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Nov
19

Stand by Me

November 19, 2011
Hi everyone!

This week Bryan has continued to show his incredible strength in therapy. Although it’s VERY hard and painful for him at times, when asked if he wants a break he often time says no. He has shown confusion, answering questions wrong or just not knowing the answers. But, in typical Bryan fashion there are goods with the not-so-goods. Along with his dedication in therapy he continues to prove that most of the time, he remembers the important things in his life; his children, his family, his friends, his favorite football and baseball teams. He asks if the Sharks won, and if the football game gets turned off while he’s sleeping, he wakes up. As we plan for Thanksgiving, we are well aware we have SO much to be thankful for.

Today we said goodbye to Dave’s brother John, who passed away November 3rd. He fought hard the past year after receiving a double lung transplant in October/2010. Bryan was very close to John, and John took it really hard when he found out what happened to Bryan. Bryan has not yet been told about his Uncle John or his friend Matt passing away and we hope to know when the time is right to tell him. It’s just not now. One thing we know for certain, is Bryan gained another guardian angel.
Our family has been there for us during the hardest times in our lives, and we are standing by them during theirs. Just like we all are standing by Bryan.


Posted in: Update on Bryan's Condition

Comments

# rita mulholland
Saturday, November 19, 2011 11:31 PM
Bryan we still continue to think of you daily and pray for a speedy recovery. Love reading that you are coming along and doing the best you can. We hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday. We all have so much to be thankful for and your spirit to fight for your life is amazing. Love to my friend I have never met, and pray for your family all the best for this holiday season. <3 a Philly fan from Jersey
# laura ❤❤
Sunday, November 20, 2011 2:28 AM
Today must have been very hard for the family. I hope you know as I go to bed soon I will be praying for the whole family. I often wonder if Bryan knew about his friend and uncle and I would think he is much to delegate to be told about this right now. Only you will know when it is right. My prayer will be with you when you feel it is right.
I am sorry that Dave is having to deal with so much. I will ask God to give Dave that extra love he needs in his life right now.
I am happy that Bryan is pushing through and I hopes he does not feel like he has to do it all at once. We will be here for him forever. We care about him and the family don't over do it take your time and know you are so love and we have your back. Go team Bryan GO!

As always thank you for taking the time to update us. I know you have so much going on in your life and I feel very special that you keep us in the loop.
sending lots of ❤❤❤❤
# Patti Thatcher
Sunday, November 20, 2011 3:47 AM
Bryan you continue to amaze & inspire me! Your determination is astounding! Know that you are thought about & prayed for everyday! Hope tomorrow you are able to observe the day of rest & watch some football!! keep up the forward progess & remember we believe on you! To the entire Stow family, hope youcan feel the extra big hugz I send you today!!! XOXO
# PFC Greene, Colton
Sunday, November 20, 2011 11:25 AM
Been a solider in the army I see a lot of people like u working hard every day to get better and never quit. I wish I could know u in person but just haveing the honor of knowing ur uncle "the beast" in boulder I get to here from him about u and how you are doing and progressing every day and I salute you Brian Stow you inspire me to be the best solider I can be and to never quit. I thank you and keep working had you cam do it. hooah, pfc greene
# Paulio
Sunday, November 20, 2011 2:25 PM
Hey Stows. What a year for your family, no? This will no doubt be the most profound Thanksgiving in recent memory. I'm glad you have such a strong family because that's really what it's all about. Thanks, as always, for updating us on Bryan's condition. I usually think about him once or twice a day and imagine him working hard in therapy. But I'm sure I can never truly understand just how hard he's working and how much pain he endures. Bryan, you're a tremendous inspiration, dude. Keep going!
# Mona
Sunday, November 20, 2011 5:03 PM
Standing by Bryan and the rest of Stow Family always. Extra peace and love from LA.
# Renee
Sunday, November 20, 2011 5:50 PM
So sorry for your loss Stow family. Have a happy Thanksgiving! We will say a special prayer for you and Bryan. Keep fighting!
# Maureen
Sunday, November 20, 2011 8:35 PM
Dearest Bryan and Family,

You all are an amazing man Bryan and you have a beautiful family. What a wonderful family you all are, loving and supporting your Bryan!

