Clifford L. Hazelbaker II
We will be having a celebration of Life ceremony Saturday, April 25th, 2009 (4:00p.m.-??) It will be held at the American Legion located at 109 North 6th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374. We will laugh, sing, cry and tell amazing stories about Cliff! We will have pictures and videos so we can share some of his incredible moments with all of you.
Clifford L. Hazelbaker II, 57, of Richmond was born January 13, 1952 and was reborn on April 16, 2009. Cliff was the son of Clifford and Barbara (Goodwin) Hazelbaker. Cliff graduated from Centerville High School in 1970. He was married to Nancy McBride Hazelbaker on March 6, 1970. They recently celebrated their 39th Wedding Anniversary. Cliff enjoyed spending time with his incredible family. Their family motto is “Love Never Fails!” He also enjoyed sharing his love of God on www.boldgrace.com. Here is an excerpt from that site… “Clouds don’t seem to care where they’re going. They are content to follow the directions of the spirit of the air, enjoying the journey as they make their way to their purpose. Though they are unaware of their designation or their purpose as they travel along, they find themselves eventually called upon to join forces and deliver liquid life to the earth. Often exhausted, they whither and die, having given all of themselves in doing their work. But, as those clouds die, others are reborn from their seed to carry on the purpose.” Cliff is survived by his wife Nancy ; Mother, Barbara; Children: Tammy (Bob) Thompson of Centerville, Clifford (Bridget) Hazelbaker III of Richmond, Mindy (Charlie) Hill of New Carlisle, Ohio, Amy (Todd) Witter of Bath, Indiana; He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Josh, Jacob, Paige, Samantha, Clifford IV, Abby, Emma, Lilly and Phoebe. Brothers: Andy (Teresa) and Doug (Cindy) Hazelbaker.
If that same spirit that raised Christ from the Dead DWELL IN YOU, then he will make alive your mortal body, by that same spirit that dwells in you.
Blessings to all. God speed…
My prayers are with the family as the celebration of life begins.
Cliff will be missed, but never forgotten. He will remain an inspiration to me and so many others. So courageous. So graceful. So authentically kind. I’m honored to be able to have called him a friend.
I send my heartfelt prayers to Cliff’s family on his passing. I am honored that I had a chance to know him and his wonderful family. God bless all of you.
We’ll be Celebrating Cliff’s wonderful life on
Saturday, April 25, 2009 (4 p.m. – ???)
at the American Legion
(109 North 6th Street, Richmond, Indiana).
Come prepared to laugh, love and share stories of our amazing father!
This is to all of you his family and friends,This morning at work here at reid i was told of the passing of my friend Cliff ,I was so in shock that it came so fast but at the same time i knew it wouldnt be long.I broke down right there in front of everyone and started crying im still doing it right now as i type. I was feeling guilt for not coming to the house to introduce my husband to cliff and you his loving wife and im sorry that it didnt happen Cliff and i always talked about how human we all are in the fact we always wished we said or done more when people are here with us.Im glad he came in to work to see all of us and i did get my chance to say everything i needed and wanted to say, The one thing he reminded me he wanted was he didnt want me to greive for him. He said he was going to a better place and i now know that is true because of him .My tears im shedding right now are for me and the loss i feel of not having him here on earth with us . I know he is with me in my heart and always will be. I WANT TO THANK YOU HIS FAMILY FOR LETTING ALL OF US HAVE A LITTLE PIECE OF CLIFFS LOVE AND FAITH IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER . Thank you for being my friend cliff ill MISS YOU BUT ILL NEVER FORGET YOU ………………………….Tina Smith
I dont even know where to begin…..
.
. I just gave him a big hug and he kissed my cheek and told me how happy he was to see me. And all I kept thinking as I stood there and listened to him cut up with everyone else who came to see him was…..This man, knowing that he is sick and that his time left being here is limited, takes time to come down to our department before he leaves just to show us how important we all are to him. He was constantly reminding us of how he had accepted this and wanted for us to wipe away our tears and put on a smile….he was ready, and he was going out just that way…ready.
