WE LOVE CLIF SHOEMAKE

Update 2.1.12

2012-02-01T21:41:00.003-06:00

Hello all!!! Just wanted to drop a quick line and thank everyone for all the love, prayers, and support from last week's post. I am happy to announce that Clif is going tomorrow to reduce the dosage on his baclophen pump!!! I will keep you posted on the amount...but, his doctor and our family hold high hopes to be able to get rid of this pump within the next year (fingers crossed)!!! For those who are wondering what this pump is, it delivers a muscle relaxer to his spine to ease the spasticity in his legs. Basically, his muscles are firing all the time kinda like having a constant cramp. So, for this to be healing is amazing! Also, i wanted to share a new focus for prayer this week and post one of my FAVORITE verses...

This week's prayer:
God, we come before you to ask for prayers for Clif. We thank you for your unending love and faithfulness that you have shown him. We pray that you would help soothe his pain, especially in his right hand. Please help ease his communication and word finding so he can share his stories that we all cherish. And again, thank you for allowing for the baclophen pump reduction and we pray for another one too! Amen.

Verse for the week:
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and and certain of what we do not see. ~Hebrews 11:1

January 2012

2012-01-21T18:04:00.002-06:00

Hey guys!!! Well, as we face a new year once again we continue to find ourselves thankful for all that God has blessed us with...family, friends, and of course Clif's continued progress. Clif is beginning to show quite the independent streak and through sheer determination is regaining strength in his right arm. He now can stand without any assistive devices for long periods of time and tries to ditch his walker when we are not looking!!! We have decided to try to fire up our prayers for him so please join our family if you would like to...

This week's prayer and verse:
God, we come to you in prayer for our amazing Clif. We pray specifically that you would steady his gait and strengthen his right leg. We pray that you would calm the spasticity and allow for ANOTHER reduction in his baclophen pump. We know that you have great things planned for your servant Clif. ~Amen~

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9

Thank you in advance and all my love,
Paige

Summertime Funtime

2011-09-08T13:24:00.002-06:00

Hello all! Writing quickly to update everyone on Clif's progress in the last few months...Well, Clif continues to work out several times a week at our gym and is enjoying it immensely :) Along with working out, his neurotherapy treatments have allowed the baclophen pump (delivers a muscle relaxer to his muscles as they are working too hard - aka spasticity) to be turned down to nearly half of the dosages he has been at in the past. YAY! He struggles with being frustrated over the progress with his right arm, but with patience and hard work that is coming along also. We have been swimming a ton this summer and his niece is helping him with his therapy in the water too (maybe a PT in training?!) Clif is loving his new iphone and, as always, is gladly accepting texts and phone calls. If you still need his new #, text me and I'll send it your way.

All in all, we are doing pretty good and looking forward to the cooler weather and what God has in store for us...

Found this the other day and think it is very comforting and encouraging for our story..."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
~Psalm 91:4

Prayer Requests:
1. PATIENCE :)
2. Continued healing and that Clif will be able to conquer his dream of going to seminary one day...

All my love,
Paige

March Madness!!!

2011-03-14T19:59:00.008-06:00

Hello all! Just wanted to quickly share a pic of Clif working with his trainer at the gym. By the way, he is quickly passing me in weight training...look out Arnold here he comes!

All my love!
Paige

P.S. More pics to follow...

New Year!!!

2011-02-01T14:49:00.004-06:00

Hello all! Hope all is well with our friends and family...we have been plugging along as life always does. Clif still continues to work out every day at home. He has become a pro at the recumbant bike and is almost to the point of ditching the wheelchair while at home. Meanwhile, he got a punching bag for Christmas and is finding it fun to let out some frustration on that too (never any frustration towards me of course!!!) But all and all, things are nice and stable. Which, I guess is good news compared to many of the things that we have been through! He is do for botox injections in his right arm towards the end of the month, and we hope and pray that his ever increasing independence with the walker will be enough of a milestone to jump back into physical and occupational therapy. Please continue to pray for this and for his never ending strength and perseverance.

All my love,
Paige

Whoops Sorry!!!

2010-10-29T16:14:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I just logged on and realized the last post was AGES ago. I am so sorry about that!!! Well, where to begin? We had and eventful summer and now fall. Clif is still hanging in there and continues to slowly make progress. We did finally realize that he had been experiencing quite a bit of pain that he had not mentioned to us. Now that we have discovered this, he started a new medicine that has definitely relieved the pain and he is much happier!!! Also, he has finally made his way back to the Island and volunteers there as well as in the print shop on Thursday afternoons. Yesterday his words were "I had a blast!" But, like always, we ask that you continue to keep him in your prayers. He has been especially discouraged lately about the movement of his right hand. He really is longing to get back to his guitar and is finding it extremely frustrating. Please keep him and his recovery in your prayers. God bless you all and have a safe Halloween weekend!!!

P.S. Does anyone have any encouraging verses that I could share with Clif?

All my love!!!
Paige

Happy Easter Weekend!!!

2010-04-03T12:43:00.002-06:00

Hello all! Just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Easter. Clif is to begin his therapy either this week or next week (a month earlier than originally planned!)...we will keep you updated on the details. Until then have a blessed holiday!!!

GOOD NEWS!!!

2010-02-26T22:42:00.002-06:00

hey guys! just wanted to post a quick update that clif is doing well in therapy. because of this, after a few weeks, he will take a break and is then being recommended for a more advanced program called tirr challenge. this will most likely be starting around the beginning of may. this program will be five days a week and will involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, and various groups. he will be very busy and very tired! more details to follow!!!

January 23, 2010

2010-01-24T21:47:00.002-06:00

Hello again!!! Just to give a quick update again...we are continuing to be steadfast and continue to progress towards our goals! Clif is doing wonderful and his walking is getting much more steady. We have finally stayed our first night in our own house again and have begun to stay on the weekends. PT should be restarting within the next week or two also (I'll let you know when Clif begins to progress to using a cane). Overall, we are keeping our chins up and thanking God for all of his gifts so far. Please continue to pray that his progress will continue, he is proving that through faith anything is possible although they said it couldn't be done. Thank you to everyone for lifting us up in prayer, we truly feel it and are so thankful for your positive comments on the blog too. Have a blessed week!!!

Latest News...December 30, 2009

2009-12-30T17:23:00.003-06:00

Hello! Hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! Just wanted to pass along a prayer request for Clif and his physical therapy. Right now he is working on the goal of walking with his walker without assistance. He is able to do this for short distances, but is still pretty shaky!!! His task is to become steady on the walker at home, and then return to physical therapy to work on advancing to something that provides less support (like a cane). My prayer is that he is able to gain strength steadily so that he may return to physical therapy as soon as possible (our doctor is working on his speedy return too!!) He is continuing in occupational and speech therapy right now though. Please pray for his strength and confidence in himself to conquer this goal...Happy New Year everyone!

Quick Note

2009-10-29T19:22:00.002-06:00

hello all, i just wanted to drop a quick note and let everyone know that clif is now walking with a walker and very minimal assistance!!! all is well!!!

all my love!

paige

October 3, 2009

2009-10-03T21:55:00.003-06:00

Okay...I am again sorry that it has been so long since the last post. All has been pretty fair here. We have had our ups and downs this summer that is for sure!!! At the moment, things are fairly calm and we are very excited about the gains that Clif is making as he has transitioned some of his medicines. It has only been a week, but hopefully the future is looking up!!!

2009-01-22T18:44:00.004-06:00

Hi all! What a great day...God is good! Sorry for the delay, but we have been waiting on a CAT scan and results for some time now. They found extra fluid in Clif's brain. We all have fluid in our brains, but brain trauma patients can have more because it does not drain properly. The doctor is going to fix the issue (by placing a shunt), which will then promote progress on a different level. Pressure will lessen and progress will be made! This is somewhat of a minimal risk surgery, and it will take place on Tuesday morning. All of Clif's symptoms coincide with his diagnosis, right on the money. We are unsure of what recovery looks like right now, but that is the case with all surgeries. We are praying that Clif will experience the best possible outcomes. Clif's doctor said he will be in the hospital for a few days and then hopefully back to TIRR. That is all we know right now. We are asking for BIG prayers!!!

Please pray for God's Presence, the precision of his doctor, the people in the surgical room, the recovery, and the proactive plan thereafter. The verse that keeps echoing in my heart is when Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27). This verse consumes, and I am humbled at His power. I come from a society that plans, needs explanations, and demands controls. I don't make changes unless I have a say in the choice and outcome, but what I have come to realize is God does not have to explain His plan to me in advance. Trust needs no explanation. It gave me a whole new meaning on trusting God with my life and really trying to hear what He has to say to me.

May all the glory go to Him!

God Bless,
Kara and Paige

2009-01-13T22:21:00.002-06:00

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future..."

Jeremiah 29:11

Pictures Anyone???...The St. Martin's Crew and Judge Jim's swearing in...

2009-01-03T01:21:00.007-06:00

Plans for Clif

2008-12-15T14:49:00.002-06:00

Hello all! I am so sorry it has been so long. Clif was scheduled to go back to TLC in Galveston, but Hurricane Ike had different plans. Needless to say, TLC is not up and running at 100%, so Clif has been home with Paige, Mom, and Dad. After submitting papers to the insurance company, we finally received clearance for Clif to attend a day program here in Houston. Clif is receiving different therapies at this facility and goes home each night. This program will get Clif back to his normal routine of some great therapy! Clif is ready!

As far as Clif's progress, he has gone through some medicine changes to see what works best with him. Being home with the family has given the doctors detailed feedback about how the medications are working. What a blessing! Right now, this new brain stimulant is working wonders for Clif's word selection, response time, and meaningful interaction. Clif keeps up with conversations and adds Clifisms more and more. I can't tell you how happy we are to hear more Clifisms! We are waiting on a CAT scan to see if any changes have occurred; hopefully none. The best way for me to describe Clif's progress is the fog is slowly lifting. This is a two to five year process, so Clif is right on the mark. As for his right side, it is getting stronger and more flexible. It is not as strong as the left side though, but it is slowly getting there. Please pray for God's plan for Clif and that all healing glorify Him. Pray for Clif's strength to push himself, his brain to heal, and his right side to keep getting stronger.

Today is Clif's first day at the day facility, so once he gets a week or two under his belt, I will update you on his progress.

Thank you again for all your prayers! God is listening!

God Bless,
Kara

We voted!!

2008-10-29T21:25:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone that we got out to vote for our dad today in Fort Bend County!!! Yay!!! Jim Shoemake for judge of the 434th court!!! We are so proud of you!!!

Paige and Clif

sorry so long...

2008-10-23T20:24:00.002-06:00

so i'm sure that everyone has figured out that galveston plans are on hold for the moment. they are in the process of renovating and clif will be returning as soon as they are ready for him! so, for right now clif is totally happy to still be in houston! he says "i miss you" to everyone, and "i am always thinking about you." please take care...

all our love,
paige and clif shoemake

getting back into it....

