Errol Milner Clifford 2006-2009

Errol Milner Clifford was born with a significant heart defect and a cognitive disability that prevented him from walking or talking. As we grieved the child we had anticipated, Errol’s full-bodied smile and irrepressible laugh turned our sorrow into joy, and taught us that many of the best things in life are unexpected. Inspired by Errol’s delightful spirit, friends, family, and neighbors rallied to support our family’s significant emotional, physical, and financial needs, through countless acts of selfless generosity. When Errol’s courageous heart finally failed him on December 23, 2009 we were left numb with grief. In these dark hours we listen hopefully for the echoes of Errol’s brilliant laugh. This blog is the story (starting from present and working back to Errol's birth) of the life and times of the amazing Errol Clifford.


Saturday, June 09, 2007

Summer Plans


It’s summer. Today was the last day of school for our boys (yeah! yikes!). We celebrated this achievement by buying Owen his first bike, and by giving Errol a nice fat nap (is there really a better gift imaginable?). Although their celebrations were on very different scales, both boys were thrilled and surprised by what they got. As much as we plan (and I am a champion planner), surprises are often the height of life. Let’s do some math. Could it be that joy = life + surprise? Whereas, happiness = expectations met. Joy > happiness. No, I wasn’t a math major, why do you ask?

Because of his brain’s wiring, Errol’s life is full of surprises, which means that he is often in a blissful state. Could there be a better place to travel this summer?

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