Wow, Its Feb 12th!

Ok, I'm back. It has been awhile since I have updated everyone. Sorry
for the time gone by. I guess you could say we ( I ) was on survival mode.
There was so many times I tried to write, but didn't. Not quite knowing
what to say. I know that sounds unlike me, I usually have too much to say.
I decided today that I wasn't going to loose anymore time. We all have
learned so much and have much more to go. Not ever understanding what
people that go through this really go through. Small obstacles that almost
stop you. Easy things that were once overlooked now become very hard.
But we are back, for know. So if you read this let Tanner know. It still
helps us to hear your encouraging words.
Tanner still can move his toes on his left foot. Even better he has feeling!
Also he can move his ankle, flex his hamstrings, and slightly bend his knee.
Last night he was able to pull his wheelchair forward, a small amount, with
his left leg! As for his right, his 2nd toe over he can wiggle in the slightest
also. He is getting stronger with his upper body. He makes many trips a
day around the block. He has a small hill he calls "the speed hill", that he
said he gets speed down. My mom asked him how fast he gets going and
he said "not fast enough!" He is mastering the wheelies in his wheelchair.
He still wrestles with his sibblings, they don't dare to get in arms reach.
He has quit the grab. Today at physical therapy Tanner was able to peddle
a bike with the power of his left leg. The other day I asked Tanner what
he wants to do when he can walk. He said he wants to ride a mountain bike.
I told him I can't wait until he can walk into the doctors office for his appt.
I would like to ask the doctor to rethink what he tells family members when
he comes out of the operating room. Maybe not to take away HOPE so soon.
Maybe just say "I don't know if he will walk."
One of my best friends dad brought a friend over that had broke his back when
he was in college. He was pole vaulting for the Olympics. It was the trials, and
his pole broke when he was in mid air. Coming down he broke his back in
many places. He told us his story. He is walking and you would have never
guessed what he had gone through. That at one time in his life he was paralysed.
He said he laid in a hospital bed for 9 months before he even moved his big toe.
His story is amazing. It was so good for Tanner and all of us to hear it. We love
the success stories. I am so thankful for people like him that will take the
time to come share with us a time in their life that I am sure is not fun to
remember. The most important thing he told Tanner is "It is not your legs that
will walk for you it will be your mind and your heart that will help you heal.
It will take the heart of a champion." As he looked around Tanners room, he
saw the trophies and pictures. He told Tanner he could tell Tanner had what it
will take. Both of them shared their testamony of the Book of Mormon. While in
the Hospital he listend to it by book on tape 9 times. This his where he found the
faith and hope that he needed to help him through this time. They challanged
Tanner to read the Book of Mormon and highlight each time the words hope
and faith are written. This is where we will find the hope that we need and the
tender mercy from our Father in Heaven.