2008-09-09T13:56:00.002-06:00

hello all,
just wanted to give a quick update and let everyone know that clif will be heading back down to galveston very shortly (we are trying to let hurricane ike pass through too). we really enjoyed the break and are somewhat sad and excited at the same time for clif to return to tlc. they have a great program though, and it is so important for him right now to stay focused on his health and his goals. shortly (as soon as i can!) i will get the pictures posted from our visit to the island for erin and anthony's farewell party as well as some from our vacation to florida. thanks again for everyone's support, prayers and love. specifically, we ask for prayers for clif's memory and strength as well as strength for our family. we love and miss you all!!!

PS. right now i am looking for verses that might be specifically applied to clif and his rehab process, to put up in his room at tlc. got any ideas? if so, you may email me at paigeshoemake@yahoo.com. thanks a million!!

all my love,
paige

Clif's Vacation & Video Below

2008-08-08T12:25:00.002-06:00

Hi all! I don't want you to miss the video Eric so kindly posted for me. Checkout the blog post below this one to see Clif riding his stationary bike.

Clif has been home for two weeks. He needed the break! He is catching up on rest, riding his stationary bike, walking laps & doing wall squats in the pool on the weekends, and occasionally does some ab work. One of the nurses had Clif start a puzzle last week. This is a great cognitive exercise.

Please pray for Clif to get a substantial walker that has been ordered, but is on back order...and has been for months. Once we get it, Clif will get the opportunity to workout with it. His other store-bought walkers are too flimsy. Secondly, pray for Clif's medication changes and to find a successful combination. Lastly, pray for Clif's overall experience (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). He is doing a remarkable job with this situation, but he always needs help with the low points. Clif sends his love to all of you and thanks you for your prayers. He is coming back to us, just on God's time schedule, not ours.

I found this verse that left me in deep thought, not only for Clif, but for my own life as well. I hope you find something special from it. God didn't promise us a struggle-free life; He promised us everlasting life, which in the long run is WAY better than some hardships we face in our limited time here on earth.
Hebrews 12:11
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Keep pushing, Clif!

God Bless,
Kara

Clif on the Bike

2008-08-08T00:05:00.003-06:00

Vacation Time!

2008-07-02T15:43:00.002-06:00

Before I type a new post, I wanted to let you know Paige downloaded pictures on her last post a few days ago, so check them out if you haven't already. Thanks Paige!

Clif is going to have a vacation from TLC. He is progressing nicely, but is in desperate need of a break. He has been at TLC for 5-6 months now, which is pretty close to a full school year without a break. The family is excited because we know he needs it and, of course, we love to see him as much as possible. With all of this, life will be a bit crazy for the Shoemakes due to Clif needing someone home each day for a number of weeks. We do not mind a bit, but we would LOVE for you to pray for the right people to be with Clif and great workouts be done while at home. We want to keep Clif on his steady course, physically, mentally, and spiritually!

I wanted to share a miracle we experienced with finding people to fill in while Clif is at home. (I typed this blog last night, so this happened in the last 24 hours.) We had three days covered out of the week, but could not find a person for the last two days. Paige's sister offered, but with two children, it might have been a big challenge. What an offer though!!! We had one nurse from TIRR verbally commit to a day; then she called and said she couldn't. We were disappointed, but kept on praying. Paige remembers praying yesterday. She told God she was disappointed, but knew He would figure it out for us. She told Him she used all her contacts and was giving this to Him. Just a few hours later, one of our favorite nurses from TIRR (a different one from before) called and said her permanent job on the two days we needed someone had just come to a close. Talk about a miracle! What a testimony to the fact that when you come to God with an honest heart, fully ready to trust Him, He listens. Our God is bigger than you can possibly imagine. It is easy to box Him in and try to understand his infinite power, but we as humans can't. I thought this was such a cool story and something Clif would be ecstatic to share.

If you have any words of encouragement or just want to send Clif a letter, please email it to me at karahobbs@hotmail.com with the subject called Clif. I will get them all together and make changes to the font, so Clif can read it. Please start off all notes with who you are and where Clif knows you from. This will help jog his memory. If you want to add any funny moment, please do!

Thank you for your continued prayers! Clif is being healed by each one of them!!!

God Bless,
Kara

hi!!!!!

2008-06-30T20:44:00.002-06:00

hello all! i just wanted to post a few fun pictures from the last few weeks! clif and i both send our love!!!

all my love!
paige

Fun in the Sun

2008-06-05T14:33:00.006-06:00

Hello all! Clif has had a great summer. Memorial weekend was a good time had by all. The whole family was home, as well as Clif's close friend Jonathan (aka Cappy). We decided Clif needed to get in the pool to fully enjoy his holiday. Needless to say, he loved it! Even though he had lots of fun, he used his time getting stronger. He did a few walking laps with Mom and Steve at his side. He did remarkably well. He even got a chance to lay on a raft. (He LOVED it!) After two days of being in the pool, Clif was wiped out. Once he experienced a good night's rest, he took it easy on that Monday. Dad said one the ride back to TLC, Clif spoke the clearest speech and did not hesitate, something we have not seen since before the accident. While these moments are quite spread out, they are steps in the right direction. The next week at TLC, they moved him into an aquatics class once a week. I know this will help him tremendously.

That weekend was the year and a half mark for Clif's recovery. Typically, it takes 2-3 years to get to a functioning spot (differs for each person). Though it sounds like great progress to us, Clif struggles to see each victory as closer to normal. I can't say I wouldn't feel the same way; patience is not my strongest trait. With that said, he IS aware of his feelings and sense of normalcy. It is a great sign the "fog" is thinning out. Please pray for Clif as he copes with his past, present, and future. Pray for him to take this opportunity to be still with God, to be honest to His maker no matter what the emotion, to give his burdens to the Lord, and to trust the Lord. Pray for God to fill Clif's heart with His unconditional love, his body with strength, and his brain with the knowledge of the past as well as a new found outlook on life. God is working through Clif, maybe not in ways we understand. I can't wait to hear the outcome of Clif's experience. What a beautiful miracle it will be!

Once I receive the video of Clif using the walker with little assistance, I will post it. It is a must see!

God Bless,
Kara

A Visit at TLC

2008-05-06T17:14:00.010-06:00

Hi all! Clif signed up for camp last week. It is a "low ropes" kind of feel for people with brain injuries...a great reminder of Clif's Camp Allen days guiding kids on the ropes course (different location though). Apparently, he went horseback riding. We don't have pictures, but Clif said he had lots of fun. It is great to get him out and experiencing new things. Plus, we give thanks for a much needed rest for Paige, Mom, and Dad.

Clif is still working so hard at TLC. The faculty is wonderful and very encouraging. Here are some pictures of TLC, Clif's room, one with Clif and his brother-in-law Steve, and the gymnasium they utilize. It is a small facility, but everyone there is family. Check out the video of Clif in the walker (explanation on last post). He is getting stronger each time he does this. Please pray for balance, memory regained, word finding, and a renewed spirit for the Lord!

God Bless,
Kara

Moving on up!!!!

2008-04-03T19:50:00.003-06:00

Hello all! So much has happened since I last blogged. Clif made great improvements at TLC. He entered into TLC knowing he was in a less advanced group, but as of last week he moved into a more challenging program. This move is a big step! He is among others in wheelchairs, some with walkers and canes, and some walking on their own. Dad said you could tell he was happy with this move.

He gets on the treadmill 3 times a week. When he started at TLC, 3 people assisted him in doing this: one for his right leg, one for his left leg, and one to move hips and redistribute his weight while in a harness. There is no longer a person on the left leg, and the right leg assistant is doing less than a week ago. What great news!

The family has noticed Clif's responses to questions are more thoughtful. He initiates conversation now 4-5 times a weekend compared to only answering the question asked. In the gym, you can see Clif nod and say, "What's up!" to people he passes....now that sounds like Cliffy! He is in a manual wheelchair instead of the electric one. He is getting stronger everyday!

He still struggles with memory, but the therapists said he is getting better, just very small steps. Paige noticed a difference when they were playing games against each other; Clif started remembering different rules. Small steps, but still moving forward. What an amazing journey! The Lord is definitely at work with Clif!!!!

Thank you so much for your prayers! You have no idea the strength we take from your thoughtful and loving words. Please keep praying for Clif's memory and strength.

Need Prayers for Significant Improvements

2008-02-28T14:59:00.002-06:00

Hello all! Paige had a meeting with TLC yesterday to discuss the two week evaluations on Clif. They said they must see "significant improvement" in Clif's memory, word finding, right arm, right leg, and walking in the next month for him to continue his therapy at their facility. We know this is a short amount of time for such changes, but we know when we put our trust in God, He can perform miraculous things. The family is asking for your prayers in this matter. Help us lift up Clif in this time of need. If you could put him on your church's or bible study's prayer list, we would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for being a part of Clif's recovery. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful support system.

God Bless,
Kara

Clif has a room at TLC!

2008-02-15T11:57:00.002-06:00

Good news....Clif has a room at TLC and is starting therapy this week!!! For two weeks, TLC will evaluate Clif in every aspect to see how they can provide help and motivation. Clif is excited about the next step, but like all of us was a little hesitant to leave the nest. Please pray for Clif to adjust quickly and to start to progress in his therapy. Also, keep the doctors, therapist, and techs in your prayers. Pray for their wisdom, care, and strength in getting Clif to 100%, and that they grow to know and love our Cliffy. I know they work hard. Lastly, pray for safe travel as family members travel to and from Galveston each week to visit and transport Clif home on the weekends. Thank you again for all your prayers. Our family is so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives.

God Bless,
Kara

The Waiting Game

2008-02-05T11:11:00.000-06:00

Well, we finally know Clif has been accepted into TLC in Galveston, Texas. This is a residential facility that has an amazing therapist/patient ratio and encourages therapy at all times. It is like a rehab boot camp, and makes patients "want" even more than before they got there. Our family is so excited about this move. Clif is now waiting for a bed to open up for him. Please pray for an opening for Clif. Prayer is powerful! God is listening!

Thank for you for all your love, support, and prayers!

God Bless,

Kara

Clif's Next Step

2007-12-19T15:26:00.000-06:00

Hello all! Sorry it has been so long since my last posting. Clif had his 25th birthday on Nov. 10th. Paige and my parents threw a movie themed party with junk food and all. Clif had an amazing time, but was completely exhausted after seeing so many family members and friends. We are so thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate this birthday and Clif's life.

Clif has been an outpatient at TIRR, meaning he goes to TIRR during the day and comes home at night. We have enjoyed having him home. With Mom and Paige as his caretakers, Clif has been taken care of and challenged every day. His right side is getting feeling in it. He moves his fingers and picks up his arm. The mobility increases each week. On Thanksgiving Day, Clif (Paige and Steve helped keep his balance) took four steps with his right leg for the first time. It brought tears to our eyes! Praise God! We had so much to celebrate on that special Thanksgiving! You can see from the pictures, Clif is strong enough to stand and keep his balance for a short time.

