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, December 12, 2009

Think of Errol!


Errol is scheduled for open-heart surgery on Tuesday at Duke.
His doctors say that Errol's endocarditis (heart infection) has made this surgery much more dangerous than the open-heart surgery he had in August.  
The cardiologist said that we will be at Duke for another month if Errol survives the surgery.
We are devastated.
Think of sweet Errol.

15 comments:

andrea said...

Jonathon, Cary, Owen and Sweet Errol....
WOW.. what an incredibly physically and emotionally challenging journey you have been sent on.
My heart feels heavy for you all.
I will pray, dance, chant, light incense, Om, sing (thought its not so pretty) and run through the woods in thoughts of your beautiful family.
There is deep love being sent your way.

~Andrea

Marigene said...

Dear Jonathan and Cary,

Jonathan, when Aunt Priss was born - over 90 years ago now - she was not expected to live. Born with spina bifada the family was told she would not live past a few days. But she did. Later, she caught diptheria, and again was not expected to live. This was in the days when medicine was not as advanced as it is today. Again, she surprised them all.

I know Errol's situation is very serious. But he is a tough little boy with angels on his side. And Aunt Priss, too. I'm betting on Errol! And we are sure sending positive vibrations to surround you all.

Love,
Marigene

Marigene said...

Sorry, one more thing. I have often thought of how much like Aunt Priss Errol is. This is because of their smile. Ask your mother, Aunt Priss was ALWAYS, ALWAYS smiling - just like your beautiful boy.

Love,
Marigene

Adrienne ("A") said...

We will be thinking of you guys continously and sending those good thoughts your way.
Adrienne and family

Carol Habegger said...

I feel devastated, too, for you. And hopeful too. Please tell my special buddy, Owen, hello from me. Much, much strength being sent your way from many people here in W-S. No words for this, really, just the healing hope of so many. Know it and feel it and take it in.

Anonymous said...

Errol you are in our thoughts and prayers~ Be strong
Much love,
Ms Paula and Ms Jennifer

Carlie Herron said...

I have been thinking about you all, and will continue to do so.
I'm sending hope and love your way.

Carlie

Unknown said...

Several of us watched the movie that the UNCSA students made of Seeds of Love for Errol yesterday. The upbeat hope, energy and love will be behind all of you in next days. It is unwavering!

LANGM said...

Owen, Errol, Cary, Jonathan,

Abra, Noah and I send our love to you. We look here everyday day to direct our hopes.

Anonymous said...

Dear ones,
Love, love, love.
The Fosters

Nate said...

I'm going to echo Marigene on Aunt Priss: Here's to future rounds of big wheel/wheelchair Dukes of Hazard (minus the old south undertones) with Errol. Lillian, Emi, Lila and Hannah are thinking, praying, transcendental meditating, loving for Errol and all.

Anonymous said...

Sending you my love, wishing you continued strength.

Anonymous said...

Every ounce of positive energy I have will be directed your way over the next few days.

Carol W said...

Jonathan, My daughter Cameron is a friend and great admirer of your mother. She worked with her at Governor's School. I have followed your blog for a while and have fallen in love with Errol! Your sweet family is extra-special, and we are praying for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Jonathan and Cary,
You don't know me...I have followed your story from the periphery- via the blog and have known of you and your family through mutual friends and colleagues. I am sending you both and Errol as much positive energy and strength as I can this week during this difficult point in your journey. We are all holding you up for healing.