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.


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Ropin' and Ridin'
















When I was told my son would be undergoing hippotherapy, I thought of a large animal on a couch in a shrink’s office, “doctor, I had the dream about the man with the gun again!”

 

How would that help my son, let alone the hippopotamus? And what kind of deductible would the hippo have? I had lots of questions. Luckily I didn’t ask them.

 

Today was Errol’s first day of horseback riding – or hippotherapy as they call it out here on the prairie. If a kid can’t walk, it’s hard to imagine them riding a horse, but that’s exactly what Errol did this morning. At 9:30 a.m. the bus pulled out from the Children’s Center with a load full of ropers and riders, some in wheelchairs, some deaf, and others blind, headed for the Riverwood Therapeautic Riding Center.

 

I don’t know if it’s the rythym of the horse, the balance the kids learn, or just the cool clothes they get to wear, but horseback riding is great therapy for disabled kids. Errol’s teacher had a student who couldn’t even sit up, and then aftrer a few months of therapy was standing. By golly, were getting squadron of pet ponies for our boy!

 

We were hoping to get to watch Errol’s debut in the saddle, but since a lot of the kids cry the first time they ride, we gave the little cowboys some space. Of course, there were no tears from little Errol Clifford who laughed the whole time he rounded up them doggies. We’ll be there next Tuesday to watch our little cow poke at home on the range. 

2 comments:

elmor said...

Kirby loves Riverwood, and something about the riding helped his verbal skills -- who'd have thought. I'm glad to hear Errol's enjoying it!

Rosalind said...

I've heard of awesome results from therapeutic (sp??) riding - can't wait to see the pictures! GO ERROL!!!