Today marks Clif's One year anniversary since his accident. Please celebrate Clif's life in anything and everything you do today. Clif and our family would not have been as strong without you!

Dec. 20th is Clif's last day at TIRR. He graduates to the next step. As of right now, the family is determining what is the best facility for Clif's injury and his personality. We want Clif to be challenged and have fun as he pushes through the obstacles that lay in front of him. God is truly here, watching over Clif. We see miracles each day! Clif is starting to get a little sarcasm back and a bigger vocabulary in his conversations...good ol' Clif! It has been a long road and he still has even farther to go, but he is progressing. Patience IS a virtue!

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. My family can't thank you enough for all you do for Clif. Keep praying for Clif's healing and what God wants for Clif's next step. We want to follow God's lead. Help us lift up Clif and find God's path.

God Bless,

Kara

We need YOUR help!

2007-11-12T19:13:00.000-06:00

We are now looking for a daytime caretaker to be with Clif Monday through Friday from 7am to 7 pm. This person would go with Clif to and from TIRR each day as well as care for any extra needs he may have. He needs someone asap! If you do not know anyone, please lift up this prayer request. Pray for a faithful servant who has great energy and loves to laugh....a prefect match for Clif! God is listening! You can call me any time at 281-578-7699.

God Bless,

Kara

Clif is home!!!!!

2007-11-05T12:36:00.000-06:00

Well, October has been an amazing month. Mom and Clif had a long talk about the accident and all the events that transpired with him the past 10 months. It was a great conversation to put things in perspective for Clif. The family has seem a big difference with Clif and his therapy since then.

Clif, Paige, Mom, Steve (Clif's brother-in-law), Harper (Clif's niece), and I went to the zoo a few weeks ago. It was so much fun! The weather was perfect and so were the animals. Clif really enjoyed the fresh air and people watching. It is always nice to loose yourself in life every once in a while. We all enjoyed the day, especially Harper as it was her first trip. Needless to say, we were exhausted when we drove home. You can see some pictures of our trip above this post. As you might have noticed, Clif is out of the casts and into braces. We are working on Clif's stamina in standing and getting in and out of his wheelchair. He does a big amount of the lifting and standing. Amazing! The monkey picture had to be added since it is a "Clif picture," meaning absolutely random, but makes you smile!

Clif came home this week!!!! FINALLY!!! Some friends from All Saints Episcopal Church and family welcomed Clif home. Clif is now living with Jim, Judy, and Paige at the Shoemake's house. We are waiting for workman's comp to finish the bathroom and door frames for Clif's accessibility. Other than that, Clif is taking a vacation from therapy for a week and a half. What a blessing to come this far and finally get to rest! God is amazing and His presence is strong! Please pray Clif enjoys his time off and gets some much needed rest. Even when we rest, we can draw closer to God and listen to the plans He has for us.

Yesterday, the family was going to get a bite to eat. Clif's task was to direct us to the restaurant. He gave great directions! They arrived at the destination and enjoyed a great meal. It sounds so small, but the brain heals on it's own time. We are always happy to see progress, no matter the size!

The whole Shoemake family wants to thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Clif's experience has been a great testimony to our family. We have learned giving our worries and fears to God is essential for fully trusting God (The Book of Matthew). It is not easy, but each day we get better at it. God wants us to trust Him to fight our battles. It has been a hard lesson to learn, but one that will stay with us forever! God is capable of everything! Clif's progress has also been helped by your prayers. Prayer is a powerful tool. God is listening!

Faith leads us when we don't know what to do. We pray you take Clif's experience and share with others what God can do for their lives. What a great reason to share God's glory, especially as we get ready to celebrate Christ's birth.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all you are doing for Clif!

God Bless,

Kara

Right Side is Doing Better!!!

2007-10-06T10:41:00.000-06:00

Hello all! Well, Clif has had a great five weeks. The family went to the church Dena, Clif, and I grew up attending. Clif had a great time seeing faces he has known for his whole life. We go out to eat periodically to help integrate some of our everyday living back into Clif's life. He loves it! Attached are some videos of Clif playing basketball and soccer. If you notice, Clif is starting to kick with his right leg; it is great for therapy and for circulation. The kicks are small, but it is a huge stride in the right direction. The left side started out this way too, and now look where it is. What a miracle! The basketball video is Clif working on using his left hand to shoot a basket. He is also learning how to write with it. I can't imagine changing your dominant hand after 24 years, but he is doing it. This will help him see some progress while his right hand is getting stronger. Clif's basketball game is going to be heightened! Friday, we had a family meeting with Clif's therapists and social workers. He continues to progress. Please pray for mobility, his right side, memory, and speech. Any extra help will make a difference! God is listening to your prayers! In the near future, Clif will move home, no specific date yet though. We have a few things to work out: doctors and aids. We are currently looking for a general doctor and/or internist who feels comfortable with brain injuries and who would be willing to accept our workman's comp insurance. Contact me, Kara Hobbs (Clif's sister) at 281-578-7699 if you are interested. Please pray for the journey we will have with workman's comp. Secondly, we are trying to get Clif a better schedule so he can focus on his therapies. Please pray for Clif's energy and drive as he works so hard to get back to all of us. We will be having aids to help during the day when Clif is at home. If you know of any qualified aids, please let us know as those who are the best are from word of mouth. Contact me if you know of someone(information above). Continue to believe and trust in the Lord that Clif will be back to us. Anyone that knows Clif knows God has big plans for him. We see miracles each day. God can do anything! Thank you for your continued support. God does have plans for us, plans to prosper us, and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. Clif says, "Hi! I miss ya'll so much!" God Bless, Kara

SUNDAY 9.30.07

2007-09-30T22:56:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!!! I don't really have a ton to say but i just wanted to say that Clif had a great weekend home with our family and we had a blast! I truly am feeling so encouraged! Each and every day he teaches me more than I could ever teach him in a million years. Please keep those prayers coming!!! He is really is a testament of faith and all that can be acheived in the face of adversity. Those who are true heros never really know it...

The memory verse for Clif and I this week is:
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

All my love,
Paige

Update 9.17

2007-09-17T10:57:00.000-06:00

Kathy Ellwood visited Clif late last week...here's an email from her about Clif's afternoon last Thursday...pretty cool stuff.

Hey Guys,
I had the am Thursday shift and couldn't give it up completely, so I went down around 11:00 for a quick visit (with hands tied behind my back). I went with Clif to Physical Therapy and got to see him walk down the hall (using the standing walker)! He also moved his right arm from his lap to the arm rest on his chair. It was a very large day!
Just had to share the Good News with you all. Keep up the prayers for Clif and his Entourage. He continues to make amazing progress.
Peace,
Kathy E.

There is no doubt that God and Clif are partners on one heck of a journey.

Today's Prayer:

God help us to change. To change ourselves and to change our world. To know the need for it. To deal with the pain of it. To feel the joy of it. To undertake the journey without understanding the destination. The art of gentle revolution. Amen+
from Michael Leunig's book A Common Prayer

Peace!
e

Thank you for your prayers!

2007-08-24T11:11:00.000-06:00

Well, Clif is out of surgery. Everything went as planned, and Clif is doing well as he recovers. He will be in casts for 4 weeks and will experience some pain, so keep praying for him as he gets closer to his goal of a 100% recovery. Pray that as Clif learns what real patience is, he opens his eyes, ears, heart, mind, and soul to God and His plan. Pray each day his testimony gets stronger and will touch more people's hearts. Lastly, praise God for your personal relationship with Him! What a blessing we have and can share with other!

Also, Clif's PEG is finally out! All food, drink, and medicines are taken orally. Clif loves the fact he is doing this on his own. One less medical task!!!!

Here is a picture Ann (Paige's mom) took one day last week at therapy. If you notice, Clif is using his right arm against gravity. It takes everything he has to do this. What a wonderful sight! Remember, Clif's left side went through the same process. I think we all have a new understanding of the phrase, "Patience is a virtue." Is it ever!

God Bless,

Kara and Paige

Update 8.22

2007-08-23T16:08:00.001-06:00

Last week, the ladies asked Clif if wanted to take a picture smiling or making a scary face. Guess what he chose?

Clif is finally going to have his surgery very early tomorrow (Friday the 23rd) morning. He'll be transported over to Hermann and should be back at TIRR by early afternoon. The procedure is a very simple 15 minute surgery in which the doctors will create a series of perforations in the tendons of his ankles. In the previous post by Kara and Paige a little more detail is given. His ankles will be in casts for about 4 weeks. The goal of this procedure is to maximize the stretching that will benefit Clif in stability and mobility.

Pray for his surgery, the team of doctors and nurses, the family and for Clif.

Last weekend, Clif not only enjoyed his time at his parent's house, but also went shopping for new shoes as well as a stop by Bed Bath and Beyond. That made me think of one of Clif's favorite movie lines from "Old School" ...

--"Well, actually, it's shaping up into a pretty nice little Saturday. We're gonna go to Home Depot. Buy some wall paper, maybe get some flooring...stuff like that. Maybe Bed Bath and Beyond. I don't know...don't know if we'll have enough time." --Frank the Tank

Clif will be back home at his parent's house this weekend.

If you would like to contribute to the fund, now is a good time to do so...it is beginning to get a bit low. Instructions are on the right hand side of this blog page.

Scripture for today:

But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Acts 3:6-8

Peace!

Eric

Surgery Update

2007-08-10T12:42:00.000-06:00

We wanted to let you know Clif's surgery has been postponed until next week. We will fill in the details as we receive them. Thank you for your prayers!

P.S. Clif's "Rapping" Gals....Clif loves your one of a kind rap songs. What a great way to put a smile on Clif's face...and all of our's! They are hilarious and touch my heart all at the same time. Thank you!

God Bless,

Kara and Paige

In Addition to Eric's Message

2007-08-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

Well, we have witnessed many miracles this month. For the past four weeks, Clif has earned "weekend passes" home. With each visit, Clif gains strength. The therapists have commented on how much Clif has changed. Our family looks forward to each visit...Clif feels right at home.

Last week, the Lord was smiling down on Clif as he took his first steps. He traveled 15 - 20 feet with a special walker and aid from his therapist. God was good to Paige too! She witnessed the whole thing while filling in for her grandmother. What a blessing!

This week the doctor said Clif's PEG will be removed. A PEG is the feeding tube, which has not been used for food for quite some time, but was crucial for when Clif did not have enough water during the day. Now Clif is reaching his nutritional and hydration needs as well as taking his medication by mouth. The is a huge step in the right direction! Praise God!

