Five lives were lost in a tragic accident involving a Taylor University van, and one young woman, severely injured and comatose, was rushed to the hospital.
Five funerals were held. Families, faculty, students and communities grieved their losses and joined in prayer and hope as the one young woman, Laura Van Ryn, fought for her life in a hospital bed. The national news spread the story and people everywhere shared their grief and hope.
Five weeks passed for the Van Ryns. Keeping a constant bedside vigil over their precious daughter Laura, they sat and prayed and hoped. Confronted with tubes and surgeries, vital signs and healing signs, they rejoiced at each tiny advance toward recovery. Their friends and family, along with a steady stream of students, celebrated with them at each sign of Laura's healing.
And then the shock...
"Okay, Laura, I would like you to write your name for me," the occupational therapist said.
W-H-I-T-N-E-Y
