Thursday, June 18, 2009

Thursday, June 18th

Hello to all. Clay had an early morning PT appointment. He worked with the balance board and stretched. He was then allowed to do some type of therapy with the Wii. He went back for his occupational therapy and they worked him pretty hard. The remainder of the day was spent hanging around the Ronald McDonald House. This afternoon when they were cooking dinner he was in the playroom down the hall from the kitchen. When the smell of the dinner cooking made its way down to the play room, Clay said he was starving and took off out of the play room toward the kitchen. He got to the door and started down the hall and turned to his Mom and said, "Let's go, I am following my nose." Tomorrow marks 126 days since he left Olney on the helicopter. We are anxiously awaiting his return tomorrow afternoon around 5:00. What a wonderful day. I am sure he is excited by the prospect but he cannot be any more happy than the rest of his family. We are so thankful that God brought him back into our home. It was touch and go at times, but as scared as we were we always looked toward his return. He is going to face many trials and we can already see some frustration but his spirit and his family will help him get back in the swing of things. We have toyed with the idea of posting a recent photo of Clay on the site. We have sent a few to his friends to help them prepare. Please let us know what you think of this idea. We ask you to realize that Clay is a work in progress. We are eternally grateful to everyone that has helped during this time. We will post tomorrow after his return and then we plan to reduce the number of post to 2 or 3 times a week depending on noteworthy news. Once again thank you and good night.

36 comments:

  1. Please don't feel pressure to post pictures. You do what your instinct tells you! You have great instincts. Those of us who love Clay see him exactly the same...he's Clay and he is beautiful! He is a miracle....he is a blessing...he is inspirational...he is a joy....he is an honory little boy and we love him. Thank you for keeping us all updated.
    Love Chuck, Lori, Dalin and Mason

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  2. Even though we've never met, I feel like I kinda already know your little family as a result of all the posts that you have shared of your experience. Your posts have been such an inspiration to me and your example of faith is beyond words. I look forward to continuing to follow your blog whether it be words or pictures - like mentioned above, Clay is still your same beautiful little boy. I am so happy that you all will be able to be "home" again. There's nothing like home! Take good care.

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  3. What a blessing to be able to bring him home!

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  4. We heard at gospel meeting last night how important the inward man is and that God looks at the heart. We have always loved Clay and love him even more now as our hearts grew close to him in this fragile time. I can't wait to give him a hug the next time we see him! As for the pic? If you post it everyone will love him the same. If you don't still all will love him. I have a very strong feeling everyone following this has fell in love with Clay and love sees the heart!! Do whatever you think is best for Clay! We love y'all !!

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  5. Clay is my little 'grandstudent'. I will always love him. Guess that makes me his 'grandteacher', huh? I think you were wise to send his picture to the folks at home to prepare them. My email address is canelson@cableone.net Send me an email at home so I will have your address at home as well.
    I can't tell you how proud I am of you two as parents and for the awesome way you are raising your sons to love the Lord and showing them by example how to trust in Him no matter what comes your way. Have a great trip home. I pray for peace and comfort there. I love you all dearly, Carolyn

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  6. As a former burn nurse, I pretty well 'get the pic'........ and know some would/will find the picture difficult. On the other hand, all need to see what was so well said by the Williams. You do what is best. I will not likely ever meet you. Those who will be seeing all of you face to face, maybe a pic before hand would help. We want nothing but love evident when folks see Clay face to face. He will face "stuff" and I know you folks wil know how to prepare him and help him thru it all. I see the Christ in you all, your faith in God...including in little Clay. What a dear boy. I am a real believer that it is what is in the heart that makes the person, not the skin. Oh we love you dearly. Do as you are so moved. We stand behind you. lots of love and rejoicing with you. Linda, Susie Block's mom

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  7. I'm still here! Still praying and now wondering with you what you should do about the picture issue. Of course I will always see Clay like the little fisherman above because that is the only Clay I know. However, I would love to meet the new Clay too! This will be a tough decision and one only you can make. For us, the sooner we made Annie realize that her new self was just as picture worthy as her old self the sooner she got comfortable showing her scars to people. Hers were not on her face, so this will be entirely different. Again, whatever decision you make, we will ALL think it is the right one! I will be praying that all of his friends will welcome Clay home and that none of them will act any differently toward him. I am rejoicing with you over this wonderful homecoming! Love you!! Missy

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  8. Welcome Home Clay:

    Jeremiah 29:11
    "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

    James 1:2-4
    Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

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  9. Please let us know if we can help.

