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.


Wednesday, December 02, 2009

What is the pleural of effusion?


We thought we were going home, but Errol's lungs have different plans. Errol has a pleural effusion (water on the lungs) and he's not going to get better until his lungs are drained as dry as the Atacma. The docs will decide this afternoon if the drainage will be achieved with meds (the patriotic way) or a chest tube (ouch!) The cardiology team will vote on lung management around two this afternoon and you can cast your vote on-line. Either way, we'll be at Duke tonight and we'll hope to return home tonight (in our imagination), tomorrow (with meds), or - most likely - Sundayish (with chest tube.)

We are feeling the love that you are all putting out into the universe (Errol says, "uh-oh!) Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and on-line voting.

Little man is a fighter. He's been, stuck, x-rayed, and echoed more times than I'd care to remember. Hopefully we can get these lungs clean and Errol can get back to running the country.

4 comments:

Wakeford said...

Errol, you are a stud. An absolute stud. I guess this means you won't be helping me finish my grading? No worries-just feel better. Dry those lungs, pal.

Anonymous said...

I cannot believe all of this. It is baffling. Well, I should say, "I cannot believe the hurdles Errol has jumped even before middle school. I mean, come on. This is getting a little silly. The guy is just a rock! He is like the Eiffel Towel. He is a picture of beauty, tranquility, and strength. I mean, what else is going to be thrown at this little man?


Time I started living life to the fullest for him and because of him because I think that my own momentary depressions and my own momentary lapses into self pity are nothing like a chest tube.

It is amazing how pain changes us. Pain! Wow! Jonathan and Cary, we are with you. You know where we live. We are ready to bring you a Trader Joe's ballon, or just bring you a hand made paper airplane by Josie and Silas. We love you and will never get over how gracefully you have handled this set of wild circumstances.

rebecca said...

Hang in there! I love you all.

Becky

Rosalind said...

Errol - we are all thinking about you and hoping you are back in the dash (the hyphen, whatever) ASAP! And then we are hoping for a healthy holiday season for you and your parents!

Much love to all - Roz