Not just another dayBy Mark McGuire — 7 hours agoWhat a day we have had. After reading the different stages of brain injuries Tanner is definitely in stage 5-6. Today was a day of laughs, praises and sorry dad. Today Tanner was skyped into our church, South Cleveland Church of God. At first I was concerned how Tanner would do but this is Tanner we are talking about. When Lee first contacted me for the technical part I was wanting Tanner to go first because you never know how things will go. After the staff here at Shepherds kept stalling for the room change I had ran out of time. Then I thought about what was going on. Tanner has been in an ICU for the past 40 days. Sound familiar? 40 days and 40 nights wandering in the wilderness! Then when I realized that we could be in a room that is not in ICU would be better than great. Oh Yea we moved to room 240 and its not just another room. I will get to that in a minute. But we got the computer set up, connections made and it worked out perfect. Tanner was put on the screen at church and while everyone was looking at the screen we were looking at the audience. Church you really lifted Tanners spirits. Tanner gave praise to God, clapped his hands, waved and even though he did not have the correct valve in, he pushed hard and said hello. You are not suppose to be able to push that much air through the filter so your vocal chords move, but Tanner did. It was great to be able to see our church stand to their feet and praise the Lord for what God has done. After we ended the connection and Tanner and I talked he said it is sad that Pastor is leaving and I wish I could be there. I looked at Tanner and explained how many days and even nights that Pastor Moody and Pastor Josh along with our complete pastoral staff has been there and with him just giving a wave was probably the best gift he could give him. Ok the room. Everyone has told us that we have the corner suite and it is the premium room on the floor, God thing. The way the buildings are positioned you can see Tanners room from ours, though there is a distance between the two you can see the two windows. As the day progressed we ate lunch in an actual lunch room and with all that had transpired, Tanner became tired and took a nap for about 2 hours. Each step forward is a success in this journey. What may seem small to you is a giant leap for a patient with a brain injury. It was great having Tanner in a different position other than on his back, staring at the ceiling and trying to move his eyes to see things. Now he can sit up, hold his head up by himself for awhile, muscles still getting stronger, and was scooting himself around in the bed. He has also been weened from the vent. Tanner has been off the vent now for over 24 hours. Wow we just got here on Thursday evening. I think a lot of his progress is due to God but also the work that the RT did with him at Erlanger. Later on during the day Tanner began to loose track of time. What he does is takes a nap and thinks it is another day. For instance, tomorrow is Monday but to Tanner he is already on Wednesday. Then there were the laughs. Some of the stuff that Tanner is coming up with is absolutely hilarious. Laughter has been good for the three of us and we had a great time. This was a blessing in its own self and like I said we really enjoyed our time with Tanner. Tanner also asked why he was in the hospital and I started showing him the photos I have take from day one. It hit hard but as I went through everything he began to realize what had happened and how serious his condition was. This was a painful process but Tanner wanted to know and I made sure it was ok with the medical staff before proceeding. He wanted to know if the person who did this had called to check up on him and I replied with the truth, no. He looked at me with a sad look and then I showed him all of the pictures of all the friends that have been there since day one. I started showing him the post on this site and all of the guest book cards, then I started showing him all of the cards and prayer cloths that people have sent. Tanner looked at me and said I am loved and with a tear in my eyes I said you sure are son, you sure are.Last night I had asked you to help me pray for Tanner's stomach due to the pain he was having. Today he did not mention his stomach other than asking for his binder to be taken off. Praise the Lord for helping his stomach and helping him progress this far. Tomorrow starts the PT and I am sure that it will be fun and he will get tired easy. They have a pretty regimented schedule and visiting hours through the week day are 4pm - 9pm and on the weekends 9am-9pm. Please be aware that if you are coming down to visit please give us a heads up because we are still limiting the amount of visitors Tanner can see at least for the next week for sure. When Tanner gets tired he becomes irritable. There has also been several people asking if they could skype or facetime Tanner please understand that he is not 100% yet and he is still gaining his strength. In time we will address all of these request but right now please understand why we are being like this.Last but not least. I have been made aware of more miracles and changes made in people that have either followed this story from the beginning or you were referred to Tanners journey. I have heard how people have rededicated their lives to God, people saying miracles don't happen and read this journey and have to admit they still happen. And one of the most touching ones are the stories I hear of how children are praying for Tanner. How touching can it get and I thank you for all of the prayers. Praises are due to an Almighty God who has given Patrice and I comfort, wisdom and peach in dealing with this, but most of all making a miracle happen to our oldest, Tanner. To God be the Glory. I hope that you will pray with your children because as I have said before, you never know what the next 15 seconds has in store for you More of Him...less of me.http://twitter.com/camiracle77http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=691241499&ref=name
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