I too was at work today when I found out about Cliff. Tina Smith had called me, and as soon as I heard her voice, I knew what she about to say. My heart instantly broke. The heavy weight of guilt quickly settled upon me, as I was just talking last night about needing to get over and see him. When I read your last post, I knew that it was going to be any time that he would pass, and I at least wanted to tell him in person how much he truly meant to me.
I have read and commented on several of his posts since he first found out that he was sick, and how serious this all really was. I dont know if he ever read/saw any of them, but I pray that he knows the impact he has had on my life.
To his amazing family: although I never got the pleasure of meeting any of you (other than Nancy..I knew her from working in the school system when I was younger…), I want you to know that I felt very much a part of you guys. Your dad was an AWESOME man!! He worked on my weekend and was ALWAYS the life of the department!! If he wasnt cracking jokes or randomly “rapping” to us, he was telling us love stories about him and Nancy and about all of his amazing kids! He was truly one proud man and couldnt ever seem to find an end to any of his stories….they kept coming and coming which we all always enjoyed…especially Tina and I
Words cannot begin to explain the hurt that I feel right now. I HATE the fact that I didnt get to make it to see him. He was out at Reid last Monday and I got to see him then. He gave me a smile as soon as I walked down the hall to where he was, and instantly belted out, “We’re off to see the wizard..the wonderful wizard of Oz..”….He loved to remind me everyday on how short I am..lol
I too wanted to say thank you to each and every person in the family. You all knew how amazing that this man truly was and instead of keeping him all to yourselves…you allowed him to touch others and share his big heart. Thank you all so very much….from the very bottom of my heart. Cliff…you have forever changed me and my outlook on life…I want to see things through your eyes…and when I get the chance to sit it out or dance…I will do like you suggested….Im going to dance
Love you ALL with my whole heart!!
Misty DeSonie
Reid Hospital
To all the family of Cliff:
I want to tell you all how very sorry that I am for your great loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers now and throughout the days ahead.
I had the pleasure of meeting Cliff several months ago while working in the ER at Reid. He took care of cleaning the ER. I can tell you that he quickly became a favorite of mine and I always looked so forward to seeing his smiling face in the mornings. He always made me laugh and was just such a gentle and kind man…one of a kind for sure.
I can remember one day me and a coworker having a funny moment…I was doing a little dance in the hall not knowing Cliff was behind me and saw the whole thing! I was so embarrassed when he began clapping and applauding after I stopped.
It was a joke amongst me and my coworkers..they used to always tell Cliff how “special” I was. So he too began introducing me to people saying “this is Tracie and she’s special!” He always made me laugh and smile.
I was so sad the day I heard he was leaving our dept and had taken a job in a different dept. I approached him and joked with him about how upset I was with him for leaving us! He said he just needed a job that was easier on his back. I shared with him that day how I too had taken a new position and would be leaving as well. He began his new job a week before I began mine.
I never saw him after that day but I certainly never forgot him! When I got the news from a coworker about his illness I was absolutely shocked and just so saddened. I have thought of him so many times and wanted to send him a card but never knew his mailing address. Then today the same coworker informed me of his passing. I’m just absolutely sick over this and just so sad.
The tribute that his grandson wrote to him was absolutely amazing and his grandpa would certainly be very proud. I’m certain he’s smiling upon him. I too think of my grandmother the exact same way…I could feel the love he has for his grandpa and it was deeply moving.
Will be praying for all of you. May you find peace and comfort through your Lord and saviour. God Bless!
To the entire Hazelbaker family:
May God bless you and keep you and may all the years that follow be full of nothing but beautiful memories of a great man.
I was saddened when I heard of Cliff’s passing this morning. I have no words to express how I feel for this great loss. I know he loved his family very much and especially his beloved grandchildren. I am thankful his suffering has passed and I send prayers and love to you all. Blessings to you.
