Comments to Tanner

It is great to have Tanner home. Today we went
to Trents Homecoming. Tanner seems to be in good
spirits. I have to admit I messed up the Blog site and
didn't realize that the comment area was lost somewhere.
Tanner came over to look at the site and let me know that
there were not any comments. So sorry about that. I know
He would like to hear from you, if you have tried to post
and not been able please try again. He does read these and
looks forward them.
We are looking for a great New Year! Wishing you a
Happy New Year also!

Slideshow of Homecoming

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Tanners Home!!!

Tanner arrived around 12:30. He was amazed to see his rooms

progress even from Tuesday. I am trying to share all the pictures

we are taking with everyone so you can see what has been going

on. It has been a whirlwind ever since he has been home. As you

can see from the pictures Tanners has been consumed in the

Therapy of Love! Once the New Year is here we can start on the

other Therapy. He is adjusting well to his new room. He enjoys

the one touch remote that controls pretty much the whole room.

As we meet each new challange I just keep reminding Tanner it

will get easier each time.

Saturday morning Tanner got up and had his dad take him down to

wrestling at Alta. Before the accident Tanner was going to help out

with the team, Ethen his cousing is wrestling, Kelsea is

helping manage, and Gavin is practicing with them. A family affair.

I was glad to see Tanner be able to go down for awhile.

Then tonight a movie in the "Suite", Josh flying to Portland

(on his way to Hawaii) and back. (another story in itself) Josh

and Ethen took Tanner out to a friends. When I say whirlwind

I am not kidding! Enjoy the pictures, for as they say pictures are

worth a thousand words.

Last minute makings of a "Suite". Tanners Homecoming - Friday 28th

Last minute adjustment, to bring Tanner home to his suite. Thanks to all that made it possible to bring him home with as little obstacles as possible. There was no limits on the main floor for Tanner. As you can see in the slideshow there was much to be done to make this possible. I figure we have won half the battle
with the situation so far. Only half way to go!
I wanted to share a story with everyone awhile ago. I actually bought some of
these books to give as gifts with a letter. Christmas has come and gone. Before Christmas I stopped by Deseret Book to get a book on tape for Tanner, at the check out there was a small book by Thomas S. Monson called "In Search of the Christmas Spirit." Since the books didn't make it out nor my letter, I will just share a small part that meant alot. He talks about Dickens' A Christmas Carol , which is a story we all hear at Christmas time. He said, "We can learn a treasured lesson from the pen of Dickens and from the example of Christ. As we lift our eyes heavenward and then remember to look outward into the lives of others, as we remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we, during this
Christmas season, will come to see a bright, particular star that will guide us to or precious opportunity." As I read this book to Tanner,This again reminded me of each and everyone of you that have reached out to us in every way to help us at this time in our lives. Thank you for looking forward. The examples that people have shown with their kindness and caring ways have reminded us of the true spirit of people. I would much rather be on the giving end, but the receiving end has blessed our family in ways that will be forever in our hearts.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas was wonderful having Tanner home. It was hard for him
to go back, but he looks forward to home on Friday!

Thanks to the many visitors that helped Tanner through this time!

Now with the time coming closer to Tanner coming home I want to
share a few things with you all. I want to Thank again the many visitors
that took the time out of this busy season to come and hang out
with Tanner. With every visitor it helped take Tanners mind off
some of the unsure future. (or the thoughts of what ifs) We can not
worry about those right know. We have to take it one day at a time.
And the days were filled with people to talk to, with
words of encouragement.
There are so many stories to share, but one I would like to share tonight is about
some of Utah fastest riders. These are riders that Tanner has the up most respect for. Dave Pearson, which rides for KTM and is one of the top off road racers in the nation. Rob Phillips has the #1 plate for overall. Both of these men and there wives made the trip up from St. George just to see Tanner. They left Sat. morning, spent 2 hours with Tanner and then made the trip back to St. George. Also left him with a signed Jersey! (which will be framed to go in his room) .
The next is a visit from Bert Bradford and his wife, Shaun Strong, and Mike Williams. All very fast racers also. There trip was from Utah County also on Saturday. Bert Bradford is one of the only Utahns to Qualify for the 6 day Enduro Race. This is a National race. I hope I am getting the info right, if not please forgive me. The bottom line is these are people that Tanner so respects and to have them take the time to let him know they care are believe in him is beyond words. I hope that Bert doesn't mind me sharing this letter to Tanner. As Tanner opened this letter he pulled out the Gold medal that Bert had won. He had given it to Tanner.