Friday, Clif will undergo a procedure to help stabilize his ankles as he is weight bearing (standing). This is a great way to stretch out and lengthen his tendons. This procedure will leave Clif in casts for 4 weeks to ensure the tendons stay stretched out. Please pray for Clif as he endures this stretching and experiences some pain.

One of Paige's colleagues is helping out Clif on a private basis with his Aphasia (difficulty with word selection). Thank the Lord for Stephanie as she has so generously volunteered to help Clif on his path to recovery.

Please keep praying for Clif to be healed. Pray that the Lord continues to fill Clif's heart with love, perseverance, strength, wisdom, and above all patience.

Thank you for your continued support. Our family is so blessed to have such a strong circle of friends, family, and prayer warriors rallying around Clif as well as us. God bless you and your families. We pray for you each night. By the way, Clif said, " thank you for your prayers...KEEP PRAYING! The prayer ministry is working!" (He had a huge grin on his face!)

P.S. I had to add the picture where Clif, Paige, Steve (brother-in-law), Harper (Clif's niece), Dena (sister), and I (Kara - sister) are posing for a Charlie's Angels picture. My family started this tradition about 10 years ago and take every opportunity we get to add to our collection. I know, we are very silly! Here is the one we took at Clif and Paige's wedding. Thought you would like to see Clif hasn't lost his sense of humor! Good ol' Cliffy!

God Bless,
Kara and Paige

Update 8.7

2007-08-08T15:24:00.000-06:00

A week ago this past Monday, Clif did a little stepping out. With his walker in hand, he took about 20 steps forward with his team helping him with his right leg. How about that?! His right side is not as mobile as his left, but he continues to work hard on it. He also has played a mean game or two of tic tac toe, has requested to play mafia (ask any kid in youth group) and has cheated his way past cookie bribes. Some things never change.
Clif just keeps on moving forward each day and he is doing well...continue to pray for short term memory...This is standard for his injury and just takes a lot of work and time. He continues to amaze on a regular basis on his long term memory work.
On weekends now Clif has been able to get out and about a bit and has enjoyed the change in scenery.

Prayer for today:
Dear Child of God, all of us are meant to be contemplatives. Frequently we assume that this is reserved for some rare monastic life, lived by special people who alone have been called by God. But the truth of the matter is that eachone of us is meant to have taht space inside where we can hear God's voice. God is available to all of us. God says, "Be still and know that I am God." Each one of us wants and needs to give ourselves for quiet. We can hear God's voice most clearly when we are quiet, uncluttered, undistracted--when we are still. Be still, quiet, and ten you begin to see with the eyes of the heart.
from Desmond Tutu's book A Vision of Hope for Our Time
Peace!
Eric

Update 7.12

2007-07-12T20:06:00.000-06:00

Clif is the man. His smile is back and the Cliffy humor continues to seep out on a regular basis. Several weeks ago Clif had a procedure to put a pump in to deliver regular pain medication to relieve some of the tension in the right side of his body. It is working well for Clif and he continues to steadily gain a little more function and flexibility in his right arm/hand and leg.
He continues to respond like a rock star to the music therapy and in fact several weeks ago he was filmed to be included in a documentary on head injuries. The camera brought out the performer in Clif as he kept one eye on it the whole time.
Clif is becoming more and more conversational and has been getting a really big kick out of the videos the ladies and crew have been making for him--it's a good investment of your time too!
Hey Clif Feel Betta REMIX
A Clifmas Story
Boy Bands for Clif
Hey Clif Feel Betta (Original Version)
Clif's stay has been extended at TIRR through August. Last weekend he had his first jaunt off campus and was able to visit his parent's house. He has a new wheelchair on the way and his chair driving skills have improved drastically! However his team has kept the speed on his chair dialed way down. Clif, as it may come as a surprise, likes to go fast.
He is looking great, feeding himself, brushing his own teeth and wields a mean razor. He has slimmed up and his hair has grown out a bit, and he works his eyes big time to get what he wants.
Paige is very busy and enjoying her new post at Memorial Hermann. The Clif and Paige fund is beginning to get low again, so feel free to make a generous donation. Info on how to do that is in the right hand column of the Blog. Please get the word out on this, as your generosity makes huge difference in Paige's peace of mind in paying bills etc.
Today's Prayer:

In your glory, Lord, protect us by the power of your name,
that we may be one as you are one.

We are in the world but not of it.
Protect us from the evil one.

Give us your word and the full measure of your joy.
Sanctify us by your truth.

May your Spirit unite us in the love and glory of Father and Son.
May we be one that the world may believe.

As you sent your Son into the world
so send us, to make your glory known.

Gracious God,
you have made us fellow citizens with the saints
in the city of eternal light.
In the time of storm, when the foundations shake,
teach us to wait in silence
on your steadfast and transforming love,
made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (from Oremus.org)

Peace!
eric

OOPS!!!!

2007-07-08T22:30:00.000-06:00

Hello all,
I just logged on a realized that the blog has not been updated in almost a month!!! I am so very sorry about that!!! Please stay tuned for an updated post in the VERY NEAR FUTURE!!! We will get on it ASAP!!!

~Paige~

Update 6.13

2007-06-13T13:04:00.001-06:00

Clif is speaking in his Big Voice almost all the time now! And with his Big Voice have come funny and sometimes sarcastic Clif- there's a lot of sweet laughter coming from his room these days. We're still waiting on Clif's laughter, and know that it can't be far off.

The muscles on his right side are very tight and stretching them out can be painful. Clif is going to have a procedure done on Thursday to install a pump that will administer pain relief drugs directly to his spinal cord. This is NOT brain surgery. We pray that this will help relieve pain and also help Clif's muscles to relax so that he can use his right side more. Please pray that the procedure goes well, that the pump does everything it's supposed to do, and that the time will come quickly when Clif no longer needs the pump.

Today's prayerful moment:

The most sophisticated people I know- inside they're all children. We never really lose a certain sense we had when we were kids.
-Jim Henson

peace, friends!
erin

Update 5.28

2007-05-29T14:56:00.000-06:00

watch this

Update 5.25

2007-05-25T08:46:00.000-06:00

Big Voice has arrived. Clif is now speaking with his big voice and it is so sweet to hear. His right side (arm and leg) is still giving him a run, but with pain medication he is able to put weight on his right leg and he is getting more flexibility in his arm and hand. Long term memory is really very good. If something doesn't come to him immediately, it usually does after a prompt or two. Short term memory is what he is working on right now. Things like remembering what day it is, etc. Pray for his short term memory work.
More facial expressions are developing each day. The other day he almost laughed (hasn't happened yet, but close), when Judy (mom) was talking about doing a cartwheel. Clif smirked, cut his eyes with his head tilted a bit said, "Yeah, right". We all cracked up!
He continues to work on flexibility and is making good progress toward being able to stand up. Clif's progress is now beginning to exceed where the team was expecting him to be at this time, so he will continue his hard work at TIRR well into the summer to stay ahead of the curve. Everyone is exceptionally proud of everything Clif is accomplishing!
Pray for short term memory, pray for continued strength building and give thanks for the big voice. Paige is a champion as well as Judy and the whole family. They are all remarkable.
There is a video that "the ladies" (as I call them) have put together...that also almost made Clif laugh--in fact it probably came close than Judy's cartwheel--perhaps with a little encouragement we can coax them to post it on the blog...here begins that petition!

Today's Prayer:

This frog has a song to be sung.
This frog isn't gonna spend his life in a swamp
Catchin' flies with his tongue.
This frog may slip and stumble,
But this frog tries again.
This frog will never grumble,
But fall to rise again.
This frog is staying with it
Like a tick sticks to a dog.
I'm gonna win!
You're gonna love this frog!
-Kermit
AMEN+

Peace!
eric

Update 5.8

2007-05-08T16:08:00.000-06:00

My apologies for being tardy in updates.
Clif continues to move forward...literally. Last week Clif got an electric wheelchair. Ahhh...to have wheels again....By the end of the day it had be repossessed so that it could be dialed back. It seems that Clif was roaring up and down the halls at top speed, so they've slowed him down. He has his wheels again, just tamed down a bit.
He continues to work on all of his therapies at TIRR. Clif is working on his loud voice and is able to "turn it on" sometimes--it is inconsistent, but it is there. Today he was in a different standing therapy that required him to support more of his own body weight.
Clif's right arm and leg continue to slowly gain more movement with little twitches and movements. Last week he had some botox shots to help with pain and tightness in the muscles of his right arm and leg. The team occasionally cast his right arm and feet to stretch him out. These are necessary steps to becoming more mobile.
Paige and the family are doing well. Keep up the prayers and thank you for all your words of encouragement!

Today's prayer:
O Lord my God, Teach my heart this day
where and how to see you--
where and how to find you--
You have made me and remade me,
and you have bestowed on me all the good things I possess,
and still I do not know you--
I have not yet done that for which I was made--
Teach me to seek you,
for I cannot seek you unless you teach me,
or find you unless you show yourself to me--
Let me seek you in my desire
let me desire you in my seeking--
let me find you by loving you
let me love you when I find you.
+Amen

Peace!
eric

Update 4.24

2007-04-23T23:20:00.000-06:00

Talking, singing, eating...just some of the tricks our friend ol' Clif is up to. His speech is very, very soft. In order to hear, I must get my ear up next to his mouth. Clif is very aware of what is going on. He has memories of events from long ago all the way up to the ski trip. He is especially enjoying the music therapy. Last Friday, Megan came by with her guitar and together we all sang Amazing Grace, Shine Jesus Shine, Twist and Shout and Free falling. Clif doesn't have his big voice back yet, but he knows the words and sings along. Megan put her guitar around Clif's neck and he was able to make chords with his left hand. He made a Em, C, and most of a G. Megan says that Clif is her most responsive patient ever. What a surprise...
Clif's right arm is coming along. The team had casted it for a couple of days in order to stretch it out. He is protective of it. His diet continues to expand and Clif is doing well with feeding himself. Last week Clif led the family in prayer.
Pray for Clif's continued recovery, for his medical team and for the family. Everyone continues to be encouraged--momentum is a good thing!

