FROM: Marjorie
July 30 @ 12:10 AM

I am so happy that Lea was able to visit with you today! Thank God for hearing our prayers and granting to you both the wonderful experience…I am planning to be where you are as I will be coming out when David comes to see you. I am looking forward to seeing you and Lea. The prayers are for all of us and the blessings are wonderful to hear from you as you share the blessings. I love you Larry and am looking forward to a hug from you. God bless you my son.

FROM: Chad
July 30 @ 3:10 AM

I do not have words to express my feelings or my wishes for you and Mrs. Vaughn… I just don’t know how to say it…. which hopefully explains my recent silence. While I take a few more weeks or months trying to put into words how much you both mean to me and how much I care about you two, please remember that I love you both and that you are in my thoughts every day.

I would ask that God bless you but I know he already has. Even in this trying time I’m sure you know this, too. The friendship and love that you and Mrs. Vaughn have offered over the last ten years has been appreciated – and it’s created a connection that has always brought me great happiness. Even in this dark time, through teary eyes, I can see that connection – I can feel it.

Be well, be at peace. And please know that even though I have been silent it doesn’t mean I don’t care – it’s just that words just don’t seem to do it. I want Mrs. Vaughn to be well and you to be happy. I ask for it every day. When things are back to normal, can I get a hug? A long hug? I’m talking about a hug that would embarrass most people. =) I’m not taking no for an answer on this one and I’m looking forward to getting some of those hugs from you both very soon. Stay strong,

FROM: Shana
July 30 @ 3:19 AM

Good Morning, Larry. I just had to write to tell you I felt your excitement in your e-mail update from yesterday. What a wonderful feeling it must have been to have Lea show some response. God is truly the great healer! I look so forward to your updates each morning, although I usually find myself very teary-eyed by the end of them. Today, the tears actually flowed as I was both elated that she responded to you and my heart was so touched by your deep love and devotion to Lea. I have always known how deep Lea’s love is for you, and now I see it goes both ways. You two are truly soul mates in every sense of the word.

As I write this morning, Gary is already outside washing and waxing the Mustang. He is so excited to have it, it’s like a watching a little kid who just got the gift he’s being wanting for so long! We met Lance last evening, and what a sweetheart he is (Kristin, too). I told David to make sure he gives you a hug for me when he gets there next week. So, you make sure he does. I think we all had some emotions last night as Gary pulled out of the drive. But, I can assure you Lea’s baby is in great hands and we will all go for a ride when you get back home–even if it’s Winter! We took Cooper and Mindy around the neighborhood last night and Cooper almost jumped out. We will have to teach him proper convertible-riding etiquette before we let him go on the streets!

We shipped your “care” package yesterday and the post-office said it would be about 4 days to get there. The small pick for Lea is included. I should probably let you go for now as I know you have many other e-mails to read. Please know I’m keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. Tell Lea I love her and miss her! If there’s anything at all I can do, please let me know. PS–Minerva and Susan say “hi” and they have you in their thoughts and prayers, as well.

FROM: April
July 30 @ 9:41 AM

Larry, I am glad you are able to keep your spirits up. Lea is an amazing woman. I can’t believe what she has gone through and is still fighting. I have to tell you it still doesn’t seem possible. I think about you two everyday and say a prayer every night before I go to bed. Lea has been a great friend to me and all of us. One thing unique about our department is when push comes to shove we all come together.

A lot of us have become family because we have worked together for so long. So when one hurts we all hurt. I know I miss Lea’s laugh and smile everyday. Wayne and I talked about how Lea, even when she didn’t feel good or things were a little stressful she could still find the positive to everything. And as always could laugh and smile. She definitely can light up a room.

I hope all is well with you and your friend that is in the hospital. What a way to end your vacation. I hope you enjoy your care package that we sent and if you need anything don’t hesitate to let us know. Tell Lea we think about her everyday and can’t wait for the day we see her again.

FROM: Karen
July 30 @ 10:23 AM

Hi, glad to hear some good news, how did your stress test go? Had a good day with the family on Thursday, got lots of packing done, enjoyed picking David up at the airport and spending the day with everyone. It was so hard taking the things down and packing in one breath, but on the other hand it was just a change in residence as has already been in the works.

I could actually hear you and Lea laughing as I would say or Dorene, my sister that went with me and Robert to help, would say, Oh my gosh we need another box……………….. It went quite well, we were going to go back today, but I have to take care of Roberts mom again and be close to home to help out, she was here all day yesterday and then we took her home to sleep last night, she doesn’t appear as confused today, so maybe she can be alone for a while today before we have to go and pick her up again.

HANG IN THERE LARRY, I am sending you and Lea the biggest hug ever, thanks for the updates, Maleah, Bill’s wife that’ s a nurse also, and our kids and a good friend of ours keeps needing updates also, so the Illinois to Arizona prayer chain hasn’t let up…………. Love ya!