12-21-07

TANNER,

I WON THIS MEDAL AT THE 2 DAY ISDE QUALIFIER IN OHIO, THE REASON IT IS SPECIAL TO ME AND THE REASON I AM GIVING IT TO YOU IS, AT THIS RACE I BEAT ROB PHILLIPS - NO EXCUSES, HEADS UP FOR THE FIRST AND (SO FAR) THE ONLY TIME. TO ME IT REPRESENTS A FEAT THAT I HAD ALWAYS THOUGHT IMPOSSIBLE, BUT THROUGH HARD WORK, PERSEVERANCE, AND NEVER EVER GIVING UP IT FINALLY HAPPENED. I HOPE IT INSPIRES YOU TO DO THE SAME.

YOU HAVE A MUCH BIGGER CHALLENGE AHEAD OF YOU THAN WINNING AN OFF-ROAD RACE: YOU HAVE TO WIN A LIFE RACE! i BELIEVE THAT EVERY PERSON IN THIS LIFE IS GIVEN CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES TO OVER COME TO HELP THEM GROW AND MAKE THEM STRONGER, AND TO STRENGTHEN THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM, AND HELP OTHER PEOPLE GROW THROUGH THEIR EXAMPLES. I BELIEVE THAT THE EXTENT OF THESE CHALLENGES IS IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO THE CHARACTER, STRENGTH AND WILL OF THE PERSON BEING TESTED. IN OTHER WORDS TEST AND CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE ARE DESIGNED TO BE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, BUT NEVER IMPOSSIBLE. I KNOW THAT OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN DOESN'T PLACE OBSTACLES BEFORE US THAT WE CAN'T OVERCOME, LEARN AND GROW FROM. THESE "LIFE RACES" AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE EASY; IF IT WERE EASY IT WOULDN'T BE CALLED A "RACE" WHICH IS ANOTHER WORD FOR TEST, OR CHALLENGE.

YOU MUST BE A PERSON WITH INCREDIBLY STRONG CHARACTER, DETERMINATION AND WILL POWER, AND I KNOW YOU CAN WIN THIS RACE!

BEST HOPES AND WISHES,

BERT BRADFORD

*This will go in a frame also!


As you see the power in this letter and visitors this is an example of the caliber of people that have made an effort to help my son. I know this is only the beginning of our race, but being a team race how could Tanner ever not win!
Much love to all,
Stacie
P.S. The Doctor did put out limit to 1000 visitors. Thanks!

All In A Days Work!!!

Godfrey's,Here is to the trucks, the men, and women I see outside my window from morning until night working their hearts out finishing the room for Tanner. While the rest of are busy with our own Christmas, these are the real heroes of the true Christmas spirit. They are amazing!!!!P.S. Okay, Okay I'll stop blogging!Love, Brenda

