabilitacion! 

Feb 28 update

FRIDAY UPDATE for Laura Laparra
February 28

Laura is still progressing! Blessings! 

The swelling around her neck has reduced dramatically, so much so, that she was able to go into a pediatric neck brace last night. This is much more comfortable for her.

She has full use of her body and arms, and walked down the hall last night.

She will be transported from the hospital to the rehabilitation facility either today or tomorrow.

We received some amazing news yesterday. An Arizona company has offered to match the funds that will be raised in the March 8 yard sale by 100 percent!!

We are in AWE of this generosity! Please join us on March 8, for a great service opportunity!


Reporte de la Salud de Laura Laparra
28 de febrero de 2014

Laura Laparra sigue progresando! Que bendición!

La inflación alrededor de su cuello se ha reducido dramáticamente, tanto que anoche pudieron ponerle un cuello ortopédico pediátrico con el que está más cómoda.

Todo su cuerpo esta funcionado y tiene control sobre sus brazos y piernas. Anoche camino por el pasillo del hospital.

Hoy o mañana será trasladada a un Centro de Rehabilitación.

Recibimos excelentes noticias ayer. Una compañía de Arizona ha ofrecido igualar el monto que se recaude en la venta de garaje que el Barrio Boulder Creek donde Laura y su familia asisten está organizando para día 8 de marzo. Pueden contactar a Erika Valdez McNeil al 602-571-1290 para mas detalles sobre como ayudar ese dia o los dias anteriores para preparar todo. Hay mucho que hacer.

La generosidad de esta compañía nos ha dejado con la boca abierta! Por favor únasenos el 8 de marzo en esta excelente oportunidad de servicio.

Garage sale - Saturday March 8th

The neighborhood where Laura and Gilberto live will be having a garage sale with 100% of the proceeds going to the LaParra family.  Not only this, but an anonymous donor will be matching every penny earned at this garage sale... doubling the amount that will go to the Laparras!  This is an amazing opportunity to help the Laparra's meet their financial obligations without stress and just focus on getting Laura better!

You can help by donating items for sale and dropping them off at 8104 E Peralta (Please call 480-330-2032 to schedule drop off) in the Boulder Creek neighborhood.  Also, please COME and shop on Saturday March 8 all morning.

Venta de Garage El vencindario donde viven Laura y Gilberto ha organizado una venta de garage y todo el dinero que se recaude sera para la familia Laparra. Como si fuera poco, un donador anonimo se comprometio a hacer una donacion por el mismo monto que se recaude, La familia recibira el doble!!! Esta es una excelente oportunidad para ayudar a los Laparra a afrontar las obligaciones financieras derivadas del accidente y disminuir el estres para que puedan enfocarse en la recuperacion de Laura. Para donar articulos para la venta por favor llame al 480-330-2032. La direccion para dejar las donaciones es 8104 E Peralta en Boulder Creek. Si usted quiere ayudar pero no vive en esta area o esta en otro pais, puede hacerlo donando a http://www.lauralaparrafund.com Por favor VENGA a COMPRAR durante la mañana del 8 de marzo.

Feb 26 update

Laura has had her trach tube removed and can breathe on her own. She is able to walk, with help, for short distances. This picture of beautiful Laura with two of her daughters was taken last night.

She is very weak and tires very easily. But she is progressing. She still can't talk, but she can whisper and mouth words.

Yesterday, her father was with her when she became quite agitated. She took his hand and put it on her head. He said, "Are you saying that you'd like a Priesthood blessing?" She nodded yes. So, her father laid his hand on her head, and gave her a blessing. She immediately calmed and was able to rest. It was a sweet and touching experience.

Laura will be moved into a rehabilitation center this weekend. Please keep Laura and this wonderful family in your prayers. They need your faith and prayers so very much.

(P.S. Laura gave the thumbs-up for me to post this photo.)

Reporte de Salud de Laura Laparra
Miércoles 26 de febrero de 2014


Ayer le removieron a Laura el tubo que le ayudaba a respirar y ahora está respirando por si misma! Puede “caminar” algunos pasos con ayuda. La foto de Laura y sus hermosas hijas fue tomada anoche.

Laura está débil y se cansa muy rápido pero está progresando. Todavía no puede hablar pero susurra y modula palabras.

Ayer mientras su papa esta con ella, Laura se puso muy agitada. Ella tomo la mano de él y la puso sobre su cabeza. Su papa le pregunto: ¿Me estás diciendo que quieres una bendición de Sacerdocio? Con su cabeza ella respondió que sí. Su papa la bendijo y ella inmediatamente se tranquilizó y pudo descansar. Fue una experiencia muy enternecedora.

Laura será trasladada a un centro de rehabilitación este fin de semana. Por favor sigan orando por ella y por su maravillosa familia. Ellos realmente necesitan su fe y sus oraciones.

