Final post...

We as a family would like to thank all of you who have followed along and been a part of this amazing journey. We have been so blessed to have so many of you praying with us. Your positive comments and messages have given each one of us inspiration and hope. We are so grateful for your support. We also want to maintain the sacredness of this site and the wonderful feelings we have felt because of it. This being said, this blog will not be available after midnight on Thursday May 3, 2007. We are taking down the blog so as to maintain the great spirit of it all and retain all of the great memories that have been shared with us. If you have questions, you know where to contact us. We thank you and love you all.

Butterfly celebration

Monday was a most peculiar day when we convened in Prescott, Az for the final burial of Tyree. It was a very windy and cloudy day but beautiful beyond imagination. As we enjoyed the climate Tyree had one more thing up her sleeve for us. Just as she was arriving the clouds began to shower us with little snowballs; white and heavenly. Only Ty could have convinced the heavenly hosts to turn springtime showers into a mini snowball fight! It only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was a definate sign that Tyree was already up to no good. The simplicity of the burial service allowed all of us to feel at peace especially when the 50-plus butterflies were released, carrying our best wishes for her to heaven. As the indian legend goes, if you whisper your wishes to a butterfly and send it on it's way, the butterfly will carry it to the Great Spirits and the wish will be granted.

Forever in our hearts,Tyree until we meet again.

What can I say more?

I have been off of the blog for about a week as I have been moving and quite honestly haven't known what to say. I am devastated, of course but I am at peace. I have felt the encircling arms of love extended from so many of you, near and far. I can only say that I am so thankful that I know and understand the Plan of Salvation. I know that Tyree lives! I know that I will see her again, of this I have no doubt. I recalled the recent talk by President Thomas S. Monson at this month's General Conference when he spoke about our resurrection and about how death hath no victory. Although I feel as though I have been defeated these past couple of weeks, I know that the Lord is the winner and His plan is the ultimate goal for all of us still 'at war' here on earth. I am so thankful for that knowledge. I also want to say thank you to so many who have called me, emailed, prayed or just thought of me over the past several weeks. This is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I pray I learn all the Lord has for me to learn so that I will not have to go through this trial again. I am sad (of course!) but I am at peace. Love to all.

Video tribute to Ty from her service

Our friend, Eric Shurbet, put together a wonderful video tribute for the service. We wanted to share it with all of you. Thanks Eric!
Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGfZVTryXT4

A Funeral... No, No, No!!! A Celebration

Everything was just beautiful! There were about 200 people that attended the services in Cottonwood this afternoon. Everyone in the family was there except Joel his wife and two daughters. Joel was here for 16 days attending to Tyree before her passing and was a tremendous help and comfort to us all. He and his family were unable to make it to the funeral.

When we arrived at 9:00 am this morning the church building was beautifully decorated with many of the flower arrangements that so many of you had donated. The front of the Chapel was filled with many different styles of daisies (Ty's favorite flower in the whole world). It made for a peaceful atmosphere and was very pleasant to be in the midst of vibrant beauty.

In an adjacent room, the casket was placed for the family and general viewing. Tyree was dressed in the simple elegance of the pure white temple garments and was laid comfortably in her casket with a noticeable peace filled look on her face. There were many tears shed while the congregation passed by and paid their final respects to the body that once housed the exuberant spirit of Tyree Corine Miller.

My Dad led the family viewing and prayer meeting. It was beautiful to meet together to support and love one another.

Everyone that came to the services would have rather not met under these circumstances, and we all tried to put on a happy face. But deep down we all had a little pain. We know that the pain is lessened through the power of the Atonement and we are made perfect through Jesus Christ. His peace was upon us today.

