Mr. Clifton and I have been friends for the last few years. When Mr. Clifton and I met, he was undergoing cancer treatments. When an individual is diagnosed with cancer, he/she tends to have some fear set in not knowing what the outcome will be. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, but Mr. Clifton always showed courage and never showed his fears. He probably was terrified, but no one would ever be able to tell. He was and still is a rock for many people. Mr. Clifton is always so upbeat and pleasant, not only to me but to anyone he comes in contact with. When he would see a fellow patient who was scared, alone, or nervous, he would give that patient hope through his words regardless of whether or not he knew who that person was. He would engage in a simple and distracting conversation by asking them questions about themselves, even if he only got to speak to them for a short time. The more time I spent with him, the more I learned of his kindness through his actions. Despite his own trials, he always made time for others. I learned that he was a pastor for a Baptist church and spent most of his time volunteering, especially on the weekends. Every Sunday, Mr. Clifton would drive to a small town just outside of Coolidge, Arizona to preach a Sunday service. Most people are exhausted from the treatments, but Mr. Clifton would make this hour long drive every Sunday regardless of the exhaustion. He knew how important this was to the other members of the congregation. He never complained about his sickness or feeling sick. He would just remind other people on the treatments how blessed we truly are regardless of these circumstances. He just has this way of making people feel thankful for everything they have in the midst of trials. Mr. Clifton has completed all of his treatments, and he still drives down to Coolidge every Sunday to serve. Mr. Clifton just celebrated his 80th birthday, and I couldn’t think of any better way to honor him.

Signed,
Angela Mercado