Feb 16 update

Sunday, February 16, 3 p.m.

Laura is stable today. The pressures on her brain have gone back down, and her blood pressure is good today. The stent did its job last night and drained fluid from her brain to relieve the pressure. 

This is nothing alarming for now. The doctors have said that she will have good days and bad days. Laura's healing will take time - weeks and months.

She is still in a medical coma. She is comfortable and not in pain. She definitely has brain activity and registers some response when the sedation is pulled back. But it is very important that her brain cells rest and not receive much stimulation right now. 

She is still on a ventilator to help her breathe. Her difficulty in breathing is because her airways are still extremely swollen. Once that swelling goes down, the ventilator tube can be removed, and she will be able to breathe on her own. 

You may have seen the picture of Laura, with tubes everywhere. Even though her head is shaved, she looks beautiful. Some of us refer to her as "Sleeping Beauty." And all those tubes are doing their job. The miracle of modern-day medicine and technology is an amazing gift.

Laura is in a trauma hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, and she has incredible doctors and nurses attending her. She is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and she is still in critical condition. But she is stable, and all is well for now.

Today, Laura's daughters were able to see her for the first time since she was put in ICU. Your prayers are helping them be strong at this difficult time.

The oldest daughter, who is serving as a missionary in Texas, was able to make a short video for the family, which Gil received last night. With permission of the mission president, a wonderful member in her Texas ward, helped her record a two-minute video message from her to her dad and sisters. She also made a video for her mom - she sings a song she wrote two years ago for Laura. It is Laura's favorite song. 

It is possible that the video will be posted. I will let you know what Gil decides. It is in Spanish, since she is serving a Spanish-speaking mission. 

Gil said that he has faith that we will see a miracle and that, "Laura will be returned to us." He asked me to tell you that he knows that families can be together forever. 

He said, "Tell everyone of the love and appreciation I feel from my ward, my stake, the Easter Pageant, and my other dear friends and family, here in the U.S., and in Central America. I can really, truly feel a change in my spirit because of their prayers."

Gil is aware of the many people who have put Laura's name on temple prayer rolls throughout the world. He knows that many, many people are fasting with him today. He and his parents, as well as Laura's family - who have arrived safely from Costa RIca - feel the strength of your prayers and faith. 

Today, Gil attended church at an LDS ward near the hospital. He was astounded that people knew who he was, and ward members said they were fasting and praying for him. These are people he didn't even know. He is deeply touched to see "tender mercies" everywhere he turns.

Early this morning, Gil received a phone call from a former high school classmate in Guatemala. This sweet sister is living in Utah now. She told Gil on the phone, "I want to let you know that praying for Laura is helping and pushing me to be a better person. The love I have for your family is making me be better."

I feel that perhaps all of us can say the same thing. As Gil said just a few moments ago regarding all of you: "We can literally feel your prayers."

The Lord lives. We have a Heavenly Father who knows us, loves us, and is always there for us, no matter what. How can we be more blessed?