Today's Reflection:

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.
Peter Gomes from his book, The Good Book

Peace!
eric

Update 4.11

2007-04-11T15:03:00.000-06:00

Clif had an Easter move. Early Sunday morning, Clif was moved to Memorial Hermann due to dehydration. This is not too uncommon because at TIRR you cannot have any IVs. He was not getting enough water (probably due to his hiccups) and became dehydrated. He is at Memorial Hermann and is doing just fine. He is not in ICU and has stayed there for several days so that they could get him regulated again. He does not have pneumonia and has not had pneumonia for weeks and weeks. While at Memorial Hermann he became over-hydrated, which apparently has been confused by some with having pneumonia.
The good news is that Clif is now slated to go back to TIRR this evening.
His routines of physical therapy in the mornings and occupational therapy in the afternoons should resume soon! His diet is expanding to more and more foods and he seems pleased with that.
Today's Prayer:
For first light and bird song,
I give thanks to you, Creator,
by whose hand darkness and light
were set apart, and whose imagination
dreamed this universe and breathed its life
by your enkindling Spirit and good Word.
Bless this new day and me, Lover of Souls,
to whom I give glory, honor, love, and praise.
AMEN+ (from Simple Prayers for Complicated Lives)

Peace!
eric

Update 3.30

2007-03-30T20:05:00.000-06:00

Clif made it over to TIRR this week. He is settling into his new routines of therapy...lots of therapy! They work him hard in the mornings and again in the afternoons. Clif is styling in street clothes for the first time since the accident. He has good movement in his left arm and his team has been working on stretching him out and getting his arms/hands, legs and feet to extend and used to working again. He has whispered several words that can made out and will continue to work on his language skills. Mushy foods continue to be eaten and he remains to be supplemented with the feeding tube. The wound where the trache was is healing nicely and looks like he will have minimal scaring.
Clif has lots of work to do, and he is making good improvements each day. He gets tired easily, and his endurance will improve as he works on regaining more strength. He has lost a lot of muscle mass over the last 3 months, but the doctors are still surprised at the strength he has retained particularly in his arms.
Pray for his continued healing for progress in his therapies.

Prayer for the day in anticipation of Palm Sunday:

Almighty and everliving God,
in your tender love for the human race
you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ
to take upon him our nature,
and to suffer death upon the cross,
giving us the example of his great humility:
Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering,
and also share in his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen+
by Bosco Peters (www.liturgy.co.nz)

Peace!
eric

Update 3.22

2007-03-22T09:44:00.000-06:00

The big news just keeps rolling in my friend! On Monday, Clif was approved to be moved to TIRR. TIRR is one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. Thank God for being in Houston with the finest health care in the world!
Clif had to put blocks in a bucket, know his right from his left, point to "yes" and "no" on a board to answer questions, as well as be totally healthy/pneumonia free. He is there.
There is no word yet as to when the move will occur, but it will be sooner rather than later.
When Clif was first in Denver, the doctors there said that it would be 3 months before the swelling would be totally gone, and that then we would begin to see some larger improvements. This past Monday marked 3 months to the day of Clif's accident. The improvements are happening. We'll have more info for you on what all Clif will be doing in his new routines once he is transferred, but for now rejoice in the progress and his graduation to the big boy rehab.
Check back to the blog soon, the Clif's Entourage blue bands are getting around! You'll see below that Friend of SMYM Pat Green is on board...Come back and see who's wearing them now....

Today's prayer:
May God agree with us.
Yes, my God, you will save us,
and your thoughts will be with us night and day.
Grant us to remain a long time,
like the great wing of rain, like the long rains.
Give us the fragrance of a purifying branch.
Be the support of our burdens,
and may they always be untied,
the shells of fertility and mothers and children.
God be our safeguard, also where the shepherds are.
God, sky, with stars at your sides
and the moon in the middle of your stomach,
morning of my God that is rising,
come and hit us with your waters.
And God said: "All right." SAMBURU, KENYA
AMEN+

Peace, eric

Update 3.18

2007-03-18T10:47:00.000-06:00

Mr. Clif has had a very fine week this past week. He has continued to eat soft mushy things like mashed potatoes, mango sorbet is a hit, and applesauce but the biggest news of this past week...drum roll please...the trache came out on Friday afternoon!
He is not speaking, and has a lot of work ahead of him to get to that point, but he is making some noises. He'll lean forward from time to time and has overall improved motor skill. No doubt, he is getting stronger now that the pneumonia has finally left the building. What is amazing to me is that the doctors in Denver had said that it would take 3 months for the swelling in Clif's noggin' to go down and at that time we'd begin to see big improvements. Monday will be 3 months to the day. Improvements are happening!

Paige will be starting back to work on Monday as her time under the Family Leave Act has come to a close. Pray for Paige as she heads back to the work place for her strength and peace of mind as Clif makes his strides. We all give such thanks to God for Paige and Clif's stellar family who tirelessly give to Clif and see to Clif's well being and progress.

Today's prayerful moment:
As they were leaving Jericho, a huge crowd followed. Suddenly they came upon two blind men sitting alongside the road. When they heard it was Jesus passing, they cried out, "Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!" The crowd tried to hush them up, but they got all the louder, crying, "Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!"
Jesus stopped and called over, "What do you want from me?"
They said, "Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!"
Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant, and joined the procession.
Matthew 20:29-34 from "The Message" translation by E.H. Peterson

Peace! eric

New feature of the blog--Question of the week:
If you were to have your friends attribute a single quality to you, what would you want it to be?

Update 3.12

2007-03-12T13:10:00.000-06:00

Clif has been hard at work on eating this week. Some things are harder than others to eat, and you can see that he is working really hard. Today he had mashed potatoes and gravy, which he really seemed to enjoy. He's moving around more and more, both with the help of therapists and on his own. They've put a different valve on the trache which allows him to make some noises. He's definitely not talking, but you can sometimes hear his voice when he coughs.

Clif's entourage keeps growing! Here are a few pictures of our newest member (Pat Green) at the Houston Rodeo this weekend.

Look closely and you can see that Pat wore the bracelet through the whole concert! Clif has copies of these in his room- he was very interested when we showed them to him!

A prayerful moment for today:

In the book of Genesis, the first word God speaks to a human being is you (Genesis 2:15), and in the Book of Revelation, the last word a human being speaks in effect to God is "Come, Lord Jesus!" which is to say "Come, you!" (Revelation 22:20).

It is possible that the whole miracle of Creation is to bridge the immeasurable distance between Creator and Creature with that one small word, and every time human beings use it to bridge the immeasurable distances between one another, something of that miracle happens again.

-Frederick Buechner

peace!

erin

Update 3.7

2007-03-07T16:22:00.000-06:00

Clif's therapists have been working him hard! The standing frame they were using was a little small for him, so they've switched to a standing table that does basically the same thing (helps his balance and supports his weight). It's much better than the frame, but the base adds about 6 inches to his height, making him almost 7 feet tall! It's apparently quite a sight. Today he was working on lifting his left arm to grab items at shoulder height. He's doing lots of good work; everything is still very slow and takes great effort. Yesterday he also ate some applesauce! Just a few bites, but he was able to swallow and get it into his stomach. Food is a very good thing!

Please continue to pray for healing, endurance, and patience. Right now we are praying especially for Clif to keep his spirits up.

We will be out of town for a few days on a youth trip, but will update when we return on Sunday or Monday.

Today's prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. We know not what it will bring forth, but make Clif ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If he is to stand up, help him to stand bravely. If he is to sit still, help him to sit quietly. If he is to lie low, help him to do it patiently. And if he is to do nothing, let him do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give him the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 461)

peace!
erin

Update 3.4

2007-03-04T13:18:00.000-06:00

Clif continues to make small but important steps forward. As of Friday he has been taken off the supplemental oxygen and is now breathing regular air! The trache remains in his throat to aid them in suctioning his lungs. The pneumonia is slowly clearing, and Clif is working hard to get the gunk out of his lungs. He does several hours of therapy each day, sitting in a wheelchair, standing in a frame that helps support his weight, working on moving his mouth and swallowing. It's tiring work, and he is working hard. Clif is awake quite a bit these days and seems more and more aware each time we see him. Eric reports that they've had some intense thumb wars. :)

Paige has plans to start back to work later this month. She will still be able to spend a lot of time with Clif, and Clif's family will be with him whenever Paige cannot be there. We're still collecting frozen meals and gift certificates for Paige at the Island.

I apologize for the space between posts- rest assured that we will continue to update you, and that you will no be left out of the loop. Clif's progress is slow but steady these days.

Today's prayerful moment:

Enough. These few words are enough.
If not these words, this breath.
If not this breath, this sitting here.

This opening to the lilfe
we have refused
again and again
until now.

Until now.
- David Whyte

peace, friends!
erin

Update 2.22

2007-02-22T13:40:00.000-06:00

Each day brings a little more progress for Clif. There is lots of good news to share. His lungs are progressing very well in clearing up from the pneumonia. He continues to sit up on the side of the bed as part of his physical therapy and getting a little stronger each day. His eyes are more expressive and you can really see the wheels turning inside. The trache is still in place and he still has a small flow of oxygen to enrich his intake, so there are still no sounds yet.
Paige is in good spirits and we are all amazed by her absolute love and dedication to Clif. Not that he's hard to love :), but Paige is awesome.
We still have have room in the freezer at the Island if you'd like to drop off a meal for Paige or a gift card. Wrist bands are still available too!

Today's prayer:

Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another. Anyone who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and anyone who takes care of a master will be honored. Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another.
Proverbs 27:17-19

Peace!
Eric

Febuary 20, 2007

2007-02-20T19:39:00.002-06:00

Hello all! It has been quite a while since I have made a post on the blog, and I thought that I would update on Clif's progress today.
As of yesterday, Clif has now been off the vent for two weeks!!! And what a huge blessing that has been! He continues utilize oxygen support via the trach. But thank goodness the ventilator has even been removed from the room!!! HIs eyes are bright and hopefully someday soon we'll be able to know all that he is thinking. I'm sure he has a joke or two waiting!! As far as physical and occupational therapy go, he has been doing quite well. Friday, he sat on the edge of the bed for nearly 45 minutes with asistance and even held his head up for a couple of minutes independently. Yesterday, Monday, was his frst day to attempt the standing frame. This is a device that helps brace his feet and legs in the standing postition while the therapists provide a little asistance for the head and upper body. That was an AWESOME sight!!! He was able to tolerate several minutes in this position. Hopefully, he will be able to try again this week. Today, he sat up in a wheel chair for about 1 and 1/2 hours. This was also a first for him. Each day he is getting stronger, most notably with being able to hold up his head and neck. We as a family are so proud of him. He continues to show an inner strength that far surpasses anything that I could have imagined. Please continue to pray for his full and complete healing, as well as continued strength and peace for the incredible journey that still remains.
Thank you all once again for the continued cards, prayers, care packages, and frozen meals. Every single word of encouragement is appreciated more than you will ever know. THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU!!!

All my love,
Paige

Update 2.14

2007-02-14T12:16:00.000-06:00

Everything continues to move forward, slowly but surely. Small improvements are made each day. Clif is sitting up on his own at the edge of his bed for about 20 minutes each day as part of his physical therapy. He still has a little oxygen flow to the trache and his breathing continues to be strong. He continues to work on clearing out his lungs. Clif is tracking better with his eyes.
We are in the part of the process where continued patience is absolute key--it's just a slow go. And it continues to go forward.
Paige is doing great and is beginning to develop somewhat of a daily rhythm for herself. She sends her love to all. We are still accepting freezable meals or gift cards for groceries or restaurants at the Island. Details are in the previous post below.
Keep positive and pray for our boy Clif!