After the viewing the congregation moved back into the chapel where the program began at 12:00 noon. It was our goal to have the ceremony last less than an hour (If you know our family you realize this was not as easy as it sounds). Jason opened with a prayer. I spoke first and talked about Ty's life history. I tried to keep it pretty light, the way I think Ty would have wanted me to do it. I told several funny stories about us growing up and how we never fought(OK, that was a joke). I talked of many of our experiences as young adults, and I bore my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Kathleen Holyoak wrote a special musical number which was performed by the young women of Ty's ward. It was as though the angels of heaven were among us as those beautiful words were being sung.

Following the song Erika got up and powerfully taught and testified of the power of the resurrection. She taught gospel doctrines that caused the spirit to burn within each of us. She also related a couple stories about Tyree and how even now through her passing she was continuing to bring people unto Christ. Erika testified that Tyree's spirit was no longer trapped in this mortal body, but was peacefully lingering in the realm of the spirits, embracing those that passed before her.

Chris followed Erika and after thanking the congregation for all they had done for him and his family gave unique insights to Tyree. He related several stories that told of how he and Ty met, how they both loved to serve others, and told of Ty's unquenchable desire to serve the Lord and the young women she serves so faithfully.

The final speaker was Bishop Merwin. He shared several scriptures and personal stories about birth, death, and the resurrection. He bore powerful personal testimony of the Savior and his mission. The spirit followed right behind his words to confirm his message to our hearts. Mom closed the meeting with a prayer.

Today was a special day. I will never forget it.

Travis

Services

Tyree C. Miller

On behalf of the Miller and Johnson Families, it is with heavy hearts and highest honor to announce the funeral services for Tyree C. (Johnson) Miller. On ******** 2007 there will be a viewing followed by services. All are welcome to come.


For additional questions and donation information to the Tyree Medical Trust, please email Jennifer Johnson at ivanjohnsonpdq@cox.net

Farewell, my daughter

Our beautiful, witty, spirited daughter has completed her mission in mortality.

To those of you who have cried and laughed with us: our heartfelt thanks. To the many who have called, sent cards, written, blogged, emailed, prayed, and come by: please know how much your thoughts and actions have helped us through this difficult time. To you who have given untold hours of service, beautiful flowers and plants, and food fit for royalty: many thanks. Your contributions of time, talents and funds are greatly appreciated. For the many who traveled from across the country and around the world to be with us: please know your sacrifice is noted with love and gratitude.

My heart is full and my words seem so inadequate to tell each of you how much we love and appreciate all you have said and done for us.

Tyree would not want us to dwell in grief and sorrow, but rejoice that she has returned to the arms of our loving Father in Heaven. I was able to spend a good part of this day with her together with her sister, Shiloh, who lovingly brushed and braided her hair. Jason also came by and visited with Chris, who has been so thoughtful and strong. We are so proud of him and are very thankful for the love and happiness he brought into Tyree's life.

Their sweet daughter, Jocelyn, is very much her mother's daughter. She has Tyree's bright eyes and happy countenance and is such a joy. Tyler has added depth and dimension their family as well as laughter and good times. Chris and Tyler will draw strength from one another and their strong bonds of love will see them through.

Chris' mother, Mary, and sister, Natalie, have come and been such a support to Chris, Tyler and Jocelyn, and also to our extended family. Their love and help have carried us when we stumbled. Having them here has been a great blessing.

Services for Tyree are being finalized and will be posted when we know more. Again, please know that we have felt your love and been strengthened beyond measure by your prayers.

Ty's Update

This last week has been difficult to see Ty in the state that she is in. However, she is very comfortable and hanging in there. It is such a surprise to us all that her lungs have been so strong but it is a testament to who Tyree really is-a fighter! The nurses have been great at the Hospice and continue to give Tyree the best of care and sincere support for all of us. The doctors are in routinely to check on her and keep her relaxed. We braided her hair and held her hand. Tyree is so beautiful even in this situation. As we know more we will keep everyone up to date, but know this...that we are so eternally grateful to each and every one of you for your love, support and compassion on behalf of Tyree.