Bryan I want you to know that you and your loving family are in my prayers...keep up with your remarkable recovery, You will grow stronger with each new day...You have such an amazing spirit! I am so proud of YOU!!!

I think of you often and it makes my heart so happy that you are getting better, I know the road is long and it's a tuff climb...I also know YOU can do it!

Know you are loved by many and most importantly: God is with you and He loves you so very much and will see you though this!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
God Bless you All

With the warmest regards,
~Maureen
# Pam
Sunday, November 20, 2011 11:13 PM
Thinking of all of you and continuing to be so inspired by all of your love, humor, and hard work. Thank you for posting these updates, and best wishes for Bryan's continued improvement. I hope the Stow family has a truly joyous Thanksgiving. Warm regards to all of you.
# Brenda K.
Monday, November 21, 2011 12:30 AM
Uncle John is in good hands now. I'm sorry for your family's loss. You people have been through too much heartache. I hope God makes it a little easier on you all in the future.

I, too, have been trying to think of things to be thankful for especially after my husband's TBI setback this past week. I've been feeling defeated and angry about it, but we will get through it. This is why I decided to do the same things as you are doing and try to remember to be thankful. It's not easy! May God watch over you and comfort you in all your trials.
# Melissa, Los Angeles
Monday, November 21, 2011 1:34 AM
I have thought about and prayed for Bryan and your entire family since Bryan's attack. I'm so sorry for your family's loss of Bryan's Uncle John.

I DVR'd and watched the Gabrielle Giffords 20/20 this morning. Watching her struggle to "thumb's up", pucker her lips, and find her words, reminded me of Bryan and his recovery as well as their decision not to tell her of the 6 deaths that occurred that day. The other thing that made me think of Bryan is her incredible will to take a step forward in her recovery, every chance she gets. If Bryan understands well, maybe it could help him to see someone with his same challenges defying all odds in her recovery? When I watched the show and learned about her condition and challenges, I couldn't help but relate everything to Bryan.

Continued love and prayers.
Love and Light to you all.
# Kathleen
Monday, November 21, 2011 1:07 PM
Hi Bryan,

Well, you continue to inspire me and show how such a great person will not let a tragic event keep him down. Your dedication to therapy, your unwilling to take a break is proof positive that you will not let anything get in your way of a full recovery. I continue to believe in you, in your full recovery and a great life.

I would like to also include my deepest sympathies and condolenses to all of the Stow family for their loss. I hope that with time, your loss is comforted with great memories and love that you shared. I competely understand and agree with you to not tell Bryan of his Uncle John's passing at the moment nor of his friend Matt's passing. It is very difficult however you will know when the time is right and when Bryan is able to "handle" this type of news.

For now, please know that my family & I continue to pray for Bryan, his recovery and all of the Stow family. We will be saying our thanksgiving prayers and Bryan & family will be included. As we are so thankful that Bryan is still with us, still able to battle through this and continue on his road to recovery!! Keep up the great work Bryan.
# Brian
Monday, November 21, 2011 2:30 PM
My thoughts and prayers stay with you Bryan. I think of you daily. I had back surgery last year, and when I read about your determination in therapy, its so inspiring. (ha, not to make light, I seen on reality TV the Terrell Owens show, and he's crying in physical therapy over his knee, and I think wow, your a prime specimen of physical shape and there's people with more serious surgeries pushing harder with less...)

Anyways, back to you, I am planning a trip to visit my sister in SF (as I'm in a small city outside of LA) and wondering if your followers and e-friends can visit or go somewhere to show there support. If not, I understand as I don't even like people coming while in hospital, let alone strangers... just I've been so drawn to you and your fight. I remember when the media tried to flip it and talk about a past, are you a friend of Bill W :) ... Your so a model of inspiration for we can recover from anything and jump any obsitcal.. and though in the moment we dont agree, god doesn't give us more then we can handle. Your his son and I think he's using you to inspire and touch many. Hope to meet you and good luck. Keep it going :)
# snausage
Monday, November 21, 2011 8:30 PM
To the Stow Family:

Your choice of song was perfect for this time. Fall and winter often carry a poignant sadness. But spring will come, and with it, renewal (and Spring Training!).

