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, August 10, 2009

A Step Backwards


Errol's last remaining iv blew this afternoon (it happens sometimes) and we spent a bad two hours trying to get a new iv in him. After three different nurses (including the one who saved his life back on day one of his life) gave him eight or nine nasty needle sticks and painful subcutaneous explorations we gave up on trying to find a vein. Errol didn't cry but once.

Errol is out of the PICU but he's not out of the woods. We can't get him to eat, drink, or take his medicine, and without an iv in him or a nasogastric (NG) tube down his throat and into his stomach, Errol can't heal. Errol is exhausted and has fallen into a fitful sleep (I can't imagine what he is dreaming about), and we're going to evaluate his progress in the morning and decide what steps to take next. Let's hope things turn for the better. Thanks for hanging in there with us on this bumpy ride.

2 comments:

Eden said...

My heart goes out to you.
lots of love to you all.
Eden

Anne said...

My late night thoughts are totally focused on Errol Milner Clifford. Keep fighting hard, little man!

Lotsa hugs and kisses from a sleeping city that loves you!