Many many years ago three dudes sat on a roof top, they were thought to be wise men. They observed a beautiful and bright star in the sky, and knew a great person would be born. Tonight i will look into that same sky and watch for another bright star, as heaven receive a most precious and beautiful person…
Good nite bro… and Goodbye
To the Hazelbaker Family:
In my 57 years of life I have never met a person quit like Cliff. Every life he touched was positively impacted. He was a blessing to me personally as well as to those he worked with daily at Reid. A gentle, loving, kind man who shared his love for Christ in his words and actions. I, like someone else, want to say thank you for sharing him with us. Our lives have been forever changed for the better. We will miss him and all that he represented. The following words are paraphrased from a card that brought comfort to me. I pray it does for you too!
Our parting is not the end of our relationship, only an interruption. Cliff is experiencing the joy of Christ’s presence in a place so wonderful that Christ called it Paradise. And one day, we’re told, in a magnificent reunion, he and we “will be with the Lord forever.” May you too find encouragement in God’s promises and comfort in His presence. In Christian Sympathy!
Cliff was a true friend on the web and has greatly encourage my heart and mind may the peace and love of God been Hazelbaker family.
Love Dan
Cliff was a wonderful man, he welcomed me with open arms and treated me like a family member.He raised a great family who will always act with big Cliff in mind, I will miss you friend.
Gonna miss you bud. You made my day many times with your wit, your jokes and just having a conversation with you. On numurous occassions you brightened my day by uplifting me with praise and positive words. You will be missed by more than you know. Take care and keep smiling down.
I only knew Cliff through the internet and also talked to him on the phone a few times but it was quite obvious after communicating with him that he was a unique and special person. I feel a sadness in my heart because of what has happened but I also at the same time agree with what Doug said that “heaven has received a most precious and beautiful person”. My sincere sympathy to the entire family.
Roy (Nova Scotia)
A very heavy tear for a friend that I never had the chance to meet in person…I’ll catch you around this life’s bend, Cliff…
May the mercy that only God can grant be with the Hazelbakers in the coming days.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Hazelbaker Family.
How fortunate I have been to be a small part of this family and a friend of this man. I will never forget our many talks and the last one we had at his and Nancy’s home. As always the talks were never about him but always about you and how you and your family were doing. Even tho he was this person who was so very ill he still wanted to make me feel better I have a hard time grasping the depts of his love and concern for me. As I got ready to leave I tried to lighten things up ( he always had a great sense of humor) and I said “you know us humans down here have always wondered what it’s truly like on the other side, would you try and let us know when you get there?’ He said ” you be listening close because I’m certainly gonna try” What faith this man had to the very end!
As I left that night Cliff walked me out, and I tried to convey to him my saddness for the family. Cliff shook my hand and said Mike, with my Dad and his faith in God and his attitude about his sickness it is so easy to be with him and help him go home to the Lord. It is joyous as he takes the saddness away.
As I got into my car and left I realized that I was a witness to how a persons life and death should be, joyous, peacefull and serene.
To the family and friends what a warm exit you made for your Dad, and I’m sure you all will be listening as will I.
Love, and peace to the entire Hazelbaker Family!
Mike
It was around 9am this morning when I heard the news. I was sitting on my classroom floor with a bunch of third graders when a dear friend I work with came to tell me. I got the lump in my throat (it’s still here as I type) and started to cry (yes, tears still there, too) in front of all my kids. She spoke to the kids for me as I threw my arms around her to give her a hug. My kids at school already knew about Cliff even before he became sick, because as a teacher you tend to talk about people who make a difference in your life. Cliff is one of those people.
I don’t remember the exact moment I met Cliff Hazelbaker, but he is a man who has left footprints on my heart and soul forever. When I was a kid and I would enter the Hazelbaker home he would sing out that Beatles song “Michelle..my bell.” He would like really, really sing it….like he was performing for an audience. He would smile and make me laugh. Nancy would always chuckle along with me. Cliff took me (along with his kids) to my very first movie. The Terminator. We sat in the front row. I thought he was crazy. He was so much fun and I loved him!
