Yesterday,
Cliff was doing so well once his pain was under control that we decided to go back to the hotel (which is connected to the hospital) so all of us could get a better night’s sleep!
As soon as I signed the discharge papers,
Mr. Tim, the PT walked in!
(gotta LOVE perfect timing)
He showed us how to properly lift Cliff and how to place him in the stroller so he wouldn’t be in pain.
“Bye, Bye Hospital!”
Halfway through the crosswalk,
The Boy was fast asleep.
We all slept the afternoon away, ordered dinner in the room and slept all night!
(except for the 5 million times I had to wake up and give Cliff his pain medications)
This morning Cliff was SO out of it because of the medications.
But he was trying to crawl on his bed and he even sat up a few times!
One time I looked over and he was “stretching” his own legs!
When we arrived at PT, Cliff was asleep in his stroller and when Ms. Erica called us back, he said he needed to go to the potty…
where he proceeded to throw up… POOR THING!
So, Ross and I were not expecting much of him for this PT session.
But being the awesome, strong kid he is, Cliff put all of his effort into the hour long session, even with tummy troubles and extreme fatigue!
Erica showed us how to stretch Cliff’s legs.
And he did great (maybe it was all the “stretching” he did earlier)!
Cliff wanted us right next to him.
And of course the Mama in me soaked up every second of him needing me to feel secure.
Then we worked on dorsiflexion.
Cliff was able to pop bubbles by moving just his toes up!
THIS is HUGE!
He had a lot of movement in his left foot, which he barely had any before the surgery!
His right foot has always been able to do this a little easier, but seeing him move the left foot with such ease was AMAZING!
In order to walk independently, you must be able to dorsiflex your feet and now Cliff can!
Then Erica said “Cliff let’s stand up and play a game!”
…And Cliff stood up!
He stood by pushing through his heels NOT his toes!
THIS is amazing!
Look at those cute, FLAT feet!!!!
Cliff stood multiple times!
And one time he stood at the mat table for about 3 minutes!
Have I told you how AWESOME he is?!?!
As soon as we put Cliff back in the stroller,
he was out like a light!
Ross and I decided to take a celebratory stroll to Starbucks before going back to the hotel room. Cliff slept the entire stroll and it was so nice to get some fresh air.
When we got back to the hotel room, Cliff slept through us moving him into his bed and then took a three hour nap!
We are truly amazed with Cliff’s ability to push through the tough times!
He is one determined boy and we are so proud to be his parents!
Ross and I feel so honored that God chose Cliff to be used as His teaching tool!
Cliff reminds us what hard work REALLY is on a daily basis and despite the challenges he faces, he always has a smile on his sweet face!
He is such an inspiration.
We are so thankful for your prayers, messages and support.
We read every comment, email and message to Cliff and his face lights up with pride!
Thank you so much for being so supportive.
Your support, prayers and love keep us going through the challenging times.
You mean more to us than words can ever express!
Tomorrow morning we fly home!
I can’t wait to hold Harper and give her a million kisses for every second we were apart. I have never missed anyone as much as I miss my little sidekick!
Cliff still has a lot of hard work ahead of him.
Please continue to pray for him.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7
That is so super cool. What an awesome moment for your family! I am happy Cliff is doing so well! And you my dear, look so beautiful–and glowing!
How wonderful! What a brave, strong, determined little boy!! God bless him and your family, prayers will continue.
Your story is so touching. I love checking back every day to see Cliff’s progress. What a Mighty God we serve!
What a strong and brave boy he is! He is such a cutie! So glad to see the surgery results are so good!
Thank you for the update on Cliff’s incredible progress.
What a special little man!!
I am continuing to pray for him and you guys.
Cliff is SO strong! I am so proud of him! He looks amazing standing up, and I love the bubble popping with his toes! Praying for you every day for stretched legs and flat feet walking…. with canes!!
Wow Cliff your doing an amazing job your such a big boy and love that your mommy shares with all of us keep up the great work so proud of you!
I must say God had blessed you with a beautiful family you are so strong just watching and following your blog you are a truly amazing women I know days have to be tough and never have I seen you complain about anything God Bless you and your family and the new lil bundle of joy that soon will be joining you Hugs to you I do not always get the time to post but made time today and as you see in the above post that was just for Cliff!!! God Bless you and Happy Mothers Day!!!
Woooo Cliff!!! You rock!
So awesome seeing him standing flat footed – Natalie, you must be over the moon! Praying for a speedy recovery post-op. Blessing for you all.
I too was in the hospital yesterday having surgery and I thought of your family and Cliff in a hospital miles from me. What an amazing gift God has given us with medical science. I’m so glad Cliff is doing so well. Know you all are in my thoughts and prayers as Cliff’s journey continues. The joy in his recovery is clear in your faces. Happy mother’s day to you. God bless you, God keep you, God love you.
Awesome job, Cliff! You are an amazing and strong boy and you are an inspiration!
I have been praying for Cliff. I’m so Happy to hear he’s been doing so great! You and your husband are such wonderfully positive influences for him! He is so strong-willed for such a little boy. I will continue to pray for your little one.
Ahh! These Cliff updates bring me to tears every time! He is such an awesome little boy!
and you are an awesome momma!! Praying for y’all!
Part of the sermon yesterda at church was to remember that God allows things in our lives that will glorify Him. God does not allow anything to happen to us that HE doesn’t first approve. Those things may not always be rainbows and sunshine but if we truly have FAITH in God, we know that what we go through will either bring us closer to God or (and, I suppose) be used as a ministry opportunity.
Thank you for sharing your families story. Cliff is an amazing boy and I have been praying for his speedy recovery. Also praying for you, your husband, Harper, and Hollis.
In our shared love for Christ,
Ali