Lessons learned from Laura's daughter Shannon

There is so much I'd like to say and share with everyone about the things that I've learned and seen through this experience. But if I had to sum it all up, I'd have to say that I am so amazed to learn that Heavenly Father prepares us for these hard times. Time and time again I just am in awe when I realize that, "oh hey...so what didn't make sense a couple months ago, makes sense now!" I know that the only reason why I have been able to put up with everything that's been going on is because Heavenly Father has slowly been preparing me for this moment. I was telling my aunt the other night how just in the last 6 months I have slowly grown closer to my youngest sister Priscillla. For no reason in particular, I just decided to take her under my care and do everything I could for her. She began to respond more to me and I grew to love her intensively. I became very protective of her and we spent every extra moment playing together! Now, with the accident, Priscilla has been able to be responsive to me when I needed her to because we had created this relationship. I can tell she really needs me and sees me as her second mom. I cant truly describe how grateful I am that I can help her the way I can because we began to trust in each other early on. I know that Heavenly Father has prepared us both to help each other. There's lots more instances such as this one, but for now maybe that's good:) ...I confess that during this time I feel anxious and worried about my mom, and that all the prayers, the little signs of love, how vast this thing has become--it all comforts me more than anything else. I admit my strength somewhat relies on these little" pick-me-ups" if you will:) haha, I can't help but just feel so much happiness through this testimony that God has created us in a way where are spirits are all connected, and that there is something so pure and marvelous about the way we all help each other go back home to Him. Thanks everyone

Lecciones aprendidas por Shannon la hija de Laura. Hay tanto que me gustaría decir y compartir con cada todos y cada uno de ustedes acerca de las cosas que he aprendido y visto a través de esta experiencia. Pero si tengo que resumirlo, diría que estoy sorprendida de saber que nuestro Padre Celestial nos prepara para los tiempos difíciles. Otra vez me quedo sin habla cuando pienso: “Eh…lo que no tenía ningún sentido hace dos meses es completamente lógico ahora”. Yo sé que la única razón por la que he podido seguir adelante con todo lo que está pasando, es que mi Padre Celestial me ha venido preparando para esto poco a poco. Le decía a mi tía la otra noche como en los últimos 6 meses reforcé mi relación con mi hermana menor Priscilla. Por ninguna razón en particular, decidí tomarla bajo mi cuidado y hacer todo lo que pudiera por ella. Ella comenzó a responderme y yo la ame aún más que antes. Me convertí en su protectora y cada momento libre lo pasamos jugando. Ahora con el accidente, Priscilla me responde positivamente a causa de la relación que construimos juntas. Puedo decir que ella me ve y me necesita como su segunda mama. No puedo describir cuan agradecida estoy de poder ayudarla en la forma que lo estoy haciendo y todo porque comenzamos a confiar una en la otra de un tiempo para acá. Sé que nuestro Padre Celestial nos ha preparado para ayudarnos una a la otra. Confieso que durante estos días me he sentido ansiosa y preocupada por mi mama, y que todas las oraciones y pequeñas muestras de amor (que grande todo se ha vuelto) me consuelan más que ninguna otra cosa. Admito que mi fuerza descansa en cada uno de estos detalles. No puedo más que sentirme muy feliz a través del testimonio de que nuestro Padre Celestial nos creó de forma que nuestros espíritus (el mío y el de ustedes) están todos conectados, y que hay algo puro y maravilloso sobre la forma en que nos ayudamos unos a otros para regresar a Él. Gracias a todos.

Laura's love note

Gilberto writes, "She made me cry when she wrote this for me. what a hard and beautiful experience."

Ella me hizo llorar cuando escribioesta nota para mi. Que experiencia tan dura y tan maravillosa.

Special Feb 24 update #2

SPECIAL MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE for Laura Laparra. 
February 24

I am writing this from Laura's hospital room. You can see in the photo that Laura is giving the thumbs up to all of you! (Gil's sister is by the bed.)

Laura has not lost her sense of humor ... or her sharp mind. We had brought Gil a bag of our pure fish powder which he asked for, but when Laura saw it, she grabbed it and clutched it to her chest! (You can see the package in the photo.)

Also, I read to Laura the beautiful comment that Jason Barney made on FB about the prayer that was offered for Laura at Saturday's rehearsal for the Gilbert Temple Cultural Celebration. When I finished reading it, she mouthed the words, "I love that."

We are truly witnessing a miracle. God's blessings are being poured out.

A correction on my earlier post today: Laura feels it would be best to hold off a bit on her young daughter's visit, so I just wanted to clarify that. Vintage Laura -- always thinking of others

And a P.S.: Laura is not very happy that her head has been shaved … but to all of us, she has never looked more beautiful!!

