Still Life
Thirty-five years ago Dallas—and the country—was gripped by the tragic story of John McClamrock, a high school football player paralyzed during a violent tackle. But after the newspapers moved on, another story was quietly unfolding, one of courage, perseverance, and a mother’s fierce love.
63 comments
Sunday, April 29th, 2012, 7:59 pm
Alison Fairfield says:
I read this story when it was first published. Almost two years later it was the first thing to come to mind this morning when our adult Sunday school teacher asked us to share examples of love. I consider this one of the most profoundly spiritual stories I have read in my 54 years. The love of the mother and the brother is truly humbling to me, but John is the person who leaves me completely in awe as I ponder the depth of sanctification he reached in his soul by having his body set aside during his mortal life. This should be required reading for seminarians and lay Christians serious about the faith.
Friday, January 21st, 2011, 3:36 pm
Sarah Chaffin says:
Thank you so much for writing the story of Johnny. My dad sent this to me to read. I lived right next door to Ann and Johnny on Northport until I was about 7 or 8 years old. As I read the article, I felt like I was sitting in his bedroom with all of the pictures hung on the wall, and the TV always going. I was so young then. I could not grasp the daily life of this family. I am so grateful to have read this. Wow... Sarah Chaffin
Friday, July 2nd, 2010, 11:22 am
Peggy Harris says:
This is the most touching story that I have ever read. I would like to hear an update on Henry and what happened to the house.
Saturday, May 8th, 2010, 8:23 am
JRutherford says:
The NFL Network produced this story for their news show, NFL Total Access. Billy Bob Thornton narrates John and Ann’s tale and they couldn’t have handled it better. Truly, truly touching. It’s airing for Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 8 at 7P ET on NFL Total Access Week in Review show and then re-airs throughout the weekend.
Friday, May 7th, 2010, 9:08 am
Coach Wedel says:
This story has haunted me since I read it. I am a high school teacher/coach and all my athletes will get a copy of this story in their locker.
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, 8:58 pm
evan ferreira says:
This estory is so similar to that of my own mom and my brother. He just passed away 4 weeks ago of brain tumor after thirteen years in bed. So much love!so much dedication!! She wouldn’t let anyone else take care of him. Not even the slightest idea of putting him in nursing home would cross her mind.Now that he is gone she feels very, very sad.
Mother’s love: There’s nothing compared to it.
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, 12:17 pm
Misty says:
I remember seeing the obituary for this story a few years ago. When I saw in the paper the other day that the author was getting an award I went online to read the article. I cried the rest of the day. Every time I think of that beautiful family I tear up. This should be required reading for everyone.
I hope Texas Monthly reprints it soon to get it back out there and maybe adds an update on Henry and the house. God bless you Henry.....
Saturday, April 24th, 2010, 11:45 am
Dianne Bragg says:
An example of why we need journalists and legitimate forums for them to publish quality work. Your story draws us in and holds us close. All without fake sentimentality or screaming at us. Just well-written sentences that tell us a story we all need to hear. Really good work.
Friday, April 23rd, 2010, 12:43 pm
Jesse says:
Congrats on the Ellie, Skip!!! This is such a great story.
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010, 8:22 pm
Leesa says:
This article is so well written. It touched me and will stay with me forever. It’s too hard to read a second time - so moving.
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010, 10:02 am
Robert says:
This is without a doubt, the most heartbreakingly beautiful story I have ever read. Everyone should read this story.
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009, 8:48 am
Brittany Key says:
Thank you for publishing such a wonderful story. I too picked up this magazine in a doctor’s office. I opened it up right to this article and started reading. I was called into the doctor’s office and knowing that I would not be seen immediately I took the magazine with me. My doctor came and I told him about the article and what I had read so far and asked if I could keep the magazine to finish the rest of the story. I finished the story in my car and cried like a baby. My heart goes out to their family and especially Henry who is still living. Skip-you did a great job illustrating exactly what the family was going through. This is a life changing article and I am going to share it with everyone. Thank you Texas Monthly.
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009, 9:56 pm
Debbie says:
This story was one of the most touching pieces I have ever read. I read the story while my son was at football practice. The detailed description of the mother and sons’ lives together and their cheerfulness in the face of extreme adversity was very inspiring. I wish Henry well.
Friday, July 31st, 2009, 7:17 am
Cedric says:
That story was perhaps the best I have read in Texas Monthly. The love of a mother can not be equlaed. I will never forget this story. Real men do cry. Thank you for making us all look within ourselves.
Monday, July 20th, 2009, 8:51 pm
Philip says:
First, reading these comments is a testiment to the many wonderful places your magazine reaches people - whether a car wash or doctor’s office. I myself read the article last weekend on a plane ride to Seattle. Working every day to keep my business afloat during these hard times, I often feel sorry for myself, wanting to quit, forever tired....Your article struck a chord so deep as to the strength the human soul is capable of...Thank you for sharing this story with your readers and thank you for a tale that is nothing short of pure inspiration for those of of in the trenches of this thing called "life." I will always be a fan of Texas Monthly!
Thursday, July 16th, 2009, 12:12 am
stacie martin says:
Dear Skip,
Well told!
Thank you for taking me outside of myself and into the heart of truly courageous people. That is a journey only a seasoned story teller can you sell you a ticket for...
Incredible attention to detail and texture made you feel as if you almost lived those long years with the McClamrock family. I read this two months ago, and still think about their story often.
Truly captures the sometimes heartbreaking arbitrariness of life.
