From the heart of my Mother and the Wife of Cliff
Peace – That is what I am experiencing. I have so many stories about Cliff locked inside but Cliff was my writer and I don’t know how to put them into words like he did. I can only tell you that he was preparing all of us for his leaving. I always said that there was no Nancy without Cliff and he would say back that there was no Cliff without Nancy. I am not alone because Cliff is still here. I feel him and see him when I look around. I see him through others and in every sparrow, in every sound, in my dogs, my children, my friends, I still hear him breath when the wind blows, I feel him touch my cheek and I could go on and on and on. I read all of the things that everyone writes, and I hear all the things that everyone says about my precious Cliff. We were blessed to know this angel but I was the girl at 15 that God sent this perfect gift to. Cliff worked our whole life together to teach me that I am perfect because I didn’t believe that I was a good person and it took him forever for me to get it. He finished that job so it was time for him to take another journey and I know that God has the perfect job for him! I don’t know what it is or who it might be that Gods sends him to but I do know that he will send him or already has sent him back to teach someone else that Love never fails and that they also are perfect. Our lives will never be the same but he made us better people because we were blessed to have known him. Thank you all so much! Nancy
Great picture, beautiful words! Thanks for sharing your heart with us, Nancy. Love, Connie
Nancy, please know that our thoughts and prayers are waith you. Cliff played an imortant roll in Bruce’s and my life . We will always treasure what he taught us, and the fact that he shared his most wonderful family with us. Love you all Julie
Incredible words; thank you for sharing!
I couldnt agree more….beautiful words and thank you so very much for sharing. I too know that Cliff is still around and that brings the most amazing peace. I find myself smiling often throughout the day because I can almost hear his voice teasing me at work…literally
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You are an amazing and beautiful woman Nancy! Please keep sharing with us in the future!!
Love,
Misty
As I sat at the table taking in Cliffs celebration I was so impressed. He touched so many lives. I feel so proud to be his aunt. I agree, there is no Cliff without Nancy or no Nancy without Cliff. I think of you and Cliff everyday. Stay strong. Love Judy
Nancy – I only met Cliff once, but wherever your strength comes from – it is incredible to see. You come to work smiling and in peace – what a gift to your Test family. What a wonderful gift you have been given. I think you are more powerful than you give yourself credit. It is such a wonderful gift to see your inner strength – you’re incredible lovely lady. YOU ARE STRONG!!!! Bobbie
Mom,
Dad was right about you. You are the strong one. You have always been the strong one. I am driven by your peace and your courage to move forward. I still can’t believe this is happening. I understand it all, but I am still in disbelief. I get great relief in knowing that not only do we have someone watching over us, but also knowing that in you I will see him because you are right…their is no Cliff without Nancy and no Nancy without Cliff.
This is the process. I will one day fade into the earth and go back to God and those around me that I love so dearly will do the same, but as I said before I am being driven towards your peace and courage in this moment and what a moment it is. You are teaching me many things Mom and you probably don’t even know you are doing it.
I can say I love you all day long, but you know this already. So let me say this to you:
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
If I can endure for this minute
Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is
Or how dark the moment may be
If I can remain calm and quiet
With all the world crashing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me
If I can but keep on believing
What I know in my heart to be true,
That darkness will fade with the morning
And that this will pass away, too
Then nothing in life can defeat me
For as long as this knowledge remains
I can suffer whatever is happening
For I know God will break all of the chains
That are binding me tight in the darkness
And trying to fill me with fear
For there is no night without dawning
And I know that my morning is near.
Helen Steiner Rice
Nancy I never met Cliff face to face but he truly was a friend to me on the web I thank God for you sharing about Cliff.He will truly be forever in my heart.
Love Dan
I just wanted to drop in and say ,I love you, Aunt Nancy.
Love your niece, Tina
Nancy, when we visited with you to attend Cliffs celebration of live I was amazed at your courage and strength. It is obvious that Cliff is still with you….a part of you that imparts hope to all who see and know you. It is a privilege to call you and your children friends.
I have been off of the web for a couple of weeks due to my laptop crashing so I am just reading this. Please keep writing and sharing your life with us.