Today's reflection:
A community leader came to see Jacob, hoping to find peace of mind, an ease for his burden.
The man was troubled by a repetitive dream that he did not understand.
"Jacob, in my dream, I have traveled a long distance and am finally arriving at a great city. But, at the entrance to the city, I am met by a tall soldier who says that I must answer two questions before I am admitted. Will you help me?"
Jacob nodded.
"The first question the soldier asks is 'What supports the walls of a city?'"
"That is easy," said Jacob. "Fear supports the walls of a city."
"But what supports fear?" asked the man. "For that is the second question."
"The walls," answered Jacob. "The fears we cannot climb become our walls."
AMEN+
from "Jacob the Baker" by Noah benShea

Peace!
Eric

Update 2.8

2007-02-08T15:24:00.000-06:00

Lots has been happening this week with Clif. I apologize for the spaces in between posts this week.
Clif is now off of the vent! The trache collar remains as he still is getting extra oxygen, but he is doing all of his own breathing. He continues to improve in his ability to track people with his eyes and he responds well to commands to blink and squeeze hands. He looks good and he is still right on target with were the doctors would expect him to be. Clif is sitting up more which is good for his lungs.

Today's prayer:

God of the living, in whose embrace all creatures live,
in whatever world or condition they may be,
I remember in prayer those whose names and needs
and dwelling place are known to you...
giving you thanks for them, and for my memories of them...
In you dear God, I love them.
May these waves of prayerful love minister to their peace
and to their growth in grace...
I pray in and through Jesus Christ, who broke the barrier
if time and space and death and is alive for ever.
AMEN+ From Prayer at Night's Approaching

Peace!
Eric

Update 2.5

2007-02-05T11:43:00.000-06:00

Everyone is thrilled to have Clif back in town. There aren't too many big changes for now. He is continuing his work on weening off of the vent and recovering from the pneumonia. Clif's new team of doctors, nurses and therapists are on board with Clif and what he needs are. Pray for these remarkable professionals who care for and serve Clif, the family and many other patients. What a gift they are to all!

Beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 6th we will receive food for the family if you'd like to bring something by the Island at St. Martin's during regular business hours, Wed evenings, Thursday evenings and Sunday evenings. Please package your gift in a non-returnable pan or container in a 2 person serving size. Mark on the dish what it is and any special instructions needed for re-heating. All meals will be frozen and stored at the Island and to be taken to the family as needed.

Paige and all of the family extend their immense gratitude for all of your love, support and prayers.

Today's Prayer:

Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN+
BCP p.460

Peace!
Eric

Update 2.1

2007-01-31T21:09:00.000-06:00

The Eagle has landed. Clif made it to Houston yesterday by ambulance from Dallas. His trip was wonderfully uneventful and he is settling into his new digs. Needless to say, the family and all of us are thrilled to have Clif back in his home town.
The focus for Clif right now is to continue to ween off of the vent, continue to wait for the swelling around his brain injury to go down, and to have his new team get to know him. We will not be disclosing where Clif is as he needs his rest and the family needs time to get everything settled in. Clif still has a very long road ahead of him--we are all thrilled to have him home and will continue to support in all ways. It will still be quite a while before he is ready for visitors. Thank you for continuing to be patient.
This Sunday afternoon during the Super Bowl party at the Island, EYC will make a video that will be shown to Clif. Everyone is invited to come by and say a few words on the tape.
Tomorrow we will line out plans for dropping off freezable meals for the family.
Go Clif Go.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive;it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. AMEN+
A Prayer attributed to St. Francis, BCP p.833

Peace!
Eric

Update 1.30

2007-01-30T17:02:00.000-06:00

Not too many big changes today. Plans are still brewing around when Clif will be transported on to a Houston hospital. He continues to stay the same as he has been for the last couple of days. During his time in Dallas he has not been weening off of the vent and is resting comfortably. Hopefully there will be more news to report soon.

Today's Prayer:

O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray this to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN+
Book of Common Prayer p.832

Peace!
Eric

Update 1.29

2007-01-29T09:55:00.000-06:00

Clif remains in Big D holding his own and steady. The team in Dallas is still discussing just when this week they will transport Clif on to Houston because Dallas is bracing for another ice storm later this week. The family will be meeting with the case worker today to determine the plan of action.

Today's Prayer:

Merciful God,
you give us every good gift.
Hear our prayers which we now offer
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

We pray for your Church.
May our divisions be healed,
that we may go into the world proclaiming your Good News.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

We pray for the physical and spiritual well-being
of our family and friends,
that they may rejoice in your mercy and love
and share in your joy in your heavenly Kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

We pray for those who work,
especially those who are stressed or overwhelmed,
that they may know you are their refuge and strength.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are persecuted
for fighting for justice and liberty,
that they may remember that you are the source
of all things just and free.
Lord, in your mercy:
hear our prayer.

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd:
you have led us to the kingdom of your Father's love.
Forgive our careless indifference
to your loving care for all your creatures,
and remake us in the likeness of your new and risen life.
We ask this in your Name. AMEN+
from the Revised Common Lectionary Prayers

Peace!
Eric

Update 1.28

2007-01-28T08:43:00.000-06:00

Clif joined the jet-set crowd this weekend and has begun his trek toward a hospital bed in Houston via air ambulance. He is now in Dallas. Closer to home and less snow. The plane landed in Dallas as Clif needed additional oxygen and he needed a break. His day was long and arduous and he was fatigued. He is stable and well in Dallas and the hopes are to have him in Houston by the end of this week.
Paige is in good spirits and the family has gathered in Dallas to support Clif and one another. Continue to pray for healing and rest, travel and all that goes along with the journey.
Once Clif makes it in to Houston we will continue to be patient in seeing him. Visitation will be limited to immediate family, and we will all take heart in having him close again and in being able to love on the family. We will also be organizing an effort of hands on support ministry for the family with food and other offerings. All of that will be set up out of the Island at St. Martin's. We will have specific guidelines for support so that it will be an easy interface with Paige and Clif's clan. Stay tuned!

Today's Reflection:

I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."
Minnie Haskins 1875-1957

Peace!
Eric

Update 1.25

2007-01-25T16:15:00.000-06:00

Clif strides ahead with more sitting up today. He's been off of the vent and on the trache collar for most of the day today. As of 4:30 Texas time he is still going strong totally on his own. His neurosurgeon is pleased today as Clif followed him with his eyes to the right side of the room. This is the first time he's done this. Clif this afternoon is spending some time in what I now call the neuro-lounger or the neurology chair. Paige says more snow is on the way for this weekend. As one would imagine, Paige will be happy to never see snow again!

Today's Prayer:

Lord our God, hear our prayer as we come before You.
Your servant Clif is injured and is in need of our affection and prayerful support.
We pause now and, in silence pray for his recovery.

We pray for those who love Clif, and who surround him in this time of iinjury.
Support them with the sacred strength of Your Spirit so that by their love
they may be medicine for the healing of our friend.

May this injury be for us a cause of gratitude, we who are enjoying the fruits of good health.
As we pray for our friend, may we also thank You for this fragile gift of health
that we possess by Your holy will.

Lord, in the communion of love, we now reach out (across the miles) and support
the bed and the body of Clif with light, love and the power of prayer.

Healing, health and holiness be his. May peace, grace and love surround him
and an awareness of Your Divine Presence be a tent over his bed of pain.

Blessed are You, Lord and God, who rescues those You love from pain and injury.
AMEN+
from Prayers for the Domestic Church

Peace!
eric

Update 1.24

2007-01-24T16:59:00.000-06:00

Clif has had a rather busy day today. He is continuing to work hard on weening off of the vent. This morning he went for about an hour and a half without the vent doing any work for him. When he not in the vent mode he is in a trache collar which gives him oxygen support without doing the breathing for him. Then for his physical therapy time (which included him sitting up again today) the vent was set to a weak mode and then following that it was set to a weening mode. By late morning Clif had completed quite a lung work out. He then was put on the current base level setting so he could get some rest. Clif had another MRI which shows the swelling around the injury is continuing to reduce.

Clif's pneumonia is improving as well. Jim and Judy's good friend Karen came in yesterday to visit until Friday. Pray for strong lungs and more big workouts. There still is not a timeline established for when Clif will transfer to a Houston hospital. Keep checking back!

Today's Prayer:

O Holy Spirit, giver of light and life, free us from all that is matter-of-fact, stale, bored, tired; all that takes things for granted. Open our eyes to see, and excite our minds to marvel.
AMEN+
(United Kingdom)

Peace!
Eric

Update 1.23

2007-01-23T16:41:00.000-06:00

Clif is maintaining about the same today as yesterday. Go Clif Go. Pray for his continued healing and for all who love Clif...that's you(!) and family (Paige, Judy, Jim, Dena, Kara and Steve) and the stellar hospital staff caring for our boy Clif. Energize Clif, comfort all, and call upon the living/healing spirit. Give thanks for all who love you and that you love. Rejoice in this gray Houston day and cold clear Denver day!

Today's Prayer:
God of the storms and of the calms, we praise you not only for the times of tranquillity, but also for the times of fury when winds twist trees and all human plans are confounded. For a world without storms and life without agony would give us nothing to grow on. God, help us to be thankful for stormy weather.
AMEN+ (Prayer from Hawaii, adapted)

Peace!
eric

Update 1.22

2007-01-22T19:54:00.000-06:00

Clif had another CAT scan today which shows that his swelling around the injury is continuing to improve. He is squeezing Paige's hand sometimes and during his physical therapy today they had him sitting up at the edge of his bed and dangling his feet. Yesterday the team took him off of a medication that he was on to help wake him up some more. Turns out it was making his muscles stiff and he doesn't even need it. Clif went 3 hours this morning with minimal support of the vent--he continues to get stronger each day! He also had another 3 hours sitting up in the neurology chair. He is tracking voices a little better with his eyes and even gives a little eyebrow reaction occasionally while listening.
Clif's sister, Dena was there for the weekend. It's now Paige and Clif's mom, Judy there with the Olympian. Continue to pray for lungs and breathing to strengthen. It may be just another couple of weeks before Clif comes back to Houston! We'll talk more about what that will look like in the days to come.

Today's Reflection:
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY love you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
"I suppose you are Real?" said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse might be sensitive. But the Skin Horse only smiled.
"The Boy's Uncle made me Real," he said. "That was a great many years ago; but once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always."
--from The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams

Peace!
eric

Update 1.20

2007-01-19T15:20:00.000-06:00

There are no big changes over the last couple of days other than Clif's progress on getting his lungs stronger. He continues to do well as the team ups the challenge on his breathing to ween him from the vent. Clif is working hard! He is awake for quite a bit each day and is able to look over with his eyes when someone in his room is speaking to him.
If you'd like to post a comment to Clif and the family click on the word "COMMENTS" with an image of a pencil next to it at the end of today's update. A dialouge window will appear in which you may type to your heart's content. Paige is sharing everything from the blog with Clif and everyone is benefiting from the support.
The "Clif's Entourage" blue bands are available and we'd love to get bundles of them out to all of the communities that love Clif and his family. Email me at emoen@stmartinsepiscopal.org if you'd like to distribute wrist bands.