First thing is Brenda, you can never stop blogging! She has been one of Tanners regulars which
he looks forward to reading. If you don't know Brenda, she is our neighbor across the street.
(That is how she is making sure we have enough help to get this done for Tanner) But most important she has been one of all my kids biggest fans! We all love her, and the kids have adopted her as one of their Grandmas!
What she say's is true about the workers from early, early to late at night they have taken over the task to build a beautiful room for Tanner to come home too. Which I will add all the pictures of today's work. So many have allowed us to be at the hospital with Tanner, as they have made the decisions that haven't seemed to be important at the time. Like color of paint or where the bathroom should go, etc. etc. etc. All very important but unable to make by Scott or Me. It has come together
again by people pulling long hours behind the scene. This is truly the spirit of Christmas I have found this year. I have not had to go shopping once! Thanks to friends that have done my shopping! As I was coming home the other day from the hospital I went to Gateway to get Tanner a jacket. It took me 30 mins. to get out of the mess. Not even getting out of my car. I decided that this is not what Christmas it is supposed to be. (It diffentely does not give you that feel good feeling when people help each other!)
Tanner will be coming home tomorrow. He will spend the night and go back until Friday. It will be a good trial run for us. He is doing well with his progress, slow but well. We are so excited for
such little things. He is able to flex his abs and use his core muscles more. He was able to balance himself on all fours, see what I mean by little things. We are happy for each little muscle as it learns to fire off again. He was able to flex each of his butt checks, also his hip flexors have fired off. They are all very small motions and weak, but are moving! I will update more tomorrow. I couldn't let another day go by especially this one! Thanks again to all! As you can see that your love and prayers are helping! Someone asked me today how I could stay strong? I told them I can't think to far ahead. We live each day by day and look forward to a better tomorrow!
Which since it is tomorrow! Tanner has had some exciting visitors, I will share this with you after some rest! We love you all!

Tanners Therapy Of Love!!!! - Friday Morning

You can never have enough of this.(love therapy) I put these pictures to show the
real physical therapy that has helped us all. I have missed some pictures
when people have come to visit, but you all know who you are and we have
been overwhelmed the true spirit of Christmas. It is the many gifts of love
that has been dedicated to our family through many acts of kindness that we will
never be able to truely express our gratitude. There no words I can even start to
think of I hope you can feel the love and gratitude in our hearts. You have helped us to rise to this challange with all of you holding us up. We Thank each and everyone, and love you all!

Today we will be bringing Tanner home for a Christmas party at his Grandma's
he will be back to the hospital around 9:00. This next week will be an exciting
and exhausting week. We will have him home on Christmas Eve, hopefully early, and
return on Christmas night. (Late) Then will we have him home for good on Friday the
28th.

Tanners Physical Therapy-Tues

Tanner has kicked into Physical Therapy. He is getting stronger everyday.
When they stand him up it helps him put pressure on his bones which keeps them strong. Also helps with the muscles. As Dave was talking to Tanner he was helping him vision his muscles working and messages getting through. What a powerful tool.
We all need to help him BELIEVE he can do this. Brenda Morris has put this message all over his room. Thank you Brenda for your daily messages and inspirational thoughts for him. Thank you everyone for the comments, I want you to know we read these everyday. I have made Tanner a book in case he (or any of us) have a day we can look through it.

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Monday the 17th - Weekend News

We ran across a quote from Michael J Fox and loved it! It says, " When I look to the future, I always look to the best version of it. If I meditate on the worst-case scenario, by the time it materializes, I'll have experienced it twice. I find there is no point in that!" Think positive and see your future as the best. The possibilities are endless. We love you.The Barney Family



This is what we needed to hear. Last week was a rough one. I find my darkest hours and Tanners are when we are worrying about what the future is going to bring. I told Tanner we just can't go there, because when we do we forget to bring all our family, friends and amazing people around us. So we are only going to look at the best we can do now! ( well, we are going to try, I am sure we might forget for a minute so if you catch us please wake us up!)

Tanner is still progressing at a fast pass. We have a new definition for fast, but that too can change. He is exploring the many halls of the hospital. When I got there on Saturday morning

I see this wheelchair come flying around the corner with a great big smile. It was my Tanner!

He didn't spend much time in his room. We took many strolls, and he also did some weight lifting in the afternoon. On Friday, his physical therapy was to transfer into my car. They said we could maybe take him on Monday. We could not wait until then, so we got permission for Sunday.

This was the best therapy yet! For all of us. Tanner was a little apprehensive as we drove away towards our house. He kept saying how weird it felt, almost claustrophobic. We just kept coming this way and let him know we could turn around anytime. As we got closer I could see his anxiety leave and his spirits lift. Blake and Andee met us over to help bring him in. I figured with them, me and Scott we could do this, funny me, Scott has a broken back! What was I thinking. Anyway, I called Brenda and before we new it we had 6 helpers. Even though it didn't take all of them the support was what he needed. It is amazing the energy that comes with everyone. It really makes a difference with Tanner. When I talk about the therapy of LOVE there is no doubt it comes in quantity! That is why I was so adiment about them limiting visitors, there should not be a limit to that. Just a little side note, the plaque that was outside of each door that stated: "Visiting hours are from 4 to 8 and only 2 visitors per patient" is now removed. Not only from Tanners, but the whole floor. I stand firm when I say something good comes from everything (even almost being arrested I can say was worth it).

