Be More Like Kris – RIP

Hey kids, It’s Dad and for today’s Tommylog I want to talk to you about my great friend Kris and her daughter Danielle. Kris was one of the strongest people I knew. Kris lost her 3+ year battle with ALS this weekend.

My heart goes out to the entire family at their time of loss. I’m so sorry! Kris meant so much to so many people. This world was blessed to have Kris in it and I am a better person for knowing Kris. We can all learn to be strong like Kris.

Kris, till we meet again!

No Regrets – RIP Uncle Gerry

Hey, kids, it’s Dad. today is a sad day in the Clifford family far and wide. Thursday morning I got word that Uncle Gerry Clifford passed away in his sleep.

I’m still in shock a little. Stunned and sad for the family. I’m sad for my father but in this time of turmoil and sadness. Dad just rocks my works with one simple message about his Brother.

“We never said an angry word to each other. I have no regrets about anything I ever said or did to my brother, so I feel okay”

And that stuck with me. How awesome is that to say about a sibling.

The Clifford kids are so lucky! I can’t recall ever saying a cross word to any of my siblings. I think I can say the same about Madeline, Clara, and Tommy. I don’t recall them ever having any fights or disagreements.

We have a lot to learn from Grandpa Clifford.

My love goes out to the whole Clifford Family, especially Aunt Jane, Cousins Peter Billy, and Danny!

RIP Uncle Gerry, Till we meet again!

TommyLog – When Tragedy Strikes – Show Them You Care

Hey Kids it’s Dad, and for today’s TommyLog I want to talk about how you handle tragedy. I have a really great friend in Utah. She is a counselor at a junior high school. Over the weekend one of her students was killed in a tragic accident. Today she has to go to school and clean up the mess. There will be lots of tears, it will be lots of questions. There will be loads of opportunities to try to help. I know she is at a loss of words to know what to say. I know I certianly would be. I think that is natural. Sometimes we just don’t know what to say. There certainly no Hallmark cards to fit in just particular situation. “I’m sorry that your friend got hit by a car on Halloween.” Not to be callous., but you’re not gonna find cards like that.

So I think the best counsel for her and for everyone is sometimes you don’t need to say anything. Just a loving hug, and maybe if more is needed a “I love you!” That’s going to be sufficient.

We don’t know the grand plan of our loving Heavenly Father. But one thing I do know is that all your training that you’ve had throughout these years– it’s for this one big moment. The next few days are not going to be easy, but know that you’re not in this alone. We’re all behind you pulling. These kids definitely need you, but more importantly don’t forget — you need the kids.

TommyLog – Just Needed a Hug

Sad sad story from work. had a co-worker who lost her son to an apparent suicide. Not sure what to do.Not sure what to say. All I could think about was going to meet my oldest and give her a big hug. thats all i have at this very moment. So thankful for the blessings I have and not sure what I would do if I lost someone close to me in that manner.