Today's Prayer:
God always does what he says,
and is gracious in everything he does.

God gives a hand to those who are down on their luck,
gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

All eyes are on you, expectant;
you give them their meals on time.

Generous to a fault,
you lavish your favor on all creatures.

Everything God does is right--
the trademark on all his works is love.

God's there, listening for all who pray,
for all who pray and mean it.

Pslams 145:13-18

Peace! eric

Update 1.18

2007-01-18T14:53:00.000-06:00

Here's the word on Mr. Clif today. Clif spent 4 hours this morning in his very sporty neurology chair. Clif did about 4 hours of breathing mostly on his own and will repeat that therapy this evening. Pray for the continued healing of Clif's lungs as the pneumonia continues to get better and for the localized swelling that is still around his brain injury. Clif is still groggy and making progress.
Paige reports that Clif could be transferred back to Houston within the next 2-3 weeks. There isn't a specific plan for that as of yet, but there is at least the beginnings of that conversation.

Today's prayer:
We believe in God--such as it is, we have faith--because certain things happened to us once and go on happening. We work and goof, we love and dream, we have wonderful times and awful times, are cruelly hurt and hurt others cruelly, get mad and bored and scared stiff and ache with desire, do all such human things as these, and if our faith is not mainly just window dressing or a rabbit's foot or fire insurance, it is because it grows out of precisely this kind of rich human compost. The God of biblical faith is the God who meets us at those moments in which for better or worse we are being most human, most ourselves, and if we lose tough with those moments, if we don't stop from time to time to notice what is happening to us and around us and inside us, we run the tragic risk of losing touch with God too.
Fredrick Buechner

Peace!
Eric

Update 1.17

2007-01-17T15:52:00.000-06:00

Clif continues to be a little more awake each day. This morning he had his eyes open for about 5 hours and was tracking a few things around the room. The pneumonia is getting a little better as Clif's chest xray looks a little better. Today his temperature is normal. The Rev. John Bentley from St. Martin's is there today and tomorrow to visit and to check on Clif.
Over all, Clif is holding his own with no big changes and doing well.

Today's reflection:
Dear Child of God, I am sorry to say that suffering is not optional. It seems to be part and parcel of the human condition, but suffering can either embitter or ennoble. Our suffering can become a spirituality or transformation when we understand that we have a role in God's transfiguration of the world. And if we are able to be true partners with God, we must learn to see with the eyes of God--that is, to see with the eyes of the heart and not just the eyes of the head. The eyes of the heart are not concerned with appearances but with essences, and as we cultivate these eyes we are able to learn from our suffering and to see the world with more loving, forgiving, humble, generous eyes.
-Desmond Tutu, God Has a Dream
Peace, Eric

Update 1.16

2007-01-16T13:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday (Monday) the team positioned Clif on the side of the bed and sat him up. They asked him to lift his left leg and he did. They asked him to lift his other leg, and he did. Clif is still very groogy when he is awake, but he is a little more awake than on Saturday. He isn't able to speak yet because of the trache.

Clif continues to work on getting off of the vent. He is doing several hours a day of most of his own breathing. Currently he is at 40% when he is'nt doing his breathing excercises, so the hope is to have off of the vent by next week. Today they will have Clif out of the bed and in a special chair for a short time.

Everyone there is very encouraged by Clif's progress and we are all exceeding proud of him and the work he is doing! There is still no plan as of yet for when Clif might be transported home, and we will let you know as soon as one forms.
Paige is in excellent spirits as well as the rest of the family. Jim had to return yesterday to Houston.

Today's prayer:
How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge!...For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory for ever! AMEN+ Romans 11:33,36

Peace, Eric

Update 1.14

2007-01-14T15:58:00.000-06:00

Clif is not as awake today because he's been working hard. Progress continues today in two areas. The team has removed the shunt as he has not utilized it in over 3 days. He also is beginning the very long process of being weened off of the vent. The hard work he did today was breathing. He is currently at 40% on the vent and for 2 hours today they took it to a mode where he did 80% of his own breathing. This is very good and and a great accomplishment.

Paige and the crew have ventured out and finally discovered a mexican food restaurant, Rio Grande. Apparently the first decent mexican food in a month! With the recent successes of Mr. Clif, Jim has delayed his return to Houston.

Today's Prayer:
Blessed are you, God of steadfast love,
turning the mundane into profound
to give us delight and wonder in the unexpected.
You transform our hearts by your Spirit,
that we may use our varied gifts
to show forth the light of your love
as one body in Christ.
For these and all your mercies, we praise you:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Blessed be God for ever!
AMEN+
adapted from prayers from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers

Peace, Eric

Update 1.13

2007-01-13T13:44:00.000-06:00

Can somebody give me an A-MEN? AMEN! Our boy Clif has opened his eyes half way this day. When asked to squeeze a hand, he squeezed. When Paige poked him in the foot he wiggled his big toe. Mr. Clif has a long way to go, but rejoice my friend he's coming around. Again, this is a long process and this beginning of a wakeful state is just that, a beginning.
The pneumonia continues, the fever is down a bit so continue those prayers please and give thanks for moments of consciousness! There is still no word yet on his long term prognosis...that will take some time to determine, so continue to hang in there with Clif.
Today's prayer:
O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning: We give you thanks for giving our brother Clif both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in him, we pray, the good work you have begun; that he, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in your goodness, may so order his life and conduct that he may always think and do those things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN+

Peace!
Eric
ps--we are currently on our confirmation retreat and will be back to make tomorrow's post late in the day.

Update 1.12

2007-01-12T16:23:00.000-06:00

The big news for today is that Clif has not utilized the shunt at all for well over 6 hours now and still going. This means that he is able to hold his ICPs totally on his own without any medical assistance. The team has continued to reduce his sedation as well and he is beginning to move his legs a bit and his head some as if he is trying to settle and get more comfortable.
The pneumonia and fever is still hanging so keep that in your prayers. The MRI from yesterday has revealed that the remaining swelling in Clif's brain is localized just around the point of the bleed. But the big news of the day is that Clif is holding his ICPs so well!
Denver will continue to be in the sub-zero range at night until Monday. It was 5 degrees this morning when the family got in the car, and the snow was pleasantly light with only 1-2 inches.

Prayer for today:
God our healer,
keep us aware of your presence,
support us with your power,
comfort us with your protection,
give us strength
and establish us in your peace.
AMEN+

New Zealand Prayer Book

Peace, Eric

Update 1.11

2007-01-11T15:43:00.000-06:00

Improvements are still small but improvements none the less! Clif is more comfortable with the trache and last night he was able to hold his ICP better and more consistently for a good 3 hour stretch totally on his own without any medical intervention. He had an MRI today and the results will be known tomorrow. Continue to pray for Clif's lungs and the clearing there of.

The snow is not to be as severe as the weather people initially forcasted, but the temp is predicted to drop below 0. Burr.

There is a new way to love and support Clif and Paige. Scroll down and look on the right hand side of the page for Jesus. There the truth will be revealed to you!

Today's Prayer:

May the strength of God pilot us.
May the power of God preserve us.
May the wisdom of God instruct us.
May the hand of God protect us.
May the way of God direct us.
May the shield of God defend us.
May the host of God guard us
against snares of the evil one
And the temptations of the world.
May Christ be with us
Christ above us
Christ in us
Christ before us.
May thy salvation O Lord,
Be always ours
This day and forever more.
AMEN+ St. Patrick

Peace, Eric

Update 1.10

2007-01-10T16:34:00.000-06:00

Clif now has the trache for his breathing. With everything now out of his mouth he will be much more comfortable and things continue to more slowly forward. The pnumonia is still a challenge and Clif has a fever because of it. So the team now has him on new antibiotics to combat it. Continue to pray for Clif's lungs!

The family has geared up for the storm that is expected to hit on Thursday. Jim, Clif's dad, will be coming back to Houston on Monday. This weekend, Roger, Pagie's dad and Jan will be arriving and staying for a week. We all give thanks for air travel and the ability for family to be there -- what a gift!

Today's Prayer:

Help me Lord,
to begin my quest for you,
knowing and accepting
that you will forever escape
my every attempt to confine you
to what I can understand.
My words cannot capture you.
My imagination cannot define you.
My heart cannot limit you.
But support me, I beg you,
on this journey without end,
with a love that knows no limits.
AMEN+
-John Kirvan
Peace, Eric

Update 1.9

2007-01-09T17:07:00.000-06:00

And yet another good day for Mr. Clif! The plan for tomorrow is to do a tracheotomy on Clif so the ventilator can be hooked up directly to his trachea (windpipe). This is great news because it will get the aparatus out of his mouth and with the trache there is a much lower risk of infection. This is an important step in moving toward waking Clif up. Currently their is still no specific plan on when that will be.

Last week a music therapist came by and played guitar for Clif. No doubt he enjoyed that!

Paige and the family are getting ready for the next blizzard which they anticipate to hit Denver on Thursday. She sends her love to all and continues to be blown away by everyone's generosity in all ways.

Today's Prayer:

God of every place;
we pray for loved ones absent from us:
protect them from harm,
direct them in your way
and strengthen them in difficulty.
Give them a firm trust in you and your goodness
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. AMEN+
-from A Prayer Book for Australia, Anglican

Peace,
Eric

Update 1.8

2007-01-08T09:22:00.000-06:00

Clif is staying in the forward curve. Currently the team is working on challenging his lungs with the ventilator down to 50%. The doctors continue to stratigize his sedatives. As these adjustments are being made Clif's ICPs are staying pretty constant and not spiking as high as they had been before. These are good steps and we all pray for many, many more. The pnuemonia hurdles are still present and prayers for continued clearing are requested.

Jim and Judy had several friends visit this weekend including Weldon Wright who drove up in one of the Shoemake's cars. So they now have their own transportation and the rental car has been retired. There is another big blizzard coming by mid week that Paige says will be as big as the pre-Christmas one, only with stronger winds this time. Everyone is ready for the snow to cease!

Last night at St. Martin's the youth led the Feast of Lights service. It was a glorious evening with many thoughts, words and prayers for Clif and the family. Cody and Barry (Thompson Bred) gave a concert after the fireworks and raised some cashola for the Clif and Paige Fund. (Info on how to donate is on the right side of the page) Thank you to everyone who contributed to the service and for everyone who continues to support Clif.

Today's prayer:

I think over again my small adventures.

My fears,
Those small ones that seemed so big,

For all the vital things
I had to get and reach.

And yet there is only one great thing,
The only thing,
To live to see the great day that dawns
And the light that fills the world.

