Update on Cliff
Progression: the act of progressing; forward or onward movement. 2. a passing successively from one member of a series to the next; succession; sequence.
Yesterday we all woke to some dramatic changes. Dad is very confused. It is very difficult for him to speak and his little legs just shake when he tries to walk so we have graduated on from the walker to the wheelchair. Let it be known that when he does have clarity he speaks to us in the same confident manner in which he has always done. He is amazing. We do not feel as if he is any pain. He seems to sleep a great deal and seems very peaceful. Even through his progression he is still very selfless. He is still showing us how to love others unconditionally.
I was reading one of his books that has all of his notes written in red. He had underlined the following parts:
"Knowing is loving." If God truly knows me, God actually loves me. The old Testament is clear that truly to "know" somebody is to love her or him, For God, knowing is the language of intimacy rather than intimidation. God is love because God knows us. This divine knowing is the eternal antidote for depression and melancholy. We are known and loved. We are not alone-hence, we need not be lonely.
My Father has and never will be alone. God knows him well. This is what helps all of us get through this progression.
You and your family are on my heart and in my thoughts every day. Thank you for this precious place, Bold Grace. Thank you for enriching my life. I love reading all the stories everyone has written about Cliff’s childhood and workplace life and everything. I have treasured every word people have shared. Cliff you are an inspiration to me.
Love always
Julia
Cliff,
My memories take me back to when you all used to visit Illinois…Don and Mable, a studebaker with grocerie sacks used as suitcases…you were poor at today’s standards but you had a mom and dad that were full of love.
You and your brothers grew up in Richmond, IN and as teens experienced bumps in the road, but always knew you had a mom and dad that would be there for you. They showed you all unconditional love. It is their love for you, Doug, and Andy that you all have for your families.
None of us would be half the men we are today if it were not for our wives. I was there when you started dating Nancy. I got to witness your marriage to her. You always had and still have that sparkle in your eye for her.
Cliff, when you leave this world your love and your memories is what you will leave behind for Nancy, Cliff, Tammy, Mindy and Amy. Nancy, you are a big part of our family and I love you. I appreciate your love for Cliff. I pray for you that God will ease you pain. Love you all.
Love, Uncle Eric
John 14: 1-4
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
“For God, knowing is the language of intimacy rather than intimidation”
That is so rich and so very well said. For me and my family, Cliff, you and your family are truly in our thoughts and we know Father is holding you closer than ever before – if that is even possible!
Thank you, Mindy for sharing with us.
Mindy:
I know that we have never met, but I worked with your dad at Reid, and he became one of my very best friends!!! I wanted to say thank you so very much for keeping all of us updated on how he is doing.
I have wanted to come by, but I didnt want to come if he was trying to rest or was having a hard day.
Please keep us updated on how he is doing!! My email is mdesonie@aol.com if you ever wish to reach me!
Tell your dad that we at Reid all love and miss him very very VERY much!!
Thank you!
Misty DeSonie
Cliff and family, you have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard the news, and will continue to be. Cliff, you have lived the most important message that Christians need to learn, LOVE. Unconditional, unjudgemental, and pure love. You have let the Light shine bright to those you come in contact with. You have also taught that we can disagree and continue to love and value each other, which makes all the things we agree on all the better. Thank you for all the love you have shared. Can someone please contact Jim McCutheon at JimMacFL45@alo.com
If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Love in Christ Janis Eggers
To my cousin Cliff,
I wanted you to know that you and your brothers were always an important part of my life. You all felt more like uncles than cousins. I wanted you to know that it meant so much to me the day you came to Danville to officiate my marriage to Doug. We stood up there and you had us repeat at least three times “Love never fails”. And through the years when you struggle in marriage and in life I always remembered those words we said that day and I just wanted to thank you for giving us those words to live by. It’s hard for me to face reality sometimes and I guess that ever since we heard the news about you I just wanted to think that it wasn’t real and nothing bad would happen. We have been blessed as a family and when something bad happens to one of us it comes as quite a blow. Cliff please know that you and Nancy and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You will always be in my heart and thank you for being a part of my life.
Love,
Barbara Ann