4thmaninthecar.com
4thmaninthecar.com
What's New With Clark?
Updated 11/21/2006
Health
God continues to amaze
everyone with Clark's physical recovery. On November 4th, he was invited
back to Cabell Huntington Hospital to participate in a symposium called "Topics
In Trauma 2006". Clark's case was the focus of the symposium, which was
presented to area doctors, nurses and emergency personnel. It was somewhat
painful for us to "revisit" the accident as we heard the details again from
those who were at the scene, in the ER and the ICU. But through some
occasional tears, it made us so thankful for what each of those special people
had done to help Clark stay alive and be able to see the recovery he has
experienced. However, it was obvious that all the panelists were at a loss
for words when they tried to
explain just how the driver of that car (pictures were displayed for the
participants) could be in the audience that day. The word "miracle" came
from their lips several times! At the end of the day, Clark was given the
microphone to tell them "thanks" from the bottom of his heart!
This fall has also reminded us, however, that we still have a long way to go before Clark will not be effected by his previous injuries. This month he developed a small sore at the center of one of the previous pin sites in his leg, where his femur was held together by an external fixation device. Long story, short - he had to have surgery to clean out the tract that was left by the rod and given several weeks of antibiotics to combat a staff infection. He's doing much better now.
School
In
August, Clark began his college career! He is now taking a public speaking
class, as well as a writing class. It seems to be going well so far.
He has had an opportunity to talk about his accident through several speeches.
The routine of going to class, after over a year, has been a boost to him
physically and socially. He feels more and more "like his old self".
He is majoring in Information Technology (as many of you could have guessed!)
and wants to study to become an network engineer.
Please pray for God to continue to heal his memory, because that remains his greatest challenge. Taking a test is still very difficult for him because of difficulty with short term memory. We are trying various ways to help him retain what he reads and studies but it's very hard for him right now. Seeing him tackle such a big challenge just 18 months after near death reminds me of God's hand on him and of Clark's courage and determination. He's truly one of the strongest people I have ever known!
Other Stuff
Unfortunately Clark's driving course has been delayed until December due to some
"clerical" oversights we're told. He is anxious to start driving again
but he is also very cautious because he wants to be fully ready and qualified.
Driving again will help restore a sense of independence that he's lost and needs
at this point in his recovery. We think he'll be fine and pass with flying
colors!
College has not been the only new and exciting adventure for Clark this fall.
He has been "front and center" in the launch of LifeSong Church, here in Ashland
(check it out at www.lifesonglife.com
). He's been involved in all of the renovation and planning that has gone
on. He's currently serving as a drummer in the band and as a greeter in
the parking lots, as time and energy permit. Clark would say that the
accident has changed his life spiritually even more than it has physically.
He is so excited about what God is going to do at LifeSong Church!