Beautiful song

Tyree,

I wanted you to be able to hear the words to the song that the harpist played for you. It is the most beautiful song and it really touched me when I heard it. The name of the artist is David Haas and he has produced so many inspiring songs. This one is called You are Mine

You Are Mine
David Haas

I will come to you in the silence,
I will lift you from all your fear.
You will hear my voice,
I claim you as my choice,
Be still and know I am here.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am hope for all who are hopeless,
I am eyes for all who long to see.
In the shadows of the night,
I will be your light,
Come and rest in me.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am strength for all the despairing,
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see,
The lame will run free,
And all will know my name.

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I am the Word that leads all to freedom,
I am the peace the world cannot give.
I will call your name,
Embracing all your pain,
Stand up, now walk, and live!

Do not be afraid, I am with you.
I have called you each by name.
Come and follow me
I will bring you home;
I love you and you are mine.

I want you to know Tyree, that I love you and know that you are being carried in the arms of our Lord.

Your beloved sister and friend,
Shiloh

A message from Tyree's Dad

Tyree,

As I have been with you every day for the past few weeks, I can't help but feel the warm embrace of all of the prayers and expressions of love that have been given to us as a family. I can't help or stop the tears that come as I read the expressions of love and support that everyone has extended to all of us and our extended family.

I was promised years ago that I someday would see the time when the windows of Heaven would open and the blessings of Heaven would fall upon me as the dews from our Father in Heaven. I have seen miracles in many forms, small and large that have taken place during our time or sorrow. These have not been the miracle that I wanted most but they have come from
all of you who have been here to give of your unconditional love and support.

I thank you for that. I feel the out-stretched arms of my brother who is traveling in Europe and calls almost daily, Tyree's friend Shelley in Australia, our family in Mexico, those from all around the United States and for all of you who live here so close and have come to visit and those of you who have called and expressed you concerns and shown true compassion in our behalf.

We have felt the true love of Christ as each of you have lifted us up in this time of sorrow in our family. We have a religious belief that we will some day all be resurrected and be able to see our loved ones again. It is with this faith and knowledge that we are able to go forward with hope for our lives to continue.

We look forward to helping Chris and his family raise their angel, Jocelyn and Tyler.

May the Lord bless us all,

Your loving father Ivan

One Clear Voice

Hi Tyree,

I thought I would share a song I heard on the radio at 2:00am! It was a beautiful song and the words spoke loud and clear ... hence the name "One Clear Voice". Please know that my thoughts and prayers are always with you. The girls love you and miss you and we all wish we could be there with you. You are such a strong spirit. I can feel your presence everyday. And in time, we will all come to understand the path God has chosen for all of us.

Love from all!
Deanna, Taylor & Alyssa

P.S. Here's the song from Peter Cetera - One Clear Voice

The whole world is talking
Drowning out my voice
How can I hear myself
With all this noise
But all this confusion
Just disappears
When I find a quiet place
Where I can hear

(chorus)
One clear voice
Calling out for me to listen
One clear voice
Whispers words of wisdom
I close my eyes
'Till I find what I've been missing
If I'm very still, I will hear
One clear voice
I'm always searching
For which path to take
Sometimes I'm so afraid
To make mistakes
From somewhere inside me
Stronger than my fears
Just like the sound of music
To my ears, I hear
(chorus)

Memory Book about Tyree...

