On May 31, 1980, Laura Klehr Barnett, age 23, was planting flowers when she was suddenly seized by debilitating dizziness and later by convulsions. At the hospital, she slipped into a coma, the result of a severe brain stem stroke. Crying and blinking were her only activities for five weeks.
One day she started laughing at something her husband did; from this, her improvement began. Over the next three months, she relearned to walk and eat again but could not speak. After four months in the hospital, Laura returned home.
Recovering her speech was the challenge she faced at home. With a special retainer and effort, she was able to make herself understood. Many possibilities opened up to her, and she went about pursuing endeavors to fill a void in her life.
Yet, despite her busyness, inside she felt empty. Driving past a small neighborhood church, she decided that attending would be good for her foster children. Ultimately, that decision was good for her God filled the vacuum in her life
