Tanners progress on Treadmill. 4/24/08

Tanner is still going strong on his physical therapy. He
is progressing daily. He has gone from needing 3 people
helping him on treadmill to only Jan making sure his
feet land in the right place. They have also received a
new machine called the nu-step. Anyone can use it, it
is not made just for disabilities. You use your arms
and legs if you can. They go at the same time. So off
course they have a competition going with everyone.
Even the Physical Therapists. Tanner is in 1st place
with 2200 in 15 min. With his PT's behind him at 1900
and 1600. He is happy with this and said he is in training
to add more and intends on keeping the record.
This video is of Tanner on the 24th of April.

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Tanner and Kelsea

They other day Kelsea asked Tanner to come
talk to her soccer team. Her team is
a new team that is coming together. They
have had a hard time starting out. The first
two games they lost. They were not playing to
their potential, but also not playing as a
team. I was surprised that Tanner would go do
it, but then I thought, 20 sixteen and seventeen
year old beautiful girls. Whatever his reason
he has won over all of them. He went and shared
his trials and struggles. After this all the
girls decided to write Tanners name on their cleats.
Even the coach! Tanner has now come to all their
games. He is one of their biggest fans (also gets
alot of support from them). Whatever it was these
girls have won every game. Not by one point, but have
scored 5 to 7 points. One of the players came over
to Tanner and shared that when she scored the goal
she thought of him. Wow, have we all learned alot!

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Tanner Climbing Rope

Boy is time flying! I have not been great at updating. I
do have a few stories to share, but first I want to show
you Tanners strength. His physical strength.
This is a rope in our back treehouse, this has become the
challange. To climb to top and back.

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A note to Tanner that inspires us all!

I got an email for Tanner that I would like to share with you.
This describes some of Tanners qualities that we can all
learn from. This last weekend all of our extended family and
some friends went to Kaneville to ride motorcycles. I was in
CA with Kelsea and text Tanner. I made him promise me he
would not ride a motorcycle. He said he wouldn't, but he did
figure how to ride the Rhino. I guess I should be more specific!
(like it would of helped)
Please read on:

Tanner,


I just want you to know that I am very grateful for the example you have set for my son, Alex. On the way home from the mx trip, he talked of you almost the entire way back. You have made an impression on him that not many people take the time to recognize or do. I don't know if you realize it or not but Alex has a hard time making immediate friends. His personality hinders him to the point that other people write him off or just flat out ignore him or call him names or "weird". He has a very outspoken outlook on life, he's blunt and speaks his mind always (a good example was apparent in the truck with us and your dad on Sunday morning). He is the most brilliant student and the top of his class. But like most young kids he has a hard time harnessing his energy.

I too noticed that you gave him attention at the camp site and in the truck, took the time to be aware of his presence and talk with him. I don't know if you did that because I was there and I am his Father but you need to know that it meant so much to me and my wife. I watched how Alex indulged himself to your attention. He always spoke of you in any regard and said that you were so cool because you were happy in your way of life. He was envious of you when you made the make shift accelerator handle for the Rhino, he commented after seeing your creation saying "I should of thought of that for Tanner". I tried repeatedly to duplicate the Rhino ride he took with you on the "roller coaster" hill but was unsuccessful. He asked if I could return to the hotel where you could take over the Rhino. My son has faith in you.

Tanner, things have a funny way of happening in our lives. We never know what will happen. I will tell you this, you have touched my son's life at this time of his life and for that I am eternally grateful. You have been one of the answers to the Prayers of myself and his mother. I don't know you very well but if this is how you are, I wouldn't want you to change a thing. My son now wants to know when we are going with the Godfrey's on another motorcycle trip, "soon" is my reply.

Do not disregard what I have said in this email, I have pride and I don't want anyone knowing I'm a softy, I still have to uphold the hard ass personality. I love my family and welcome anything or anyone who blesses their lives. This being said I felt inspired to write you this note and let you know that a small miracle has taken place, thanks to you.

You have a great family. I'm privileged to have the friendship with your Father and Gregg and the entire family. That's what life is really all about.

Just so you know, you now rank in the same category of "cool people" as Travis Pastrana with my son.
Best Regards,
Hank Henriod

Thanks again for those who take the time to share comments
with us. As much as these thing Tanner does touches all of you.
Letters like this give him strength and courage. He know
he is making a difference in many different w`ays.
My love and prayers to all!
Stacie

Tanners Walking on Treadmill

This video is of Tanner walking on a treadmill. He
has been doing this for a week. It takes so much
effort and alot out of him. This is exciting for
all of us. This video is from Emily's phone. Traci
has been filming him for the last 3 times so when
I get that I will update the blog. We are having to
send this to the insurance company because they
have cut off the Physical Therapy treatments. He
was only allowed 20 and has gone through them.
They tell me that in "Medical Terms" Tanner has
progressed as far as he will be able. Wait, that was
that he would not be able to move his legs. We
past that along time ago. So we have to prove that
he is still progressing. And will not stop until he
has reached his goal. That is walking again on his
own. So when I am not updating I am once again
on the phone with Medical and Insurance fighting
a good fight! I will not stop either.

Tanner after airport/ Watching after Kelsea

These pictures on the right are from after seeing Josh
at the Airport. Tanner and I headed out to where the rest
of the family were at the deseret. It was so great to see
Josh and Tanner again for one last time before Josh
gets back. These are two friends(cousins) that have
been tight from the very start. This is what you call
true kindred spirits! So, as you can see Tanner did
ride a four wheeler. He told me it is sand and not
bumpy. Yes, he thinks his mom hasn't been around!
But as you can see it is a family affair!

The pictures of Tanner with the Gun are of him waiting for
Kelsea's prom date. Scott wasn't home so I guess
he had to take the man of the house role. Lance
was a good sport about it. This is what keeps us
going around here. We never know what Tanner will
do next. He is our strength and makes us laugh through
times when it is hard. When I am down I just have
to look at his smile and the hurt in my heart turns
to warmth. Thank you Tanner for helping us through this!!
My love and prayers to all that express your thoughts
and prayers to us.
Stacie