Blink Twice For Yes
How a Life Was Transformed by Faith in Jesus Christ
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Chapter 1
My Life Changer
A voice broke the silence. “Laura, it’s time to wake up.”
Okay, Mom. Is that you?
“Laura, wake up.”
No, you’re not Mom. I know you’re talking to me because you’re calling my name. But who are you? I couldn’t open my eyes.
“Laura Barnett, wake up.”
Now, who are you talking to?
“Come on, Laura Barnett. Wake up.”
Oh, you must be talking to me. That’s right; I’m married now. I used to be Laura Klehr. Now I’m Laura Barnett.
She bent over me cheerfully saying slowly, “Laura, it’s June 15, 1980.”
Drifting in and out, I suddenly heard the date. WHAT? Are you nuts? Come on. The last day I remember was May 31. I formed words to say, No, it can’t be June 15.
I finally was able to open my eyes, but everything was a blur. The figure scurried about as if not one word had come out of me.
Agitated, I restated, No, it can’t be June 15!
Once again she didn’t even acknowledge me but went right on moving about the room.
I can’t believe this! What’s wrong with you? Are you deaf? I tried again, trying to scream, NO! IT CANNOT BE JUNE 15!
There was no response. The woman-shaped form said, “You’re in Northwest Community Hospital.”
A HOSPITAL? What for? Hey, lady! What am I in here for?
Ignoring my response, she said it again. This time she said it so slowly that she was irritating me, “You—are—in—Northwest—Community—Hospital.”
You must think I’m a real dummy. I heard you the first time. Oh brother! You won’t tell me what’s going on. What are you? A nurse? Most nurses have the decency to answer when spoken to.
The next day came, and a different female figure said, “It’s June 16, and you’re in Northwest Community Hospital.”
I don’t understand how it can be the middle of June already. But, because of their insistent repetition of the dates, it slowly sank in that they had to be right. These people must really be nurses, but I don’t know why I’m in the hospital. I wish someone would tell me!
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
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!
About the Author
Laura Klehr Barnett was a sports-minded teen who also had musical ability. In college, she received a BS in medical technology. When, at age 23 and after being married for one year, a severe stroke derailed her plans, and she had to rebuild her life. Getting help from a writing coach, she began putting it on paper. She has written her account with simple openness and has flavored it with the humor she sees in life.
After 25 years, she realized she had more to tell and added text, which includes issues of marital dynamics, insights about life, and spiritual discoveries. The thoughtful reader will grow along with Laura as the reader turns the pages of Blink Twice for Yes.