    PA Smith
    Fort Worth TExas

    Moslah Shriners.

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  10. Very happy for you all to be together again.
    You will share a picture when you feel you are ready.
    Thinking of you-

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  11. Very happy for you all to be together again.
    You will share a picture when you feel you are ready.
    Thinking of you-

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  12. Post a picture when and if you all and Clay get ready to do that. However, take pictures of him and his brothers as if he was never burned. What he looks like now, is what he looks like. I'm sure that he knows that you all think that he is just as beautiful as he was before. When I saw him a few weeks ago, I thought that he looked like he was burned but he was absolutely adorable. I also think that he will probably heal really well. I think that he looks great. When I looked at Clay I got a similar feeling to what you would get when you look at a newborn baby. He is a miracle. I will say that when I had my first brain surgery, I didn't look the same after surgery as I did before. I know what it was like for folks to look at me differently and miss the old me. Even I missed the old me. I also know what it was like to have a few folks who wanted to change me back into something that I could never be again. I also remember what it was like to have folks who could look at me and loved me just as much as they did before. I found out who really loved me by who could look at me without showing a sense of loss in their eyes. Clay is only 5 years old, but he too will learn what love looks like in someone else's eyes. I think that most everyone that sees a picture of Clay as his now is going to see one adorable kid who is quite a cutie. As for blogging, I figure that he may not want everyone in the world to know what he is up to. Part of the fun of being 5 years old is playing and getting into stuff without everyone knowing. He may just want to go back to being an ordinary little kid. I think everyone would understand if you kind of went back to your ordinary life and posted every once in awhile if you felt like it. You all have went above and beyond what most families would have been able to do during this ordeal. You probably need some rest yourselves. Sometimes the more you write about stuff the more it cements it into your memory, which is really good for the good stuff but not so good for the bad stuff. You are probably going to have a hard time letting the memory of the not-so-good stuff fade as it is. Whatever you decide to do, everyone will understand. You are going to have to do whatever helps Clay and the rest of you all heal the best. You may not realize it so much at this time because you have been concentrating on taking care of your kids, but you both need time to heal and rest too. God Bless you and keep you all.

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  13. In some ways a picture might help people to appreciate and understand the enormity more what you all have been through and Clay most of all. (Not that we don't) I was so touched about what you wrote about him seeing himself in the mirror for the first time and then immediately starting to work hard on the stretching exercises. Want to be that way when God helps us to see self that we would make it right.....knowing that we have all help on our side.
    Hugs

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  14. Today is the day!!!! Hallaluja!!!

    I haven't gotten to read the past few days' post, and tonight I knew I couldn't go to bed until I had. What great news! Really going home! My face is one big smile and I know it's nothing compared to what the whole town and family's will looking in just a few more hours!

    Happy, Happy, Happy!

    Praying that God continues to bless you with wisdom, love and the Peace that passes all Understanding,

    Gary and Jeanne' Snyder

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  15. Wow! What a homecoming this will be!!! Wish I was there to help welcome all of you home but that is not possible right now. I found it so interesting that you mentioned a picture because I had thought about asking for one but I didn't know how you would feel about that. If you put it on the blog that will be great! This is my e-mail in case you prefer to go that route. rena@costons.com. I definitely would like to have a picture of Clay if you decide that is what you would like to do. I am one of the many people who has fallen in love with Clay. I think his personality is tops and I love his sense of humor!!

    In my case my husband is a burn survivor. Places on his face were burned and down each arm from his short sleeved T-shirt on down including his hands. So I know what to expect -- and yes it will be difficult but I love Clay and I want to get acquainted some day!

    Love, megahugs and prayers!
    Rena

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  16. Clay is still the same little man inside. Some of his little wit has returned when he says things like "I'm following my nose". Post a picture when you - and Clay - are ready. It will not change the way we see him. It may help you in the healing process. We love you all and can't wait to see you all, Dawn & Pam

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  17. At first there might be some children that doesn't understand. But you have to remember that the real beauty is inside not on the out. It is what your heart holds. I know that Clay has a wonderful heart. We love you and can't wait until you or back in Olney.

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  18. Home! I'm so glad Clay has healed well enough to be going home. No, the healing isn't over... inside, outside, for him, for you, for his brothers... but I'm confident, from reading this blog over the past few months that you have what it takes to face anything that might be ahead. To heal together.