I received this note from Vida, Tyree's friend from Georgia. Please respond to her if you would like to add anything. Thank. Erika

I would like to compile a memory book for Jocelyn since she will not have the opportunity to get to know the wonderful person that her mother is while in this lifetime. To compile this memory book I would like to use all of the postings from her blog page as well as any memories, fun stories, spiritual thoughts, or letters that family and friends would like for Jocelyn to know about her mother, as well as, Tyler to remember about his Aunt. I especially want anything that shows Tyree's fun personality and her ability to laugh at just about anything, especially herself. I would also like to include any pictures that family and friends would like to send to me and I would match each memory/story with the picture of that person or family. I plan to make this memory book with her many friends here in Georgia and with anyone who would like to make their own scrapbook page or pages and mail to me to add to the book. I would love for this book to tell Jocelyn how wonderful her mother is and for her to be able to see how many lives her mother impacted. I want it to be happy and full of love and full of stories about Tyree’s wonderful spirit and personality. I would love for everyone to send me at least one memory and picture or more if they want. The may email me at kanevida@yahoo.com or snail mail me at 50 Windward Drive, Covington, GA 30016. Please include name and relationship to Tyree with each entry since I do not know everyone. Feel free to contact me at 678-625-9921.

Our prayers are with you and your family,

Vida

Update 4/8/07

We have had a really nice weekend with Tyree in the Hospice. She is in the ******. Chris invited family and some friends to a barbeque on Saturday night. He grilled up some great burgers and we had a nice evening. Everyone was able to visit Tyree--even little children. We took pictures, let the kids play outside, and saw friends and family from many different states. Each person was able to visit Tyree. We are so glad Tyree is in such a beautiful, comfortable, family-friendly facility where we could make memories with her. It is a perfect place to let her rest.

We are making plans for a funeral in ******** near the end of this week. We will post as soon as we have more information.

Thank you so much for your prayers for Tyree and her family. Please continue to pray for us in this difficult time. We ask for peace for Chris, Tyler, and Jocelyn especially. We know there is great power in your faith and prayers and we feel the love and blessings from all over the world.

I Believe

Dear Tyree, (and anyone else who wants to read)
I was so happy to see you at the Hospice today. You look so beautiful. I am so happy you are free of most of the machines, tubes and wires that you had before. You are still so gorgeous.

I believe your spirit can see and hear and communicate with us, even though with your body you have difficulty. I am grateful you held my hand and opened your eyes. You are in such a beautiful facility now. When we drove up, Isaak said, “Mommy, this is a pretty place!” Your room looks great with flowers—Chris gave you three big bunches of daisies—your favorite. I am so grateful Aunah and Isaak were allowed to come see you and talk to you even though they were too shy to say much. They put a lot into their pictures for you, Aunah especially.

I believe you could hear me the other day when I sang about being with the Savior. I could see your response—even tears. I felt like you really can’t wait to go live with Jesus Christ forever. I was happy but so sad too. I didn’t want you to leave us to go live with Him. Oh Tyree, we love you SOO MUCH!!! We would love for you to stay here and live with us. But, if you are ready, and you need to go be with Him and many other loved ones, we will let you go. We’ll see you soon.

Love,
Sarah Jane

A way to help out...

So many of you have inquired as to how you can help out Tyree, Chris and Jocelyn. We have set up a charitable trust at Chase bank called the Tyree Miller Medical Trust. It is legal charitable trust that allows all donations to it to be tax deductible. The trust will be used for Tyree's medical bills (she has no insurance), daily expenses for Chris and when all is said and done, anything left will be for Jocelyn's college fund.

If you would like to donate, there are several ways.
1) If you have a Chase account, you can transfer funds by calling Chase directly. Tell them you want to make a deposit to the "Tyree Miller Medical Trust".
2) You can write a check made out the the Tyree Miller Medical Trust and mail it c/o ******. (Please email us for an address to mail checks to. tyreemillertrust@yahoo.com )
3) You can go into a Chase branch and tell the associate you would like to make a deposit to the "Tyree Miller Medical Trust" and they will find the account and make the deposit.

To get a receipt for your donation, be sure you get a receipt from the bank. Then, email us at tyreemillertrust@yahoo.com with your name, mailing address, phone number, amount, date, and the bank transaction number from your receipt and we will send a receipt with the tax ID number you need for the write off.

If you prefer to make an annomyous donation, simply choose your preferred method of deposit above. Thank you in advance for all of your efforts and help.

