I don’t have a lot to report today. Lea woke up!!
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God!
Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God! Glory to God!
Lea was sleeping when I arrived this morning, so I let her sleep. Shift change would be coming soon, and I knew that the oncoming nurse would do an evaluation, and she would have to be awakened for that. So, when Christina arrived and turned on the lights, Lea began to stir, saw me standing by the side of the bed, and mouthed, “Hi, baby.” My heart soared, and my soul sang!
We “chatted” quite a bit while the nurse did her inspection, and then I washed her hair, which she thoroughly enjoys. After washing and rinsing, I wrapped her head in a towel to warm up the hair and expedite drying. Meanwhile, I reminded her that we were in the hospital, and that she was getting better every day, and those types of things. Christina told her it is September 30, and Lea looked real puzzled for a few moments, and then Juanita came in to see Lea before starting her shift.
The word spread quickly that she was awake, and several others came to say hello, and then hurried off to their assignments for the day. Dr. Mah came in a little later, and asked Lea if she was in pain. Lea mouthed, “Not really.” He asked her where she hurt, named several body parts, and when he said belly, she nodded yes, and mouthed, “A little.”
She was communicating with us, and trying to speak to us, so Dr. Mah asked the staff to find a Communication Board, which is a 2X3 foot printed chart with various categories of responses on it, so she can indicate her needs or desires. Things like Bathroom, Read to Me, Lights Off, etc. It is designed so that she can point at what she wants to communicate to us.
In a couple of days she may be able to handle a speaking port on her ventilator tube, if she gets her lungs strong enough. We’ll just have to see how the tests go over the next few days. We will also have to be vigilant while with her, because she is going to become more and more aware of her condition, and is likely to try to remove tubes, which is a common reaction.
I am SO glad to have this next problem! It is a baby step, but it sure seems like a big one to me! It is so wonderful to see those big blue eyes focusing, to watch her smile at all our new “friends,” and to see her reacting to comments. My brother came into the room, and said, “Hi, Lea, it’s David.” She mouthed, “I know,” and rolled her eyes up to the corners to let him know how silly he is. What a joy!
I can’t tell you what a huge relief it is to see her reach this point. I know it certainly isn’t the end of the challenge we face, but it sure does make it a lot easier to face each new day. I am SO excited about seeing her again tomorrow, and to help her work on the ventilator, and overcome her remaining barriers. I know it won’t be easy, but at least, we’ll be doing it together. Thank you, God.
Thank you, loved ones, for your continuing support. Please continue to remember Lea in prayer as we go through these next several days of ventilator trials, and hopefully, getting her back to breathing on her own.
Surviving God's Woodshed 
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March 28, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Pray-ers
DAY SEVENTY-SEVEN
FROM: Lance
Sept 30 @ 12:30 AM
I tried to call you within minutes of you posting your update, but your phone was off. No big deal. Just wanted you to know that I tried and will continue to do so. LOVE YOU! GOD BLESS!!
FROM: Gracie
Sept 30 @ 7:25 AM
I just had to send you Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable (link) this morning. I am so amazed at Lea. There she is smiling at you in spite of all she’s suffering. She is incredible. Gosh Larry, how your heart flows over with the love you feel for your lovely Lea. Your beautiful glowing spirit shines through and this beautiful song applies to you also.
FROM: Teana
Sept 30 @ 8:31 AM
Larry and Lea, I am so glad that Lea is getting better! Praise God!!! I just wanted to let you guys know that if you need anything, anything at all when you get back please let Adam and I know. We would like to help in any way that we can. This update has really made my day. It truly is a testament to God and all he does. We love you guys and you are always in our prayers.
FROM: Ruth
Sept 30 @ 9:24 AM
Larry, Sure is great to get so much good news in such a short time. Maybe she will get it this time, I mean off the ventilator and never has to see that thing again. I do really hope you and Lea have a long and happy life together. My questions the other day was to help me understand why you were letting this go on. When we were their the Dr. said he didn’t know Lea’s wishes and that is what made me email you all of those questions. I really do thank you for taking the time to answer each one separately.
