Hi Mommy, I just called to say I love you! Funny how that ended up lasting 30+ minutes! If he insisted on conferencing his sister Pearl Cleary and his niece Dori (born in 2013) it might have been 60+ minutes. Oh how I miss those conference calls.
He had such a positive attitude and gift to gap about everything no matter the situation. I can honestly say, those two apples fell directly under the tree.
March 11, 2018, 4 yrs ago, my son, Larry J. Clabin Jr. transitioned home under the leadership of the one and only, our Heavenly Father Whom Art in Heaven.
On his RIHP day, I usually plan a theme for family, extended family and friends to help me get through the day. One year we did a zoom call where everyone shared their favorite memory of Larry.
When I say my support system sent me through unexplainable emotions, it would be an under statement. My was so filled with I could not stop the from shedding no matter how hard I tried. Those tears were filled with joy, laughing my head off, sadness of what he went through, shock of what I didn't know about him, thankfulness for the opportunity to lean more on God and extremely blessed to have been with such an amazing Son whom d his Mommy unconditionally!
Today, as I reminisce, my focus was one of Larry's many characteristics: 'A positive attitude, even in times of uncertainty.
Not to long after Larry turned 30, he woke up in excruciating pain, refusing to go to the hospital until his Mommy got there. He felt like most children that truly love and trust their Mommy: we will know what to do!
Little did we know, that my son will be dealt numerous cards from a medical deck. Card #1, lose your ability to walk! YIKES, what did that mean?
Lord help him, please protect him, take his pain away, comfort him. Those are just some of my requests to God, as I drove sometimes up to miles an hour with my brother Raymond McGee by my side. I was determined to make that 5 1/2 hr trip into three.
Upon arrival to his home, Larry was trying to comfort me! Stating it was nothing to be concerned about, he will be alright., All the while my brother was lifting him up like a baby, and carrying him to the car, then into the hospital.
I can still hear myself insisting the Dr. relieve the pain immediately! Give him a shot please, my son is hurting. Larry on the other hand didn't complain. He was very calm and let me do what a Mother does best in any situation of urgency and navigating in an unfamiliar lane; lean on God for strength and wisdom.
While the Dr's doubted he will walk again, he assured his family that they had places to go and listen only to him for he will walk again. He did walk me at least 30 ft down the isle when I got married.
That medical deck included but not limited to 6 surgeries (4 major 2 minor), 1 seven day coma, numerous hospital stays and 10+ years of physical therapy.
Every single card was turned into a positive. The nurses loved his hospital visits for he made then uncontrollably. When he went in surgery they had a special hat just for him. One covered with smiley faces.☺️
After two hip surgeries and 2 knee replacements, 2 knee adjustment, and multiple visits, his Dr. asked him how did he stay so positive. He gave credit to God and called his Mommy for she knew what to do by hearing his voice.
When his out of state friends and classmates called him, most never knew what he was going through for he was always interested in what they were doing. Rather need him to keep them company while driving down the road or going thru their own medical issues, he kept it positive.
What a blessing he was to me for the short time he was here. All thanks to God for blessing me with an amazing Son, Larry J. Clabin Jr.