My father had died when I was in third grade. Cliff was the most fatherly figure I had as a kid growing up. I don’t know what I would have done without Cliff, Nancy and their children. I am blessed to know him and be a part of his journey.
Though I do not see him every day Cliff is always with me. I hear his thoughts, feel his wisdom and most importantly feel his faith. His faith! He has taught me so much. He is my model for faith. Every day I try to be more like him. I regret not seeing him before he passed today, but I know he would forgive me. He is that kind of man. He made this world a better place and will continue through us as we remember him.
Well, naturally I had to step out of my classroom to try and pull myself together. When I reentered, 21 third graders ran to give me the biggest hug. (Thanks, Cliff!) I decided we all needed to go out for recess after that. Did anyone notice the sun today? It was shinning brighter than I think it has all year. (Thanks, again!) I stood, crying on the playground enjoying my kids, enjoying my earthly life and remembering a man who I will always love. Love never fails!
I apologize for the length, but sometimes you just have to let it out. Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this! I hope you can feel a big hug I am sending to you right now as we share a common love for a great man!
To all the Hazelbakers, be proud of who you are and know that you are loved!
I just wanted to share with everyone how I believe my uncle cliff was with me today and how I was “listening”. My day started off with a phone call from my sweet mom telling me the news. My heart hurt but I knew I had to get ready for my 12 hour shift at 911 dispatch. As I was getting ready to walk out the door my father “Doug” called to give me a update on what was going on. At first he was very strong but his voice cracked and weakened and he quickly disconnected. I knew my mother was with him and knew he had everything and everyone he needed. I needed to head off to dropped my son off and get to work but about 1/2 way there I could’nt control my emotions any longer and wanted to go give my daddy a hug so I called my boss to ask to take some time and come in a hour or so late but was denied due to staffing and overtime issues. To say the least this upset me a great deal. However now looking back I know this was the 1st time uncle cliff showed himself by letting me know everything was ok and I needed to take care of my priorities. I finally made it to work on time but not in the best state of mind and before I could firmly plant my butt in my seat my 911 rang and it was a frantic women reporting she had just found her father passed away. Now I have taken hundreds of these calls in the last 9 years but that one felt important it felt like i needed to be there for that one. My day continued busy and hectic with out a moments break in 12 hours. Some how I managed to keep my head in the game and make it to the end of my shift and as I gathered my things I answered my last 911 call of the day which was another frantic women reporting that she had just found her mother passed away. I know for some reason I needed to be in that dispatch chair today even if my heart was with my family. The cycle of life and death is never ending. LOVE YOU ALL
The best thing anyone can say about a man is: “He made a difference” Cliff made a difference! Blessings to his family…
I this the same Cliff that shared a lot of stories and writings on here?
If so, my condolences to the family for their loss – and I hope that all can move forward in a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness for his life.
I really liked Cliff – some of his writings spoke volumnes. He will be missed be me and many others that visit here.
My prayers are with you and your family. I’ve only been reading Cliff’s writings for a little over a year yet they have impacted me so much. I hope to develop the same attitude about life that he had. Hugs to your family.
My prayers are with Cliff’s family today. I didn’t know him well, but my son rode on his bus when he was driving for Galileo Charter School. He was always kind and supportive and my son just loved him to pieces. You will be missed, Cliff! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!
Nancy, Tammy, Cliffy, Mindy, and Amy,
My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. I know what you are going through and I want you all to know that I love you all so much and I am praying for you all. Cliff was a very special person to many people and he will be truly missed by many. I was shocked to hear of his passing this soon. I have let the rest of my family know as well. We are all praying for you and thinking of you. If there is anything we can do for you, let us know.
Love y’all,
Christy
Hazelbaker Family,
The whole Butler family would like to extend our condolences to you all. We pray for your comfort and peace. You know Cliffy is where he always wanted to be.
My Uncle Cliff was absolutely an amazing person, he made me laugh every time I saw him (in between painful wedgies), and everyone knew he was a genuinely warm person who cared, and loved, without question.