We are going to work hard to get Tanner home for Christmas. The room is moving at Extreme Homemakeover speed. I want to THANK everyone for there efforts on helping this move fast.

This week we are still praying for Tanners trunk and bowels. This is the most important area we can concentrate on. He is having feeling to his belly button and able to fire off his abs, now with a little more feeling. I want you all to know how much we appreciate your love, concern, help and support. They say it takes a village and we have the best village possible. Our love and prayers go to all of you.

Much Love,

Stacie

Tanners remodel slideshow

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Words of Encouragement

I am finding out we can never have enough positive thoughts and
energy brought to our family. As we are all on a big roller coaster that
goes straight up, straight down, and not to put together. (If that makes
much sense.) Your blogs have been encouraging to Tanner at this time.
We knew the reality would hit as some point, and we would have to be there
for each other to pick one up as the other falls. The emotions definitely come
from one extreme to the next, and not with much warning. It also didn't help
with a bit of misunderstanding from a few nurses that didn't understand our
plan of therapy, which was to keep Tanner lifted by friends and family. The
amount of support has overwhelmed the staff and almost put me in jail (for the second time). Wow!
That was an interesting time. But we are over that, and have moved on to better more productive ways to help my son recover to his full potential!
Tanner wanted to share with everyone before he goes to sleep, "That he would not
have made it this far without all the prayers!" Tomorrow I will ask him to express
a little more before they give him his sleeping medicine.
I want to leave you with a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley, It is called

PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD
It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is.
It all works out. Don't worry.
I say that to myself every morning.
It will all work out.
Put your trust in God,
and move forward with faith
and confidence in the future.
The Lord will not forsake us.
He will not forsake us.
If we will put out trust in Him,
if we will pray to Him,
if we will live worthy of His blessings,
He will hear our prayers.

This was sent to Tanner from a good friend that will be returning from his
mission on Dec. 22. He shared this with him. He would keep it by his bed to
read every morning. Thanks, Trent!
Once again we thank you for your support and love. I think I have met my challenge, which probably all of our family has. This will probably one of the hardest things I will
go through. My love to you all!

Monday - December 10th

Today Tanner did great in Physical Therapy. One of his therapist said he thinks
he will be home by Christmas, because of his great progress. Also to clear up
any questions about the Security. Nobody got escorted out. They just wanted
to use there badge. I am sure the nurses got a talking too, the team members
apologized to me and said that we would not have that problem again. I feel that this
is one of the most important therapies for him. LOVE!
Today we had a good friend come and do acupuncture on Tanners back. It was
way cool to see him do this. He explained the energy that runs along the sides of his
spine. He felt very good about his energy.
Until tomorrow, our love and prayers.

Pictures

The pictures are not in order, but I will figure it out and get them organized.
I still have more and will add some tomorrow. I wanted you to see what great
progress Tanner is doing and the great smile that keeps us going!!

(Started) Friday December 7th - Sunday 9th

Well it has been a busy week. I have been wanting to update and add picturesfor the last few

days, but haven't seemed to have a spare moment. Also Tanner is now competing with me for the computer. He has enjoyed all the comments, words of encouragement and hope. For all of us that know Tanner so well we know he is a fighter and will not give up until he has made his recovery. He has a good friend that was in an accident last summer, he broke several bones from his Knees down and was not given much hope from the doctors. But he is walking! His advice to Tanner was, you will recover as far as you want to recover. He is one that I love to see walking down the hall to visit Tanner.

