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Tanners Update on Walking

This is a video fromTanner on July 16th.This is
some of his first really walking at a faster pace.
He would work so hard at PT and then come
home and go to Treehouse for more workout.
He was getting to the point of being able to
walk for 30 minutes. He is also working so
hard on building his muscles and his core. What
he is trying to do is get his lower and upper core
to work together. It is really hard to get his lower
core without his quads working. He uses alot of
different machines.
I will get to putting more pictures and video on
as soon as I can. I had shoulder surgery in May.
It has taken me a while to get back to the things
I need to do. Well I don't know if I will ever get
there but am trying. My house is torn apart, and
has been dumped upside down since December.
I feel like I am in a boat that keeps sprouting new
holes. I stick my finger in and another one blows.
Thats life for all. We just have so much to learn.
Something like enjoying the journey. What a journey!!!

Tanner has made incredible progress. He has had
people fly in from Florida, one of the best in spinal
injuries. They have been e-mailing her and asking
what they can do to move him in the next step. So
she was so intrigued that she wanted to come out
and see him.
Also the U of U student that is getting her Masters
in PT has changed Tanner to be her study. Which is
great because he will have a free PT session with her
and I am sure other great things will come from this.

Blessings come from all, Thanks for all your prayers.
They are working. Keep Believing!!!
Love,
Stacie

Tanner gets his Wheels!

Grandpa Dick hooked Tanner up with the "Sexy Mexy". He is now able to
drive himself to and from PT. Also many other places. It is so great for
him to be able to get out. We are so blessed to be surrounded by amazing
friends and family. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.

Tanners ride on the Rhino

Tanner has had fun with his freedom on the Rhino. And of
course not much has changed, he finds the only mud puddle
in the neighborhood.

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Tanners supports girls to state win.

These girls did just as much for Tanner as he did for
them. When people find a common goal they can accomplish
anything.

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Tanners days

Here is a few pictures of Tanners activities.
He said he would ride a bike with Britton before
he left on his mission. It was another goal he had
set for himself and accomplished. (with the help
of his friends). Next his Tanner at Caneville with the
family. Kelsea and I were at a soccer tournament so we
were unable to go with them. I made Tanner promise he
wouldn't ride a motorcycle. But I didn't mention the
rhino. Tanner and Grandpa Dick made a driving stick for
him to use for gas and brake. The last pictures are
of Tanner fishing with friends. They pulled out some
kayaks and Tanner went kayaking. As you can see Tanner
is doing many fun things. I can't say enough about his
friends and family. He is truly blessed to have the people
he has around him. It is true when they say it takes a village.
We have an amazing village that is here with us every step
of the way in our journey! Your prayers are being heard!!
Lots of love to all, and much Thanks to all.

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Building of Garage

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Tanners PT on treadmill

This is Tanner walking on the treadmill on April 21st. He has been improving from the first time. In this video he is only having Jan help him with the placement of his feet. At the first he had 3 people working very hard to get both legs bending and working the way they need to. It is like he is having to learn to walk again from the waist down. It is very humbling to see how hard this task is. I hope we never take anything we do for granted. This is a big lesson for me.

This is Jan Black Tanners Physical Therapist. There are other great ones also, but Jan has been awesome with Tanner. She motivates him and understands Tanners determination. He Knows what he wants and is going to accompoish it. But the best is that she can put up with Tanners teasing. His thing know is when new patients come in and ask what happened to him. He explained how he was minding his own business crossing the street in a crosswalk and Jan swerved and hit him. We all love him for that sense of humor. He keeps smiles on all our faces. He keeps my heart light! But what an amazing young man behind his smile.

Tanner gets visit from Life Flight Survivor.

For those of you that keep up with the blog I appologise
for being so behind on the info. I am not sure I should
keep going or how many still keep up with us. There
is alot of stories I need to share and I decided I will
do it one a day until I catch up.

This was on a Wednesday in April when we got a
phone call for Tanner. This is one of is day off from PT
it was around 10.00 in the morning. He hung up
saying that someone was coming over to see him
that was at Preston school and Preston had told
him the story of Tanner's accident.
We he got here he introduced himself to us. He was the
flight nurse in the Life Flight Helicopter that crashed 5
years ago. He was the only survivor and had broken his
back. He was walking! He also shared with us how 2 doctors
had told him he would never walk again. His story is amazing
and I am so glad he took the time to come to visit Tanner.
It is people like this that take the time to share that make
a difference. The trials he has overcome are encouraging to
us all to keep going whatever obstacles we hit!


P.S. I did had some new music to the list, Tanner told me I had
girly music.

Tanners gift from the Team!

When you give, it comes back in 10 fold!(or 20)

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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

TANNER DID IT!

Well I know why this has taken me awhile to put
this on. I started crying as I was downloading
pictures and haven't stopped. As I was doing
this I was listening to Carrie Underwood's
song "So Small". If you haven't listen to it, it
is on our song list. It was one of the first song
I added as Tanner was in the hospital. We
can conquer anything as long as we have
love and each other!

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Tanner's 19th Birthday!

Tanner was 19 on the 18th of March. Here's some
pictures of his cake and ice cream with the family.
I can't believe how fast the time goes. Tanner is
definitely busy between all the therapy he is doing.
Which in turn keeps his mom busy. His Grandma
Carolyn picks him up for physical therapy and the
acupuncture. Sometime she waits for Dr. Blake Butler
for over one hour. Depending how they time it, because
it is on a walk in basis. Now this is huge for her to wait
She is a full on type A and has to be doing something with
her time all the time. (she does read a book.) Then I pick
up Tanner after Physical Therapy. Which is usually 2 to 3
hours of rebuilding his core muscles and reminding his
legs what the need to do. This is at Neroworx. It is a
great place and Tanner has enjoyed the therapists that
he works with. This is a non-profit place so they take what
the insurance pays, and raises money for the rest. Our
insurance will pay for 3 times a week for 45 mins a time.
I can promise you Tanner has benefited from the long hours
they have spent with him. I am very grateful for this facility.
I know this is a little long. I try to just give enough information
to keep everyone up to date. I feel that I leave a lot out, but
give the just of it. I wish I had more time so I don't leave so
much in between. Things are getting better everyday! So
maybe I can get on a regular schedule. That is something I
have never done. but there is always hope!'
Much love to all that keep up with Tanner. We appreciate
your thoughts and prayers. They are being heard and Tanner
is benefiting from them!! Please pass this to all the children. I
am so touched by the children that always tell me they are
praying for Tanner.
Stacie

Tanners Start

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3/15/2008 Determination!

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