Think Big, Man

Clarence Clemons of the E-Street Band suffered a stroke this past weekend.  Bruce Springsteen fan or not, I hope you join me in wishing him well.  No one should have to suffer through that.  At least he has friends, fans and family to support him.  We should all be so lucky.  Below is a statement from Bruce, updates from Clarence's family and the Springsteen fan site Backstreets, and an e-mail address to send a message to Clarence.  I did.  Maybe you will, too.  Thanks to Mark Felsot of Little Steven's Underground Garage for keeping us up to date.

  

From brucespringsteen.net
By now, many of you have heard that our beloved comrade and sax player Clarence Clemons has suffered a serious stroke. While all initial signs are encouraging, Clarence will need much care and support to achieve his potential once again. He has his wonderfully supportive wife, Victoria, excellent doctors and health care professionals, and is surrounded by friends and family.
I thank you all for your prayers and positive energy and concern. This is a time for us all to share in a hopeful spirit that can ultimately inspire Clarence to greater heights.
-- Bruce Springsteen

From Clarence's familyDot-net also brings welcome news for all those wondering how to send well-wishes to the Big Man: "Clarence's family appreciates your concern and wants to let you know that you can send him your wishes via e-mail to notestoclarence@clarenceclemons.com"- June 14, 2011

MAY YOUR HOPE GIVE US HOPEThe mood at the hospital today is "upbeat," a close friend of Clarence Clemons tells Backstreets. "It's sort of status quo right now, but the status quo is good. We're amazed — the doctors are amazed at the advances he's made. Bear in mind, he's still machine-assisted. But his vital signs continue to improve, and the goal is to wean him off each machine as he gets stronger."
No matter what, despite Clarence doing better than anyone expected, "It's going to be a long haul. There's a lot he'll have to relearn. But we're hopeful for a full recovery. We don't yet know if it's possible, but the movement and responsiveness on his left side is a good sign. More than anything, we want people to know how much we appreciate their prayers, all the fans keeping Clarence in their thoughts. It's coming in from all ends of the earth. And right now, those prayers are coming true." - June 14, 2011