We, the many thousands of us who have Bryan and family in our thoughts and prayers, will stand by you. You may never see us or know us, but we are standing by you.

Jan from San Fran
# Maria
Monday, November 21, 2011 11:37 PM
WOW! So, so happy to see the update today. Best wishes Bryan, here's to the Sharks winning! Glad you are awake.
# Mike Mentzos
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 9:05 AM
Prayers coming your way. As a Firefighter/EMT here in Washington I was stunned by the event that happened to Bryan. This story got my attention and I continue to follow the updates on your site and love seeing the progression he is making which will hopefuly be a full recovery and discharge home. My entire Fire Department has you in our thoughts
# Bryan's Fan
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 4:55 PM
♥ Have a Happy Thanksgiving! ♥
# Shelly Taylor
Thursday, November 24, 2011 2:19 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to You Bryan and The Stow Family. I am so greatful for hero's like yourself, and those who work so hard towards recovery and saving lifes. Much Love, Healing, and Cherished blessings I send your way. Enjoy the yummy food, music, and sunshine with your children, family and friends.
Respectfully,
Shelly Taylor
# Carleen
Thursday, November 24, 2011 3:39 PM
Thought I would take a moment from the cooking chaos to wish you, Bryan, and your beautiful family a very Happy Thanksgiving. Like your family, I'll be remembering how thankful I am for all the blessings in my life. The tough times we endure make us even more grateful for the beautiful things and people around us. Love and hugs to you from Carleen and family in Vancouver, WA
# Debra
Thursday, November 24, 2011 7:00 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! One of the many things I am thankful for is the opportunity to witness the strength, love and devotion of the Stow family...thank you so much for sharing so much of your difficult road with us. You are truly an inspiration to every one of us.

The love and courage you have displayed makes this crazy world a little more hopeful!

I am also thankful for the progress Bryan has made!

God bless the Stow family, love and prayers continue!...Deb

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Stow Family Album

Erin, Bryan and Bonnie

Latest Comments

2 YEARS - 4/1/13
I'm with Rachel C., I'm checking in on you tonight, Bryan, because I've been thinking about you and your family the last few days. I've got a feeling you've all been going through a tough time lately (understatement of the year, right?) and I just wanted to say that everyone I know is amazed and proud of how far you've come. Bryan, just do what you can do each day and don't worry about the rest. Life is short enough as it is. You've got an amazing family and that's more important than anything else in this life.

2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Just checking in after all this time to say how much i still think about you and your whole family. You keep at it Bryan! Every day every moment you keep at it! We love you and support you and every day pray for your well being and the strength of your family.

God bless you, and here's to a WONDERFUL year. :)
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Happy May Bryan and Family. The jacaranda trees are blooming here and later spring is definitely in the air. I hope the sun is shining for you, too. I also think of you and your family daily and will forever wish you the very best. I hope this weekend will be a good one for you all. My birthday will be on Sunday. One of my my "wishes" will most definitely be for a healthier and happier year ahead for you, too. Peace and love to you always.
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Good Day, Bryan!
The sun is shining here in Vancouver, WA - a pleasant treat for us. It made me think of you and the first time you got to go outside after the long months you spent indoors healing. I think of you and pray for you and your family often.
Healing thoughts and prayers,
Carleen in Vancouver, WA
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
I will never stop following Bryan's progress. Everytime I come here and read your blog I feel inspired by your love and support. I always wonder how you find the strength. You are an amazing and beautiful family. I hope Bryan can feel the warmth and the embrace of your unfaltering love.

God Bless
Bryan is in my thoughts always
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
I never posted before. I am a New Yorker, Yankee fan, but read about what happened to Brian 2 years ago and have been following him ever since. It is inspiring to me how he and his family are fighting through this. I send this love from NYC. Praying for best for not only Brian, but also his children, siblings, parents as well.

