09/17/2026
Update on Larry Smedley from Amy Moore
I witnessed a miracle today!!
I had a sweetest privilege of enjoying Mrs. Jean’s (Larry’s mom) company to and from UVA. We talked about the miracles we’ve seen already with Larry’s accident and his recovery. How we see GOD working in such amazing ways.
Last night Mrs. Jean told me that Larry had squeezed the doctor’s hand with his right hand and that he tried to talk.
When we arrived at the hospital this morning his nurse, Tess said that he repeated the nurses name last night. Mrs. Jean asked what her name was. We were both surprised that it was “Marinna”. I think we were both expecting it to be a very simple name. He was resting after being “awake” for several hours. We spoke to him and he slowly began to open his eyes. He had an eye bo**er that I was trying to clean away. Larry said “ouch!” Mrs. Jean and I looked at each other to see if the other heard it too. I got a tissue to wipe it way and he said “that hurt”. I was about to bust into tears. It was Larry’s voice telling us how he felt. If you have been to see Larry, you can tell he is not comfortable. He tosses and turns trying to find the right spot. Larry started opening his big blue eyes all the way up. I felt like he was looking at me and seeing me. He moved his arm that has a mitt on it rubbing my side. I asked him if he was getting me he said “yup”. I couldn’t believe my ears. As he was tossing and turning we were trying to adjust his pillows. Larry sat up and said just as clear as day “Get me outta here.” He just wants out of this bed. I would ask him what he needed and he would answer us! We asked if he was in pain he told us “no”. He just can’t get comfortable. You can see Larry just wants to get up and get going. He asked for fresh air and we put the fan on his face. We asked if that was better he said “yup”. He asked for water multiple times.
I truly believe if Larry wasn’t missing part of his skull that they took out to allow for his brain to swell without being restricted, today would have been even more incredible. He wouldn’t be in such a protective state. Time will continue to be on our side. His PA even said that today was “incredibly different than just to days ago”. She couldn’t believe how much he has improved!
Another doctor had come in. I had put my hand inside his mitt to hold his hand. He was holding my hand back. The doctor asked if I could have him squeeze my hand. I pulled his fingers out of the mitt and said “Larry the doctor wants to see you squeeze my hand” he spread his fingers really wide and squeezed my hand white!!!
Prayer request:
They want to put Larry’s skull back on, on Friday.
They need to make sure there is absolutely no risk of infection.
Pray for comfort, that Larry can find a comfortable spot to rest in. You all know there is nothing as comfortable as your own bed in your own home.
Pray that GOD continues to show up BIG with Larry’s recovery.
Pray he starts to recognize voices and faces.
Give thanks:
Larry’s looks great!
He is following some commands
He communicated some of his needs and wants
He is moving!
When he spoke his words were clear!
Give the biggest thanks for the miracle GOD is showing us through Larry’s recovery.
I will be at Frank’s Tuesday the 22nd. We have the bake sale and the spaghetti dinner. I am praying that by next Tuesday Larry will be able to get out of that hospital bed. Remember nothing is to big or powerful for our GOD to do.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. I believe GOD is answering them!
