The 11-year-old boy and two cousins were bike-riding in front of their grandmother's house in Lehi when they spotted a group with a homemade firework half a block away. As one of the adults lit a match, the three boys tried to take cover behind a parked horse trailer.
Two boys made it to safety. But Bridger was struck by flying metal.
Bridger retold the harrowing events of July 24 to his mother, Mindy Carter-Shaw on Friday morning - his 12th birthday.
Bridger celebrated by having his breathing tube removed and talking to his family after a "whirlwind" month of recovery at Primary Children's Medical Center, Carter-Shaw said.
Family members gathered for a surprise party by hiding in an adjacent room and rolling Bridger over in a wheelchair - the first time the boy had left his hospital bed since being injured.
Bridger told Carter-Shaw he remembers being hit by the shrapnel and seeing blood coming from his torso. He also remembers seeing his leg hanging onto his body by a flap of skin. That's when he knew he was going to die, Carter-Shaw said, but he decided to stay positive.
"He told his cousins 'See you at the hospital. Bye dudes.' " Carter-Shaw said. "He was comforting everyone else even though he knew he thought he was going to die. It shows how much strength he has."
Bridger's one birthday wish? Water, Carter-Shaw said.
After having a breathing tube down his throat for several weeks, she said, Bridger's throat was parched, and the only thing he wanted was water, orange juice, Red Bull - anything liquid.
Bridger's condition has been slowly improving. His fever has vanished, his heart rate is down to normal and, although doctors have yet to pinpoint the source of an infection, it has diminished.
Doctors told Carter-Shaw that Bridger is likely to stay in the hospital for the next three to four months, and his future holds the prospect of years of physical therapy.
Craig A. Miller, the man who allegedly built and lighted the firework device, has been charged with felony counts of possession of an explosive device, child abuse and obstruction of justice. Miller is scheduled to make his first appearance in Provo's 4th District Court on Tuesday.
In the meantime, Carter-Shaw said Bridger is staying optimistic by reading letters and e-mails community members have sent the family through the hospital.
"I have truly seen miracles," Carter-Shaw said. "Everyone thought he was going to die."
Donations to help with Bridger Hunt's medical bills can be made by contacting the family spokesperson Debi Richan at 801-377-8094 or dkrichan@comcast.net.