Without Uncle Cliff I wouldn’t be alive today, he introduced my parents and started my family, so he had a major impact on my life before I was even born.
I wish I knew more people like him and his awesome family, and that I had the opportunity to get to know him as an adult. I will never forget him.
I too am shocked and so saddened by the passing of Cliff. I met him in the ER where I worked. I remember the first time I met him and what a truely wonderful impression he had on me and actually all of us. I don’t know that I ever met anyone that had such an impression on me. You truely are so lucky to have had him in your family. He was the best. I know I will always think of him with a smile and may god be with you all.
To Nancy and all the family
We were surprised at Cliff’s quick passing. Our thoughts are with you all. The years get by so quickly, and friends get left behind so suddenly.
Dave and Doris Pennington
The thing I remember the most about Cliff were the never ending arguments on who was going to win American Idol and the occasional Jolly Rancher if we were good. I was one of the kids he drove to and from school. I’ll miss him I kept wondering what happened to him but never found out. On Thursday something told me I was going to hear about him. I just never thought i would hear about him this way. I remember the year he said Taylor Hicks would win I really wonder who he thought would win this year.
Cliff was so unassuming and loving. He showed me kindness at a time when it was real hard to find. He walked the walk and wasn’t all “talk.” He put his faith into action. I haven’t seen him since he quit driving the Galileo Charter School Bus. I had no clue he was ill. Funny … but I didn’t realize how much I missed him until I read of his passing. For some reason, it has hit my household rather hard. From what I’ve read, Cliff has left a legacy of love and faith that will never die. He apparently shared these 2 things with everyone … and survives in his passing. For some reason, at this moment, I’m reminded that I’m not a human being having a spiritual experience … I’m a spiritual being having a human experience. I’m mourning … and I know it’s selfish. I need to remember that people are simply gifts from the creator … on loan for a short period in the grand scheme. Many prayers for those missing him right now and know that you’re not alone.
To Nancy,
I am having a hard time finding the right words to say. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Cliff’s passing. I find myself remembering the times when I was a child and your home was always open to me. I really miss those times. I know in my heart that Cliff is with Jack and Irene(along with his own father) looking down on us and telling us to be strong and he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. I love you all.
Shelle Morgan Ellison
Nancy and family,
I can hardly type for the tears. Cliff will be missed so much. I think of your family often, the old times at Sylvan Nook Church. growing up with your girls.. With out your family I wouldn’t know church at all. I love you and if you should need anything please let me know.
Thought are with you,
Karen
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to all your family at the passing of your beloved father.I never met him but knew him as my beloved brother in christ.
His love and words to me and to all who came his way will remain with me always.
kenneth and linda Glover and family.
Belfast N.ireland
Hazelbaker Family,
I want to send my condolences to all the family on the passing of Cliff. I was shocked at the news and I know that the Lord will give you the peace needed to get through this difficult time. My heart goes out to all of you!!
What a blessing it was to know Cliff and Nancy. When I think of Cliff I see him smiling — always a smile. And it makes me smile.
The blessing Cliff gave everyone who knew and loved him is that we can keep smiling because he still lives through his faith in The Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you, Cliff for your witness.
The Bible tells us that Aaron was gathered to his people and then he died. So, Nancy and kids, you know that when your time comes, Cliff will be there to welcome you home before you enter. And, if Jesus returns before that time, we have the promise from I Thessalonians 4:13-18 that Cliff will come with Him. How exciting!
You’ll be in my prayers, Nancy. You and Cliff shared a great love.
The Mabry family would like to send their heartfelt prayers and sympathy to the family of Mr. Cliff.
He was my granddaughter’s bus driver for the charter school. We always made a game of listening for Mr. Cliff to come around the corner of south 12th street to pick her up for school. When I told her of Mr. Cliff’s passing, she said to tell him that she loved him and that God’s angels will be sure to take good care of him.
May God bless and keep you in his loving arms.
The Mabry family
My name is Judi Hughes. I worked with Cliff at Alcoa for a number of years. We both were litho pressman at that time. If I needed help he was right there. I enjoyed working with him very much.