I hope to hear more good news tonight. As I said in my last email the phone updates are few and far between. I like it when you tell us all that has happened throughout the day as you did last night. This makes me feel like she has a good chance. My prays are with the both of you, and don’t know if you believe this our not. I pray more for Lea than you and I know I shouldn’t but I feel at this time she need it more.
Hang there and I will also and again thanks for being so honest with me. I am not an anguished family member but one who would like to know everything that happens with her each day. I know this takes a lot of your time to do this for everyone but we really do appreciate it. I like that you don’t give her kisses and worry when the nurses and Dr’s come in without mask on because you never know what they could carry in to Lea.
FROM: Raymond
Sept 30 @ 10:04 AM
Larry: Overwhelming seems to be the word that keeps coming to mind. Overwhelming….Lea’s awake….she’s lucid…..your unwavering faith in God…the wonderful family and friends you and Lea have that have continued to stand by and support you…..the incredible joy and excitement all of us feel….God’s Plan…. I know the journey will be difficult, but if this is the Ironman Triathlon, you’re back on dry land and pedaling furiously. Janie and I are sooooo excited for you and the family.
I also want you to know you and your family have had and continue to have a significant impact on our life in a positive way. I am sure you have had many times when you were very down, but your faith and trust in God remained strong, even despite a few well-intentioned naysayers. Job’s situation does come to mind. I must say also that you are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family, several that have stayed the course with you and Lea, not just in prayer, but also in literally standing by your side and selflessly helping you when you needed it most. I can only hope that in heaven, Janie and I can be neighbors of yours and Dave & Dottie’s, not necessarily because we deserve it, but maybe because we’re friends of those that do?
I know you’re just in the middle of the triathlon, but I have a feeling your strength, belief in God and love for Lea and your family will only be stronger as a result of this particular trial and tribulation, and you will make it to the finish line in great shape!
FROM: Jean
TO: Gracie
Sept 30 @ 10:38 AM
Wow… it is looking so good for Lea, I was most concern for her mind to function and it is so good to see her reactions, pucker her lips for Larry, and now shows her happiness when her girl friends came to see her and so upset when she found out about their friend Bill’s heart attack and how it came to be with her being in the hospital etc. she’s a beauty isn’t she….
They will want to see you as soon as they are able to travel. You have another new life time friendship. They are gems. I noticed he added Karen’s name to the list, too. Was Kathy’s there? Oh would Blake just love it when Lea and you are together wow. I am sending this now and am going to read your poem. At first I thought Laura’s card was too long but the more you read it the better it gets.
FROM: Jean
Sept 30 @ 10:55 AM
OH, My Larry whoops, I send it to you by a mistake. I was trying to reply to my sister Gracie. I am Gracie’s deaf sister, Jeanne. I guess you are suppose to read this letter. I told Gracie that I would make sure to check to be sure that I send it to her and I have been sending my replies to the wrong people several times and here I go again. I look forward to Gracie’s forwards from you every morning. I have wept and have had some happy times reading your letters day by day, this morning is so wonderful and uplifting, seeing that Lea is responding every body that walked in her room and she is trying to breathe on her own. Her white cells is building up, her vitals are getting better. Larry, thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts, feelings, beliefs with all of us. Lea and you are so beautiful. love you.
FROM: Carol
Sept 30 @ 11:38 AM
Larry, Would you please add my e-mail address to your distribution list? Barb and Kathy have been forwarding them on to me and there really is no since of them doing that. I read them every day and call dad (Jim Leffert) and keep him informed. I’ll keep praying for her recovery. Thank God for our close family.
FROM: Renee
Sept 30 @ 1:50 PM
Wow! What wonderful news. This should help confirm that you have made the right decisions. Maybe it’s God’s way of telling you that he knows about the negative e-mail you received and thought he should shed a little light on you all there. You are moving in the right direction. You’ve made the right decisions all along. Praise God.
FROM: Link
Sept 30 @ 8:55 PM
Amen P.S. The Buckingham’s (Sacred Farms Coffee Farm, Hawaii) would like to be added to “The List”
FROM: Bob & Barb
Sept 30 @ 9:28 PM
Larry, Add a zillion more PRAISE GOD AND GLORY TO GOD to yours. I am so happy! I wish I could be there with you to see her, and as soon as you can, hug her for her big brother and sis-in-law. God bless you too, Larry, for your strong faith and love. Thank all the staff for us, too, we love them.