    The verses Matt XRay posted above are a courageous sendoff into whatever may come.

    Happy Homecoming.

    Thanks for all you've shared.

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  19. Pomuffin said it best. Your family has faced an enormous trial. Do what is best for you and your family and we will understand.
    Thoughts and prayers are with you as you head home.
    The Stark Family

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  20. So wonderful to think of you all being at home together as a complete family again. You will appreciate that so much and we rejoice with you!

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  21. Here at the Middleton house we are so happy for you all. I know you can't wait to get home. We think of you often. Sydni's birthday was on Monday and someone asked what she did, she answered, swimming, had cupcakes, and my friend Clay got out of the hospital. We love you all and can't wait to come and visit soon.

    Mace and Jeana Middleton

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  22. Home. Family. Together. Finally. What a joy to you! and to all of us who have followed your journey the last four months! As others have mentioned, we all love the Clay we have come to know through this blog...he truly is a "Fiter", and whether or not you decide to post a picture, that is who we see. He IS a work in progress, and Healing is ongoing. We have to thank you so much, too, Chance and Diedra, for the strength and courage and faith that you have quietly displayed through the experience. We know there have been tears and fears behind the scenes, but you have moved forward with what you had to do with a grace that has helped us...and, no doubt, your precious boys...all three of them. We know the struggles are not over, but have every confidence that the same Strength that has carried you this far will continue to be with you with every step. Thank you for your posts....maybe someday we will get to meet your precious little family. Looking forward to progress reports...because we care.

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  23. Love, faith, & Great Strength is what we will see everytime we see your family! So HAPPY you will be able to be at your home this weekend. We
    don't know how to express our joy for such a long but short experience. There will be more bumps in the road, but Clay has smoothed alot of them out already.
    Love and Many Hugs,
    Elseners

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  24. We don't personally know Clay or his family but that doesn't mean we haven't been praying for yall day and night! As for what Clay looks like; we will see the precious healing hand of God! We continue to lift your family up in prayer and praise God for Clay!

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  25. Good morning, home coming day. After February 14th we wondered if this day would come, and we so glad for God's mercy and love he has made it possible. No matter what the outward appearence is, it is what is on the inside. Clay is Clay, and I think others will love him even more knowing all the pain and suffering he has been through, fighting for his life. His personality is going to be a big plus and help him cope. We are so glad you can go home and have all your family together again.
    Love B&E

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  26. We are so very happy for y'all! SO glad this homecoming day is finally here. How fun for Clay to get back to his own bed & room & toys & brothers...and BOTH Mom & Dad w/him all the time.

    If you feel a need to keep posting, we're all ears. If you want to get back to life as it was before February 14...do so.

    One thing sure, we'll never forget little Clay and how special your family has become to all of us reading your blog!

    Steve & Donna

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  27. I appriciate what "pomuffin" said about getting back to normal life. I'd like to see a picture...maybe to show to my 3 yr old so he can see some of the affects of playing with fire. If you don't want Clay to be a lesson, please don't feel bad about posting a photo. I'd love to see him playing with his brothers again. You do need to get back to normal life and post now and again. We have all fallen in love with your family and hope all goes well, knowing that God knows best.

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  28. Dee Dee, you asked me if I had wrote anything lately. I just wrote Clay a poem today. Happy going home day for all of you. I probably won't post much again unless something goes wrong. I'll just see you around town. Take your little boy home and just go back to being you. You will remain in our prayers. When he is ready to get some new ouchies, Rusty will be ready to help him out with that. If you ever need anything, you know where to find us. God Bless

    Pretty
    written by D. Wells


    If you study the scars on my face, you can tell the path I've been.
    If you look into my eyes, you might just find a friend.
    However come a little closer, if you really want to stare.
    I need to get a better look;it is really only fare.
    Oh my gosh, I didn't know that your teeth aren't very straight.
    It also appears to me, that you have put on a little weight.
    What is that thing on your nose? Can you rid yourself of that?
    Perhaps that it can be abraded, removed or made a little more flat.
    Oh well, you see we could go on like this all day.
    We could also just look past our flaws,and spend our time in play.
    If you think that I'm pretty, then I think that you are pretty too.
    Don't worry, probably no one will notice what your hairdresser did to you.

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  29. Dee Dee, I didn't spellcheck that. Correct fare to fair. I only spent about 5 minutes on it, so there is probably a lot wrong with Pretty until it is edited. The sentiment is the same. I don't even know if I spelled that right though. God Bless.

