Errol Milner Clifford: Beach bum

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.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Beach bum

We've just been to Edisto Beach in South Carolina with Cary's family. Edisto is a natural wonder, full of live oaks draped with Spanish Moss, bright green marsh grasses, and sparkling waters. One evening, Cary and I paddled out in the tidal marsh as the heat of the day faded. Dolphins played in our wake as the full moon rose over the inky water. Errol slept peacefully back in the house. the beach is a hard place for Errol. The water is too cold, the beach too hot. It's hard to bike, or even stroll in the heat of the day. Still, he doesn't complain. and seems to enjoy everything we do. As he grows hardier, we will hope that he can do more. Here we are starting out on a short lived jaunt.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: Dear Jonathan,

What a coincidence! We are going on our first vacation in 4 years, and to Edisto!

This sounds wonderful! I'll bet Owen loved the beach.

Love, Marigene; 10:52 PM