P.S. Thank you for continuing to post 2 years later.
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Hey Bryan,
I was thinking of you and want you to know that you are love by many. I hope you are enjoying this wonderful weather and working on your tan :) The Giants are doing well. Hope you can get to a few games this year. It would be great if the A's played the Giants in the world series. I love my A's but, I love more how the Giants have really taken you under their wing. <3 sending lots of <3 and ((HUG)) you are a ROCK Star <3 <3 <3
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Hello Bryan. I've written a few times and sent my retro Metallic post card about a year back. Instantly thought of you when, upon hearing news Giants & Metallica. Tried to find someone, no luck. I will have my cool Stowe wristband, and having feeling I won't feel too alone for lone.

I have ticket for extra cap that is the promotional one, I will check back or contact to see if you recei
ved one. If not will mail to you. If you do have one well then I will have a spare!

Okay, I should be asleep, way excited. 3 hour drive and I probably will arrive at 9:00 in morning as been too long. Maybe four years.

Sincerely with love from the Salazar's and Bruce Mckown families we love and talk about you often.

GO GIANTS.........Yes of course.....GO METALLICA!!!!

:)
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Build a little fence of trust around today..
Fill the space with loving work, and therein stay.
Look not through the sheltering bars upon tomorrow...
God will help you bear what comes of joy and sorrow!

I think of all of you so often, and check to see if any news has been posted about Byran. Mere words just seem so insufficient, but they are all we have to convey what we feel. So again I will just say that we unite with you in spirit and prayer and deep and abiding love for healing and comfort and endurance!

Libbie Adams
Richlands, NC
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
I check almost every day for news about Bryan and the Stowe family. I don't post too often, mostly cause I don't have much to offer. I am still recovering from my stroke almost 4 years ago, and your story and the strength of your family inspires me to keep on working at my recovery. Bryan is so lucky to have a strong family who supports him. I wish you were MY family and I had that strength behind me.
All my prayers go with you
Gina
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
No special reason or day just wanted you Bryan and your family to know I am thinking of you. I hope the Bay Area is getting some of the sun we are enjoying here in LA. Peace and love to all ogf you always.
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Just sending my love and alot of hugs.... What a wonderful family you are.. Children are forever and I am sooo proud of all that you have endured with a smile and faith in Bryans healing. God is surely there for you all!! God bless you and keep helping Bryan heal because someday I want him to know how many people care about he and his family!! Keep the faith!!! Christy
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Hard to believe it has been two years isn't it?

I've been a supporter from day one and have posted on a regular basis until January 7th of this year when my nephew (close to Bryan's age) suffered a seizure with a brain bleed. Three months & three surgeries and we are still waiting patiently & hopefully for him to fully wake up.

I now find myself in a hospital bedroom most nights with my nephew but I think of Bryan daily. I will never give up praying for Bryan's continued progress.

I now find myself reading the updates for not only to check on Bryan, for for inspiration that things can get better.

My heart will always be with the Stowe family. Who would have guessed in a million years that after two years of posting on Bryan's website, I would be experiencing this firsthand.

I love you Bryan...keep fighting my friend!

Love and continued prayers ALWAYS!

Jeannie
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Hang in there, Bryan! Its so good to hear of your progress and I only hope for more for you! Just wanted you to know you've touched my heart from far away ;~) Arlene
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Thank you for the update. You're lookin' handsome there Bryan and your family is just the best! Hang in... Nancy
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Bryan! God Bless You!

Update 5/29/2012
You are still in my prayers and will continue to be my AMR brother.


Benita
scheduler/ EMT-paramedic
AMR Dallas operations
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Bryan, we never really knew each other outside of the ECH ER. I do remember joking with patients and each other, and our amazing sense of humor.

Your progress has been amazing to watch, you have been, and will continue to be in my prayers. Keep fighting the good fight!
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Bryan,

I just finished a paper on fan safety at sporting events for my graduate class at Columbia University. Your story of resilency has inspired me. Keep fighting. Go Giants.
2 YEARS - 4/1/13
Hey Bryan! So glad you are still hanging in there. The world would be a much sadder place without you in it! Love and prayers are forever coming to you from our family.