We have not lost hope for Tyree, we have just accepted with peace whatever the Lord has planned. We are full of renewal and hope as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ this week and know that all of us will one day become like him. Of this, I am sure.

Today's update

I know so many of you have been waiting for me to publish something today. We have been working diligently and prayerfully as to what we need to do for Tyree. I will be honest and say that there is no easy way to say what I will say now. Obviously each of you has your concerns and assumptions as to what is happening. I want to set the record straight and let all of you know where things stand. We did receive the results from the MRI and we've met a couple of times with the neurologist. It is definate that Tyree has extensive brain damage. All movements that we have been seeing are results of reflexs from her brain stem, not her actual brain. She will never recover. She is receiving nutrition and things for comfort. She was removed from the ventilator today for about 4 hours and she was breathing on her own but then was too tired to continue. We placed her back on the ventilator at that point. Everything that is happening to her now is for her comfort. She will be moved from ICU tomorrow or Friday into a more accessible room so that any who wish to visit her may do so. We will continue to offer her comfort for the next several days. The family has all had the confirmation that we are doing the right thing, though difficult as it is. We also know that Tyree would not want us to keep her alive with machines. We feel that she has a greater work to do on the other side. She has lived a full life, touching so many, as is evident from this blog and all of the communication we have been receiving. We extend our deepest thank you to all of you who are a part of this great miracle. We feel the hand of the Lord guiding our actions. Chris also wants us to extend his thank you to all of you for the love and support you continue to offer him. He is doing quite well, considering the circumstances. We will continue to update you on what's happening with Tyree. If you would like to visit her, please e-mail (don't call) me at amatetravel@hotmail.com and I will get it arranged so we don't have a constant and huge parade. Again, thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. We love you!

A little info for you...

Good morning to all! As you can see we took a day off of blogging as this seems to have taken on a life of its own (I personally never 'blogged' before and now I'm practically an addict!!). Anyway, things with Ty remain unchanged. We are trying to decide how to best care for her. She has a fighting spirit and we want to do all that the Lord would have us do for her. May the Lord's will be done.

We appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts on our behalf. We will continue to keep you posted. Love to all.

The little things in life

I wanted to share my thoughts on the little things in life. It is because of great friends, supportive family and sincere faith that we manage to stay afloat in this life. Our Heavenly Father is near and has the power to comfort and carry us when WE believe that we can do no more. The little things do go a long way...like when one of the nurses at the hospital walked by and saw me crying with Tyree. She stopped, asked if I needed anything and then said that she just couldn't pass up a person in need of a hug. I didn't know her. She wasn't even Tyree's nurse. She provided a little gift of compassion that carried me a long way. Tyree and I still exchanged tears but it was so beautiful and so peaceful to spend that time with her. I am eternally grateful for the little things that I truly take for granted. In this knowledge, I am able to see the miracles that Tyree is facilitating, coming together in love, friendship and service.

No news IS good news...

I don't have any news to report except that Ty did receive the Trach and the G-tube (gastrointestinal tube for feeding) today. She has been resting and recovering. I haven't seen her and I don't have anything to add except she is doing well and is resting tonite. I know so many of you will check this before bed or first thing in the morning so I just wanted to post this little update.

Also, I have been reading through all of the comments left by so many of you and also some of my personal e-mails. I am continually amazed at the faith of so many and the words of encouragement that are being sent our way. I know of people personally in Chile, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and Hong Kong who are praying for Ty's full recovery and for our family. I think we have people from all 50 states! Talk about a true miracle! (I wish my business would get this kind of response when I send an e-mail :) Anyway, It is just amazing to me. I appreciate all of your support. We will update when we have some word from the doctors tomorrow on the MRI and EEG. Have a great night. Thank you!