Reporte Especial sobre la Salud de Laura Laparra.
Lunes 24 de febrero de 2014
Estoy escribiendo esto desde el cuarto de Laura en el hospital. Pueden ver la foto de Laura, esa señal de aprobación es para todos ustedes. (La hermana de Gilberto esta junto a la cama).
Laura conserva su sentido del humor y su mente aguda. Le trajimos a Gilberto una bolsa del omega 3 en polvo que producimos y que él nos pidió, y cuando Laura la vio, lo agarro y se lo puso en el pecho queriendo decir: yo lo quiero es para mí. (Pueden ver el paquete en la foto).
Le leí a Laura el hermoso comentario que Jasón Barney hizo en Facebook sobre la oración que se ofreció por Laura durante el ensayo de la Celebración Cultural del Templo de Gilbert. Cuando termino de leerlo, ella con su boca modulo la frase, “Me encanta”.
Estamos siendo testigos de un milagro. Las bendiciones de Dios están lloviendo sobre nosotros.
Una corrección en el reporte de hoy: Laura siente que lo mejor es esperar para ver a su hija menor por ahora. Solo quiero aclarar que no hubo visita. La misma Laura de siempre, siempre pensando en los demás primero.
Y una posdata: Laura no está feliz que tuvieron que rapar su cabeza, pero para todos nosotros, ella nunca se ha visto más hermosa.

Update Feb 24

Reporte de la Salud de Laura Laparra
Lunes 24 de febrero de 2014

LOS MILAGROS CONTINUAN! Como la mayoría de ustedes ya saben, Laura salió de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos ayer. La trasladaron a otro cuarto en el mismo piso. Esto no fue solo un milagro, pero una bendición, porque por primera desde la noche del accidente, Laura pudo ver su hija menor.

Anoche, Laura estuvo de pie por unos segundos y dio dos pasos, apoyada en Gilberto. Paso a pasito, pero progresando!

Su memoria está funcionando y ella ha podido reconocer a su familia y amigos. Ayer Laura escribió una nota para Gilberto con las palabras “Te Amo”.

Aun cuando su progreso nos hace “gritar” gracias a Dios y Su misericordia, debemos recordar que Laura tiene un largo camino que recorrer en su proceso de recuperación. . Los doctores han dicho que habrá muchos puentes por cruzar.

No sentimos muy humildes y tristes cuando el paciente que ha estado todo este tiempo junto a Laura en La Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, falleció ayer. Oremos para que su familia pueda sentir paz.

El sábado pasado, más de 12,000 adolescentes que se reunieron para practicar para la Celebración Cultural del Templo de Gilbert, oraron por Laura. Una de las hijas de Laura y Gilberto formara parte de esta magnífica producción que sea televisada este sábado por la noche por cable y por internet). Y lo mejor es que Laura podrá verlo.

http://www.abc15.com/about-us/news-releases/abc15-to-broadcast-cultural-celebration-of-the-gilbert-mormon-temple

Gilberto está profundamente agradecido por su fe y sus oraciones.

¡Paz, paz a vosotros por motivo de vuestra fe en mi Bien Amado, que era desde la fundación del mundo! Helaman 5:47


MONDAY UPDATE for Laura Laparra
February 24

MIRACLES CONTINUE! As most of you know, Laura was taken out of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) yesterday. She was moved to another room on the same floor. This was not only a miracle, but a wonderful blessing because, for the first time since the accident, Laura was able to see her seven-year-old daughter.

Last night, Laura stood for a few seconds and actually took a couple of tiny steps while holding on to Gilberto. Little baby steps, but huge progress!

Laura's memory appears good, and she recognizes people. Yesterday, she was able to write on a notecard these words to Gil: "I love you."

While this progress makes us "shout" praises to God and His amazing kindness, we must remember that Laura has a long way to go and a long recovery process. The doctors have said there will definitely be "bridges to cross." We were humbled and saddened that the patient who has been right next to Laura in ICU all of this time, passed away yesterday. Our prayers go out to that family.

Last Saturday, more than 12,000 teenagers, who were gathered for a rehearsal for the Gilbert Temple Cultural Celebration, prayed for Laura by name. One of Laura and Gil's daughters is involved in this magnificent production which will be televised live this Saturday night (on cable and online). Yes, now Laura will be able to see it!

Once again, Gil sends his deep appreciate for your continuing faith and prayers.

"Peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world."
- Helaman 5:47

Out of the ICU!! Feb. 23 from Gilberto

Esto es lo que publico Gilberto Laparra:
Queridos amigos ella saldra de La Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos hoy. Los doctores dicen que su recuperacion sera un largo proceso, un paso a la vez. Este puente ya lo cruzamos. Gracias por su amor, sigan orando conmigo. Es un dia feliz....

 

MY DEAR FRIENDS SHE WILL BE OUT OF ICU TODAY... the doctors said that is going to be a long process recover, baby steps they said. But we're ready to cross that bridge. Thanks for your love, still praying with me. Its a happy day....