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  30. I would love to see a photo of Clay. I have been keeping up with your posts and his progress is nothing short of a miracle. Although I may never meet you or Clay, you've been in my thoughts very frequently over the past few months. My guess is that Clay is just as cute as the photo you have posted currently (the one with the fishing rod). He looks like a very precocious youngster!!

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  31. How exciting it was to see Clay pull back in to home sweet home! He smile was great! My thought on the picture is just as others have said....do as God leads you, we love Clay as well as you all, like you are a part of our family....he is truly a testimony to how Great God is!! So glad you all are home!

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  32. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. We have become so attached to your family. We hope we get to meet you sometime at convention. As for the picture, whatever you think is best for you & Clay. I always like what God said in Samuel...God doesn't see as man sees, he looks on the hearts & not the outward appearance. I learned a long time ago anyone that is only impressed by the outward appearance....is (how shall I say it?)very lacking in the things that matter. I haven't met your family but I know you have beautiful hearts. You have certainly been an inspiration to so many, us included. Would love a way to keep in touch with you once in a while. You have been a wonderful example for Truth. I'm sure many have noticed your faith, I can't help but think there will be a lot of good come from your experience. I'm sure it's a thrill think about having all your family under one roof again. Again, thank you for sharing. We love your family & you will always stay in our thoughts & prayers. Lanita & Emma Phelan

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  33. Hey! We have thought of you all day today - what an exciting thing to be taking Clay HOME for the weekend! I guess you've been there for several hours now..what a great feeling it must be for him to be in his familiar home with his family! And for you!! Hope the day went well, I bet it was tiring for him, but the best day he's had in 4 months because he's home. :)

    As for the picture? We are touched that you have shared as much of your experience with all of us as you have through the blog, even when things were very scary and you might have felt more like keeping to yourselves. If you don't feel ready to show a picture to everyone, please feel entitled to your family privacy until you all feel the time is right.

    When I saw you all the other day, I have to say that it isn't Clay's appearance that has stayed with me since I left. I was captured by his little personality. His determination to stretch his leg before anyone said anything about it when PT came in, the way he held his "loot" from the PT and walked down the hall with it, how he got excited when Arnie came in and quickly told him about his spiderman light. Many people would love to see a picture of the boy we have come to love and admire so very much, but the important thing is that you all feel it is the best thing for Clay and you.

    We hope you have a smooth, quiet, family weekend at home.
    Love, Michelle, Morgan, and family

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  34. I've been out of town and I have missed so much, not that it matters one i ota, (check spelling on that one!) that I have missed out but that you guys have been moving forward.

    You don't need to do one thing for anyone, we are all here because your family captured our hearts and we have grown to love you all. We read between the lines anxiously checking on Clay's progress. It sounds to me like you have a little boy who is ready to get back to living and just being a kid. I hope he never loses that desire to work at the things he wants. He will overcome all challenges placed before him, I just know it.

    I pray for peace for you, stillness, where you can feel the breath of God on you, that you are that close to Him. He will guide you and show you everything you need to know.


    As for me I would love to meet your family and I am so glad that you use this medium to communicate through. Thank you for your transparency and for the community of family that walked through this part with you. I look forward to hearing more from you when the time is right. Have a great weekend, please don't hesitate to ask for prayer when you need it.

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  35. How wonderful you get to finally be at home together, go to meeting together and do all those wonderful things... together! There is nothing like, home, family, and Love!!!

    While I do not know, by any means, what you have been going through other than reading your posts and having the emotions that parents do...I do know what it is like to have a son who is physically handicapped with external and internal medical issues. The best decision I ever made was to allow him to be "normal" and that he was capable of accomplishing anything he wanted. I did not want to hold him back from anything that he could potentially do, nor did I ever want him to feel that I thought that he was not "perfect" or valued him differently than any another child. Not everyone felt like this or treated him this way, and he has definitely had his emotional struggles. Having those who loved him providing him encouragement when needed, and relying on the strength of God, has allowed him to grow into a very wonderful young man.

    I know Clay will be okay because he has parents and brothers who love him and Love God!

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  36. Welcome home Clay! We've never met, but truly feel that we know you. Our prayers are with you as you settle in to a routine at home. Whatever you feel you would like to do as far as the picture goes is up to you. Take care, and best wishes for the days ahead.

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