Monday morning update 4/2/07

I just got off of the phone with Joel, Ty's oldest brother. He gave me the 'low down' on how Ty's night went. He said she slept very comfortbly and soundly. She has been hooked up to an EEG machine that is recording every thing her brain has been doing since she got to Barrow's and they just removed it in preparation for her MRI later on today. She will also receive her trach and a feeding tube directly to her stomach later today--she has a full schedule! She has had a feeding tube down her nose and the breathing tube down her throat so they are moving these to make her more comfortable. This will also give her the ablility to begin to communicate as she recovers. She has also been slightly smiling and opening her eyes a lot more, we have seen tears from her the last 3 days--a major milestone! She definately knows when anyone is in the room talking as she tries to open her eyes and look at whom ever is there. Joel was talking to me while in her room and she was shifting and moving her face and upper body (minutely, mind you) to be apart of the conversation. She is aware that she is sick and is getting help.

We will receive the results of the EEG and the MRI tomorrow. She also had an ultrasound on her heart this morning so we shall wait to see what is next for her in that regard. She obviously has a full schedule of things to do today. She will need plenty of rest to recover.

We again appreciate your prayers on our behalf. We know that our Heavenly Father is mindful of Tyree and of all of us during this time. Each minute advancement in Tyree is a miracle and a blessing. Keep them coming!!!

Good News

I just wanted to share my great experience with Ty today. I got to visit with her alone and I held her hand and sang Primary songs (it helps being the Primary Chorister). I had been waiting for her to open her eyes. While I was singing she started to open her eyes with great effort. She struggled a while then got them all the way open. I wasn't in her line of sight (as her gaze was tipped up). So, I moved over, and she eventually lowered her eyes to mine. I could not tell if she was really focused on me or not, but I am just so grateful for this little miracle! She was also squeezing my hand! I am SO grateful for everyone's love, faith and prayers! She is so blessed because of you!

Sunday evening update-visiting procedures

Today has been an exciting day for Ty and everyone involved with her care. She has made the transition to Barrow's and has undergone several tests to see where she is mentally. They removed her sedation this morning and has not been back on. They do have her on anti seizure medication which makes her groggy. We're not out of the woods yet. Anyway, we are told that now each and every brain wave of activity is being recorded and analyzed so they can decide how to best treat her. They know she is responding to stimuli in various forms and want to keep her calm so they know where to go from here. That being said, the doctors have advised that we only have one person stay with her all the time and then keep other visitors down to only a couple in the morning and the afternoon/evening for 15-20 minutes each. They have also requested it be only immediate family members. This is so Tyree doesn't get so worked up over who is visiting her and (you know how Ty is with people) doesn't get too excited when so many people visit, while they move forward with her diagnosis and treatment. If anyone in the blog community would like to visit her, please contact a family member so we can see if that is possible. We have family members signed up to stay with Ty 24 hours a day in 3 shifts. Chris has gone home to Cottonwood today to get Tyler back into school and to take care of some things on the homefront. We expect he'll return to Phoenix sometime late tomorrow. We are again so thankful for your prayers and concerns on Tyree's and our family's behalf. We appreciate the love from all of you.

Another photo of Ty with Chris

Tyree has been moved! (updated)

Last night, it was decided that Ty would be moved to Barrow Neurological Center in Central Phoenix. A bed opened up and they transfered her around midnight. She has already had a stress test on her heart and she will receive a pacemaker so as to help it. She will also have a trach tube inserted in her neck instead of the tube going in her mouth. This will enable her to begin to vocalize. She has also been off of the sedation medication for since she got there. We are very excited for this. We'll keep you posted as we learn more this morning. Thank you to all of Ty's great doctors and nurses at Estrella Mountain for helping us with Ty this week. We express gratitude for all that you've done to make this next transition possible.
We'll let everyone know in our 'blog community' what's happening today at Barrow. We don't know how they are with visitors yet but do know there is no internet in the room and cell phones are totally banned to downstairs. We'll keep you posted. Love to all!