My mother was at Oak Ridge nursing home. One day when I was there with my Mother, Cliff came in. When he told me what he was doing there it warmed my heart to see a friend give time for others to share the word of God.
You are all in my prayers. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Judi Hughes
I just want to first offer my deepest sympathy to each and every Hazelbaker family member…Im so sorry for your lose.. Im trying to type with eyes filled up with tears of saddness as well as tears of joy for such a great man of God.I know what you are going through with the lose; it was only a year ago that we had to let go of our dad. Knowing that we will see him again some day in that glorious place on high.
I dont know where to begin it seems like forever that i was just a little girl jumping on the church bus going to church and seeing Cliff up there preaching and all of you making that church something special to myself as well as my family. It was Cliff who got us going to church. He was more than just a “preacher” to us. We were family. He welcomed no stranger with open arms. Just how Jesus welcomed Cliff on that day.
He will be sadly missed but with the memories we have will last us untill we see him again.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers
The Roscoe family
Hi nanny poo and family,
I send my condolences to all of you. I love you all so much. Im very sorry to hear about cliff i have so much respect for him . In all the years of working in long term nursing i have never seen a family son in law come sit with his mother in law like cliff did at herritage house. That really touched me I earned alot of respect for him when he did that. You just dont see that at all. I loved cliff alot and you too nanny. You two meant alot to me and still do and always will. When all your kids came and sang at the nursing home it was like angels had come it was so beautiful. I’ll never forget it. You all will always be in my heart. I love you all. If you need anything dont hesitate to call me at 765-458-5117 at sycamore springs in Liberty, In. I’ll be there next sat to see you all and talk with you all.
Take care,
Love,
xan
Hello everyone, just wanted you to know that Steve and I will look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
Care
We went out yesterday to get stuff for this Saturday. It was a good day. You could feel Dad’s presence and it seemed as if he was smiling down on all of us. Each day is a little different. When the moments hit they hit hard. The moments are like a flood and you just desperately hold on to something until someone comes to rescue you. I can’t imagine going through this without the love and support of family and friends. How do people do it? They must have Angels like my Dad that comfort them. God knows that is what he is doing. I am so glad to know that he is there for someone who is in pain and going through it alone.
We all constantly talk to him as if is with us in the room. I know he is here…I guess I am waiting to hear his sweet little voice. I did see him yesterday in my brother. My precious brother loved that my father had a motorcycle. Dad had eventually sold it, but CLiffy always wanted one and it just so happened that Uncle Andy found him one. I followed him last night while he road the bike home to Mom and Dads. My cup was running over and I know Cliffy talked to Dad the entire way there. I am so proud of my brother. He has been our rock and last night we were his. I see my Dad in the faces of my brother and sisters….thank you Mom and Dad. What a gift.
This has been a very difficult week for me. I have been missing Gordon so very much and the news about Cliff has only intensifide my sadness. I find it hard to console my dear sisterwho I know is suffering because I have not yet found consolation in my own loss. This morning I saw Cliffys’ picture on his blog and I looked into those eyes and it became so real to me that he has departed this world and I’ll never hear his laughter or voice again. How must you all be feeling! I will see you all Saturday but until then know that I love you all and understand your grief in losing that personal closness, hugs and laughter. Love Mid
I still find it hard to believe that Cliff is not in this world with us anymore. I remember when Barb and Toody with the three boys would pile in their Studebaker and come to Danville for the weekend. Toody would start honking the horn when they turned on our road and we would all go running out to meet them. I would immediatly take little Cliffy out of my sisters arms and he would be mine for the rest of the weekend. How I loved taking care of him. What a sweet baby, sweet boy and wonderfully sweet man. He truly is an angel.