FROM: Karen
Sept 30 @ 9:51 PM
WOOHOO!!! How absolutely wonderful!! Enjoy this day, dear Larry!! We love and miss you both!
FROM: Donna
Sept 30 @ 10:03 PM
Larry, I read the e-mail from anguished family members that questioned your judgement on Lea’s treatment…………Then, I read the next day’s update where you said at the end that you owe her every chance for recovery you can give her……………..That is so very true and sweet of you………God is working his wonders on her by guiding the doctors, and you, in the decision making of her recovery…………………As sick as Lea is, there have been other people, if you can imagine at this time, in worse situations and the miracle of God’s loving hands has guided everyone around them to do what’s right in their recovery………………And even the doctors, sometimes who have never met the patient before their hospital stay, are unaware of their capabilities of fighting back towards recovery even under the most extreme conditions……………….We hear of cases all the time where people pull through under grim circumstances due to their inner strength and the people around them supporting them…………………If I recall correctly, you said in a previous e-mail that Lea’s brain scan was normal……………….That in itself would prompt me to crusade for her recovery, since the problem is with other organs that, over time, can be healed and strengthened!……………Also, the fact that she is showing emotions, facial expressions, mouthing words AND fighting to breathe on her own is also a sign that she’s fighting to overcome the weaknesses her body now has………………..I guess what I’m trying to say is you’re doing the right thing and what is best for her……………I also seem to recall you had written that at one time you had whispered to her if she wanted to go, you would understand………….Doctors have told me that even when someone is in a coma, they might not remember it, but they do HEAR it!………Lea hasn’t given up, so why should you and the doctors!?…………..So take comfort in knowing you are doing what’s right for Lea and thank you so very much for adding me to her update list…….Jim and I read them first before any other e- mail………….Our hearts and prayers are with you both and when the time comes for Lea to come home I will try to help in any way I can………………………..Sincerely, Donna Needham
P.S. Tell Shan I said “Hi”!
P.S.S.!!…………I just read Lea’s update for today! (Sept 30th)………She’s back!….Hallejuah!….She’s back!…….At least in mind and spirit!………And what great news that is!…………Now that she will be able to communicate with everyone she will soon be on the road to recovery, albeit a long one……..But what a major step this has been!……I am so happy for both of you!……Forget Shan, tell LEA I said “HI”!…….Oh! Tell Shan, too! 🙂
FROM: R Dean
Sept 30 @ 11:13 PM
Dear Larry, I cannot describe the joy I feel at this moment.
FROM: Marlowe
Sept 30 @ 11:36 PM
Dear Larry, I’m sooo excited and grateful to God for this BIG step of your being able to connect with Lea. It must make all the hardship totally worthwhile and give you incredible encouragement. God is so good and faithful in response to your faith and perseverance! I’m so happy for you and Lea and all your family. It seems almost certain now that she is going to make it, and be her old self, at least mentally. I continue to pray for her complete recovery. With my love and admiration.
FROM: Barb S
Sept 30 @ 10:55 PM
Wow! How great ! I know these are baby steps forward but this feels more like a GIANT baby step! What good news! We’ll keep praying that this is the miracle that we have all been praying for and that Lea will start moving ahead and catch up those 2 weeks she lost! Would that not be great! If we all pray really hard, maybe she will be well enough to be moved closer to home by Christmas and we can have one heck of a Christmas Celebration. It would be great to see her and let her know in person how much we all love and miss her. You take care and give Lea a hug from us. Love to you all.
FROM: Pam
Sept 30 @ 11:27 PM
Barb and Kathy, I wanted to add my words of thanks to those that Jean sent in regard to your words of comfort/encouragement to Larry and Lea. I know that Lea will cherish your words when she is more able, just as Larry and the rest of us in the family do now. Thank you, so much, for reminding us that God is in control and that He will have the final word.
May 28, 2022 at 2:06 pm
Tucker C
Grreat blog you have