We had a family meeting with team that is working with Tanner. They were all very

optimistic about Tanner and amazed by his determination and strength. Tanner joined us

in his wheelchair. One of the team members told me that this meeting usually takes place around the bed of the patient. They are shooting for Tanners release date to be on December 31st. Tanner has a little different goal, it is not a for sure date and it can change depending on

his progress. We would love to have him home for Christmas, but also want whatever is best

for Tanner to keep progressing forward. He loves going outside and feeling the fresh air.

We have had some exciting things happen that encourage us and keep us believing in miracles.
A friend of the family was visiting Tanner, he asked him to move his big toe. Tanner looked down and concentrated enough to have his toe move up and down. Also yesterday at physical therapy he felt his stomach muscles fire off. Tonight Gregg was testing his strength in his stomach and had tears feel his eyes as Tanner could push up his hand.
Last week our prayers were concentrated on his intestines gaining back his function. Things are moving again. This week our prayers are going to be focused on his trunk regaining the strength to help him transfer to his wheelchair.

Friday was our ward Christmas party which they had a box to write to Tanner. As I am sitting here with him he is reading them and sharing the letters with me. The letters are so inspiring and uplifting. These are the words from Tanner. Also a decorated tree with notes also. I want to
thank all of you for your concern, love and support. We could never make it through such a trial without the amazing people that are in our lives.

Scott his doing fine. We are moving forward on our garage that will be Tanner's new master suite. Scott has forgotten he has three compressed disc's. Except he does where a brace. I am afraid I am going to have to tie him down. Or maybe duct tape, that seems to be a favorite of the family.

Also tonight was a trial with some of the nurses. They seem to not realize the benefit it is to have so many great supporters. They called security because they said we are not obeying the 2 per room rule. Not a good night with them! I am not sure why they have a problem with 10 or more in the room. It is big enough to accommodate us,(maybe not in there book or policy) Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

We are grateful for the love that is shown to our family, we will get through this together!
Love you all,
Stacie

Just Believe

This is a picture of Tanners wall that he looks at everyday, first thing he sees in the morning and and last thing before he goes to bed. It is signed by everyone that comes to visit, just another reminder of the many people that are pulling for his recovery. Given to Tanner by one our many family angels. Thanks Brenda, We love you and your family!!!

December 5, 2007

Tanner has started physical therapy three hours a day. He doing very well and he also says "hi" to everyone. He got to go outside for the first time on tuesday and took two laps around the courtyard in his wheelchair. Today Josh and Tanner found a hill that brought a smile to Tanner's face cause he got to go fast. They played eachother in chess for an hour and a half and it was a draw. Josh gave Tanner a physical therapy session that had a very happy ending:) Thanks again for all your prayers, they are working so keep it up. We starting remodeling the garage which we are turning into Tanner's master suite. We are trying to make the extreme makeover record. For an update on the surgery, he has two, eight inch rods from T2 to T10 and had 37 stitches. Tanner is in high spirits and we appreciate your love and support. We will update again when we get some more news:)

Monday - Progress for Today

Pray for Tanner's Tummy - Sunday

Things are moving way to slow for Tanner, by way of his tummy.
We need some big prayers to get things moving. He still is having a
hard time feeling anything below his ribs. Which means his normal movements
are not moving very well, so big prayers for things to get going in
there. As soon as this works his physical therapy can move fast forward.
Tanners goal is to be home by Christmas. I can't think of a better
Christmas present. (Which I hope Christmas comes earlier!)

Saturday, December 1st Update

Tanner has moved to rehab. This is great news because it means he is medically stable. After talking to the surgeon we found good news in that there were no bone spurs into the spine which means that he has had no spinal fluid leaking and it was more of a blunt trauma. Tanner has a 18" incision on his back from the surgery and today they removed 37 stitches. He has now started intense physical therapy during the day so visiting hours will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Today, Tanner exceeded the goal of the Physical Therapist of sitting in a wheelchair for 20 minutes, by staying in it for 55 minutes - WAY TO GO TANNER! He took a tour of the physical therapy area where he saw the parallel bars they use to help patients walk. He told his Grandma, "That's where I will be walking!" Tanner is a fighter and he will not settle for less! He has kept his spirits high. Thanks again for all the prayers, visits, and love - it is what keeps us going!