To my sister Barb, I know your heart is breaking. This was your baby boy. I wish there were words to comfort you. You are one of the strongest people I know. I have always said you were our Rock of Gibraltar. I know you were a great comfort for Cliff during his last few days. I love you. Judy
To all the family:
It is hard to know what to say in the face of so great a loss as you have suffered. I wish I could be there Saturday to celebrate with you as you look back on what has truly been an extraordinary life. May God bless you with a day filled with joy and peace as you share your memories. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely with great affection,
Connie
“Life is Eternal.”
. . . . . .as understood by Wes Miller
We now live in the womb of Eternity that is called “Time”. We enter “Time” when God’s
infinite Life is breathed into our finite bodies from a limitless Heaven.
When the shroud of “Time” shatters the necessity for our maturity and the purpose of our
adornment here on Earth, God’s Life, that lives within us, is conveyed again from our finite
Humanity to the reality of our eternal freedom in the vast remainder of Heaven.
By passing through the birth canal that we call “Death”, and into the rebirth of voluntary or
interceded innocence, we leave behind all of the impurities and imperfections of a life in “Time”,
as we take our place in the Crystal Sea that surrounds the Throne of God.
How beautiful is the energy and grace of the “Continuous Resurrection”.
I know Bridget and I want her and all of the family to know you are in my thoughts. I know this is a difficult time. May God give you all strength. May you all find peace in your hearts.
Wes,
Thank you. Even into my Dad’s final days he talked of the very thing you wrote about. Every chance he got with anyone who walked into our house he would tell them. Your words are comforting as were Dads.
When Dad was fading away he seemed so peaceful. It was as if where ever he was going was good. His eyes were telling us. I will never forget him looking into my mothers eyes as he peacefully let go. It was the most incredible experience I will have ever witnessed. We all just stood there holding hands around him as he went. I can remember Cliffy telling Dad, “Its beautiful isn’t it Dad, go ahead buddy, go on, we love you and we are all here.”
God never wanted us to fear him. He has always wanted us to see ourselves as good…very good. God is love and we were made in his image. It is hard to trust in ourselves, but my Father knew that God was in him which is why he followed his heart. He was with him in every step along the way. Even through this journey my Father never feared this process…not even in his last breath. I could tell that God was with him as he is with all of us. God sees perfection in us all. He made us with love. It is so simple…this message. It is said very well in a book written by Alan Kolp, “It is the power to love-to love God, to love ourselves and to love others.” As Dad would say, “Love Never Fails”.
Hey Mindy
Wes is coming with us Saturday!
Peace
Geo
Oh my Lord.
It has been so long since I have come to this website.
I had no idea that Cliff had passed on, and took me quite by shock.
I was blessed by many of the things Cliff wrote, along with Bruce, Steve and George about The FATHER that loves us without condition.
My condolences to the family, even at this late date…. and hello to yall that still inhabit this group.
Shalom – Nancy from Texas
Thank you for your warm and welcome condolences Nancy. I am Cliffs big brother, and I am so thankful that you have offer me an opportunity to share with you a little insight into the beautiful man you knew.
Cliff was born with an innocence we all have, a wondrous purity we all remember.
As a little boy his eyes would sparkle with every moment of love shown to him. His heart only saw beauty. He choose to dance in this world with the softness of a butterfly’s wings, and the sweetness of the honey of a bubblebee. He offered the kindness of a cool breeze on a summer night, and the warmth of a hot fire on a winter day.
He choose to live a life with a selfless heart, a life that would condemn him for it. A life that the minds of most couldn’t feel.
The innocence of the little boy i spoke of was unfailing, and tireless in his journey. Only wishing for others to know the wondrous beauty of what he knew.
Goodnight bro, Thank you Nancy
Love always
Me and Michaela both rode on the Galileo Charter School bus and still miss Cliff. Michaela can’t believe he died on her 13th birthday. We, and several other students who rode on the bus, still remember his “big Phil” song…and, of course, “I Feel Good” (which we all remember from Garfield). We will forever miss him…
He touched many hearts Cheyenna, and your words from you and Michaela of love are so beautiful to hear after so many years. He would want you to know how precious you are and the fact that he is still in your heart say that you heard the love he was trying to show you, and returned it ten fold.