+An Inuit Indian Prayer

Peace to you,
Eric

Update 1.6

2007-01-06T16:03:00.000-06:00

Clif continues to make positive steps forward! Today he's down to 60% oxygen on the ventilator. The doctors have made several more changes in his medication. They are hoping that with some of these changes, Clif's body will begin to take over some of the things that the doctors have been doing for him. These are all positive steps. Thankfully, so far Clif has been responding well to these changes. We continue to pray for the pneumonia to subside.

Paige and Clif's parents are doing well. Paige says they've finally reached their tolerance on hospital food and have thankfully found a few restaurants so they can eat real food.

A prayer:
Be with us, Holy Spirit;
nothing can separate us from your love.

Be with us as of old,
fill us with your power,
direct all our thoughts to your goodness.

Be present Holy Spirit,
bring faith and healing and peace.

peace,
erin

Hello From Denver!!!!

2007-01-05T22:53:00.001-06:00

Hello all! I am writing to say how absolutely humbled I am by the tremendous outpouring of love, prayers, and words of encouragement that we have received. Clif continues to make small strides each day, and the gathering of the community around him has been unimaginable. Even as I am writing this, I find it very difficult to express in words how grateful I am. From the bottom of my heart....THANK YOU!!!! Everyday, I find that I am more proud of him than I have ever been in my entire life. He is strong, and the contined prayers fortify him each and every day. Please continue to pray that God will strengthen, comfort, and heal him. As a family we are truly grateful, words will never be able to describe how blessed we are to have each of you. You have touched our lives in a way that will never be forgotten.

All my love,
Paige Shoemake and Family

Update 1.5

2007-01-05T17:00:00.000-06:00

News on Mr. Clif continues to be on a slow upswing! The doctors have switched up sedatatives which has proven to be beneficial. He is still sedated and resting compfortably and has an increasingly better response to stimuli such as his pulling back his finger when it is pulled. (insert bad joke here)
The team is still doing some deep suctioning on his lungs and he is developing a good cough response. Clif is at 70% on ventilator today. With the backing off on some of his meds, the fact that he is remaining at this level is very good. Clif's lungs still have some clearing up to do, so please continue prayers for the pneumonia to abate.
Paige reports that 6" of new snow has fallen today in Denver with snowfall due to end tonight. They are still all able to get around town just fine.

Today's prayerful moment:

Dear God,
We loosen our grip.
We open our hand.
We are accepting.
In our empty hand
We feel the shape
Of simple eternity.
It nestles there.
We hold it gently.
We are accepting.
Amen.

Peace to you this weekend!
Eric

Update 1.4

2007-01-04T14:10:00.000-06:00

Several small steps are being made today. They have backed off the vent to 65% today and Clif's levels of medications are going to be dropped a bit. Backing off some on the meds will most likely agitate him a bit, and may increase his need for more oxygen, but this is positive. Clif has now had several good days in a row, so it's time to 'test' him a bit. He continues to be sedated.
Keep up your prayers! Everyone is in good spirits and Paige and Judy are both feeling better as they continue to recover from their bugs. Everyone's posts to this blog are so appreciated and the focus of prayerful energy is healing for everyone. God bless you.

Today's moment of prayer is adapted from Seekers Church in Takoma WA:

REFLECTION

This is a time of rediscovery that the living God is among us, not a memory or a story of long ago. It is a chance to rediscover and affirm God's living presence, here and now.

Leader: O God, we long for your presence within our lives.

People: O Beloved, awaken our hearts as new shoots breaking forth in the Springtime.

Leader: Emmanuel, we gather to hear anew the Good News for humanity.

All: Come as the wind which moves among us to transform our responses to this changing world.

RESPONSIVE READING

Leader: Jesus knew that from the ordinary the extraordinary comes.

Voice 1: To heal a blind man he used dirt and spit; to feed the multitudes,he used common bread and fish; to speak of God, he used yeast and seeds.

Voice 2: He knew the truth of how the mundane gives way to the miraculous:
fill enough jars with water, one of them might turn to wine.

Voice 1: Where there was no wine there was you and you said drink, and there it was, startling and sweet.

Voice 2: And where there was no bread there was you and you said feed one another,and there it was, filling and strong.

All: And where there was no love, there was you and you said touch,
and there we were, our hands looking like yours.

SILENCE

Leader: We let our hearts grow cold and dark to match the weather, rather than face our transgressions.

People: In the cold, dim winter God's light is hard to see.

Leader: We long to hear God's message to unburden our hearts.

All: God calls us to repentance and offers us the light of Christ.

ASSURANCE

Leader: God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, seeding each of us and all creation with the love of Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.

BENEDICTION

Leader: Go now to lives filled with laughter and with pain, knowing that God is with us in the dark and in the light, in our abundance, in our emptiness, in every moment of our lives.

All: Amen.

Peace, Eric

1.3

2007-01-03T15:03:00.000-06:00

Clif is having a good day today. The ventilator is back down to 75% and his pressures are holding low and steady. This has been a good day of rest for everyone. We continue to pray for the pneumonia to clear up.

Clif's mom, Judy, has begun a round of antibiotics and is beginning to feel better. Paige's good friend Monica arrived yesterday.

Our prayer time today comes from the New Zealand Prayer Book:
God our healer,
keep us aware of your presence,
support us with your power,
comfort us with your protection,
give us strength,
and establish us in your peace.

peace-
erin

Update 1.2

2007-01-02T14:04:00.000-06:00

Clif continues to have good days and not as good days. His night last night was not as good but then this morning he leveled out. Clif's lungs continue to be the prayer of the day. He's back on the ventilator at 100% today. Overall, he continues to be in a consistent place and not making huge strides forward yet. His ICP continues to hold around the same.
Continue to pray for healing for Judy. Paige's good friend Monica comes in at 4:00 today.
Our prayerful moment comes from Desmond Tutu's African Book:

Lord, we thank you that our churches are like big families.
Lord, let your spirit of reconciliation blow over all the earth.
Let Christians live your love.
Lord, we praise you in Europe's cathedrals, in America's offerings, and in our African songs of praise.
Lord, we thank you that we have brothers and sisters in all the world. Be with them that make peace.
Amen.
(West Africa)

Peace, Eric Moen

Update 1.1.2007

2007-01-01T13:43:00.000-06:00

A New Year brings new improvements.
Clif is doing better. As Paige said, "he's behaving today". The doctors have begun to back off on some of his medications today and his ventilator is at 80%. His latest chest X-ray looks a little better and the team continues to pull fluids out of his lungs several times a day. His latest CAT scan is showing some improvement where the bleeding happened in Clif's brain. That bleed is beginning to get a little smaller, which means that his body is beginning to reabsorb it. This absorption will take weeks.
When Clif hit the snow, he fractured the right orbit (thin bone just under the eye). The plastic surgeon says he looks good and is not concerned about it at this point. Point being is that his shiner is gone and Paige says his face looks good.
Judy, Clif's mom, today is running a fever and may be developing a sinus infection. She'll be going to the doctor soon. Pray for her health.
The Rev. Steve Carlson from St. John's Cathedral has been making regular visits to Clif and the gang and yesterday hung out with everyone for over an hour. God bless Steve and the Cathedral! The Cathedral community has really rallied around the family and have been taking excellent care of the people we love.
Our prayerful moment today is a reflection from Frederick Buechner. In his book of daily meditations entitled Listening to Your Life, he has this to offer on this first day of this new year.

I discovered that if you really keep your eye peeled to it and your ears open, if you really pay attention to it, even such a limited and limiting life as the one I was living on Rupert Mountain opened up onto extraordinary vistas. Taking your children to school and kissing your wife goodbye. Eating lunch with a friend. Trying to do a decent day's work. Hearing the rain patter against the window. There is no event so commonplace but that God is present within it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize him or not to recognize him, but all the more fascinatingly because of that, all the more compellingly and hauntingly....If I were called upon to state in a few words the essence of everything I was trying to say both as a novelist and as a preacher, it would be something like this: Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.
Peace, Eric

Update 12/31

2007-01-01T13:23:00.000-06:00

The pneumonia continues to give Clif a hard time. Please pray for the fluids that have built up to dissipate.
Due to the build up, Clif had a hard day New Years Eve morning. His team worked on getting his lungs cleared up and his ICP (inner cranial pressure) climbed again. This is what they are trying to keep low. They were able to get some of the mucous out and by afternoon his ICP was back to a better level. He's getting a good level of oxygen, but he's just not able to get full capacity out of his lungs. Again, please pray for his pneumonia. They are stepping up his antibiotics.
Paige's sister has headed home as well as Steve and Kara. Jim and Judy Shoemake continue to be there and Dena will be returning again soon. We all pray for safe travel throughout this stay in Denver and we all anticipate a new year full of recovery and life rejuvenated.

Heavenly Father, we pray for a restoration to wholeness for our dear friend Clif. Surround him with love and comfort and envelope him in healing. May his medical team of doctors and nurses be guided by your loving hands and be fortified by your spirit. We give you thanks for your community gathered here in prayerful support for Clif, Paige and the family. We lift them to you, that they may be comforted by your presence in this time of struggle. Fill Cilf's lungs with your life sustaining spirit. AMEN.

Peace, Eric

Update - 12.30

2006-12-30T13:14:00.000-06:00

Clif had a pretty good evening and morning. They've reduced the ventilator a bit to 60%, which is wonderful. The new cranial shunt is helping to reduce the pressure, and like with any big change it takes some getting used to. Paige is very upbeat and optimistic that Clif is continuing to make steps forward in his recovery. Please pray that the pneumonia will continue to subside.

Paige sounds better every day, and sends thanks for all the prayers you have said for her health. They got some more snow, but thankfully the roads are clear and safe.

Today's prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to your loving care your servant Clif. Relieve his pain, guard him from all danger, restore to him your gifts of gladness and strength, and raise him up to a life of service to you. AMEN.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 459)

Peace,
erin

Update/12.29

2006-12-29T14:23:00.000-06:00

Clif had a better night last night. The doctors have replaced the cranial monitor with a ventricular shunt. This has already helped in allowing some fluid to drain off therefore continuing to reduce the pressure (ICP) that has built up in Clif's cranium. Yesterday afternoon they ended up increasing his oxygen to 100% again, but now they have reduced it back to 70% today. His lungs are a little clearer--please continue to pray for his pneumonia to clear up.

Paige's cough is better and she continues to be in great spirits. Her sister arrived yesterday and Clif's sister Kara and her husband Steve are there now as well. More snow is in the forecast for Denver and travel to and from the hospital may get challenging again. Pray for safe roads and thanksgiving for front wheel drive :).

Today's prayer:
Heavenly Father, watch with us over your servant Clif, and grant that he may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN (BCP p.458)

Everyone still is very hopeful and we all anticipate Clif's recovery. As soon as we have any word from the doctors about bringing Clif back to consciousness we will let you know.

peace! eric