A Chevrolet Tahoe driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the Clemens’ Chevrolet Suburban as they were driving home from vacation about a half-mile south of Sterling City. Unfortunately, Jim Alan Clemens, 31, his wife Karisa Brianne Clemens, 29, and their 2-month-old daughter Juliana perished, leaving Angela, 8, Zachary, 5, Wyatt, 4, and Nicholas, 2, to fight for their lives.
These children were all seriously injured. Angela was in a coma for a long time due to severe brain damage, but she eventually awoke. She has returned to school and is now able to read and sing. Zachary had a back injury. He can now walk and run again after numerous surgeries, though he must wear a cast. Little Wyatt had several strokes and was paralyzed on his left side, but he recovered.
“All 3 kids that are receiving medical care at Cook Children’s are now on the same rehab floor and were finally reunited a few days ago! Wyatt is doing so well. He suffered paralysis on his left side, but through PT has regained strength and movement. He can walk with a spotter, and they are having a hard time convincing him he shouldn’t be running! He is a great comfort and support to his older siblings,” their aunt, Teresa Burrell said.
But she also reports that Zach is struggling. They gave him a feeding tube so that he can be fed the right nutrition. He is in a lot of pain during the healing process both physically and emotionally.
As for Angela, after her coma, she is showing a lot of signs of improvement. She is talking more and was able to read fluently. “I stand all amazed at the miracles which occur when we align our prayers with our Heavenly Father’s will,” Teresa wrote on a Facebook post. “Thank you so much for your support and prayers. We feel them. Miracles are happening!” she added.
During their healing and recovery, they were reunited and were able to spend time together. They had a small ice cream party with their Ninny (grandmother) and Aunt, Sherri. The boys were allowed to eat ice cream while they sang silly songs. They simply spent time together for nearly an hour.
Teresa said that it would be a challenge when the children are able to realize that they have lost their parents and their little sister. “We just need to do what we can to help these kids recover, feel loved and move forward,” she said.
These situations are very hard to understand most of the time because they involve the deaths of those who we think do not deserve it. But there are many things that we will fail to understand in this life because of our finite minds. What we need to do is to trust God who brings forth things according to His own wisdom and knowledge.
While we mourn the loss of these lives, let us also continue to pray for the children and the people around them that give them love and care. Pray that the Spirit of God will bring complete healing and comfort to their bodies and to their hearts.