Stacie Martin
Saturday, July 11th, 2009, 10:40 pm
sarah says:
A very inspirational and heart touching story. A mother’s love is the greatest form of love that has ever existed. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
Saturday, July 11th, 2009, 10:09 pm
Cynthia says:
A good friend forwarded this story to me. As I was reading, with uncontrollable tears falling down my face, I couldn’t believe how incredibly brave, hopeful this young man is and how how powerful this Mother’s love is. Ann has had to see much more than her share of setbacks in her life, but we recognize God’s love and the incredible amount of courage that He has given this family. Its a shame how the rest of complain about petty things in life. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story of love, faith and determination with the rest of us; and most importantly the greatness of love and the will power of a Mother and her Son.
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009, 10:17 am
Sherry says:
Just read this amazing story while having a flat fixed at the tire store. Kudos to Mr. Hollands-
worth for telling a most important story with
such beauty and sensitivity. It is the story
of the power of prayer, and victory over hard-
ship with the mercy and love of Jesus.
Thank you so much. I will be sharing your story
with many.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009, 8:40 pm
Jean Nelson says:
Thanks, Mr. Hollandsworth, for your wonderful story. I read it today. I couldn’t help but cry when I reached the end. If this isn’t proof of a mother’s love for her child, I don’t know what is.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009, 12:34 pm
Eric Johnson says:
I am pleased to read about how this article touched so many others, also. I was sitting at the car wash a couple weeks ago and read this article. By the end, I just sat there and cried and cried. The lady at the car wash asked if I was ok, and I could hardly answer. This story made me stop and truly think about how blessed I am and how I need to be more positive in life. God Bless Ann, Johnny and Henry.
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009, 5:41 pm
Alice says:
This is the most inspirational and touching story that I have ever read. It shows a Mother’s love for her son, but, also her faith in God to see her through her life. I have a son that was born with a cleft lip & palate & at the time it was devastating, but, as a mother I can understand the strong unconditional love we have for our children and with faith we can do what we need to care for them. My greatest goal in life is to be a good mother. This is a story every Mother should read. Thank you for writing & sharing it with us.
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009, 5:58 pm
Monica McClarty says:
I had to write to tell you how deeply this story touched me. I was reading the article while I was at the doctor’s office this morning. It was so beautiful and touching that I couldn’t put it down. After my visit with the doctor, I sat in the waiting room to finish reding it. There were two other patients waiting to be seen and I was sitting there reading and crying. When I finished, I went to the receptionist’s window to make my follow up appointment; tears still running down my cheeks. This was an awesome woman who went through so much and still maintained a positive outlook on life. And her son who stood by her while she took care of his brother is a testament to how she raised her children. I think someone should try to have this made into a movie and donate the proceeds to the McClamrocks’ estate. Based on what was written in the article I am sure the money would be used for good reasons. I used to subscribe to Texas Monthly a long time agao, but when I became disable and went to a smaller, fixed income I had to give up some "luxuries". This article was a reminder of why I subscribed to the magazine. When things get better, and I know they will, I will go back to my "family". Until then I’ll just go to the library or online to continue to have access to these amazing, inspirational stories. God bless you for sharing this with us and continue to provide us with excellent, Texas-inspired writing.
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, 1:35 pm
Julie Bledsoe says:
God bless you for sharing such a wonderful and inspirational story about an incredibly courageous family. May we all pray Ann’s Prayer of Thanksgiving. I plan to clip it from your article and read it every night!
Friday, May 22nd, 2009, 9:50 pm
Doug says:
You have written a story that will stay with its readers for the rest of their lives. Thank you.
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009, 1:22 pm
MJordanMD says:
Thank you Mr. Hollandsworth. I was speechless after digesting this inspirational story. I couldn’t stop seeing the reflection of Christ’s perfect love for his children, through the life of the McClamrocks’ loving family. I am sharing with friends and family.
Monday, May 18th, 2009, 4:04 pm
Loreece says:
Thank you for such a wonderful story. I won’t sweat the small stuff any more, learn to appreciate each day and say thank you to God for the wealth of health our family has been blessed with. Wow, what a story.
Monday, May 18th, 2009, 3:08 pm
Alicia Martinez says:
My brother Carlos had a brain stem stroke in April 10, 1990, To date 05/18/2009 he is paralized from the neck down,even lost his voice. At the begining we fed him thru a tube in his stomach because he did not know how to swallow. The doctors said he needed to be place in a home because he would require alot of work and did not recommend he be at home, My mom said no, he was too young to be put in a nursing home so we brought him home, my mom is going to be 81 this October22, 2009. She leaves in an apartment with my brother and has a lady come during the week to help her for 5 hours a day on weekends I go help her with my brother, This story brought me to tears, because sometimes I feel like I can’t go on and know that I still have to go on. My aging mom, my brother paralized from the neck down, still can’t talk, but I put on a good front every weekend and go & try to make him laugh with jokes. It is hard, but even harder for my mom. I have asked them to move in with me but they refuse. I have a husband who is Bipolar and he himself drain me out. Needless to say I am not feeling sorry for myself, Its just that why is life so difficult, I recently turned Christian, do alot of praying to give me the strength to go on. But I know my brother is hurting more after all, all his does is stare out the window and can’t even talk. He gets mad at times because of all this. Keep telling him to pray and God will give him strength God will not leave us or forsake us. My prayers for the brother of John McClamrock. God Loves you
Saturday, May 16th, 2009, 10:29 pm
Alexandra says:
I live in Utah, and happen to read the article while watching my friends’ (former Texans) children. Not only is the story written exceptionally well-written, but the subjects are remarkable as well. The magnitude of information and gathering required to write this article would be daunting to many writers. Mr. Hollandsworth’s ability to make it so readable, yet impacting, is a testament to his talent. Well done.
Saturday, May 16th, 2009, 4:06 pm
Ian Robertson says:
Skip,
This past Sunday , Pastor Bryant Wright at Johnson’s Ferry Baptist in Marietta, GA. shared your story with the congregation. His sermon was entitled "Single Moms Don’t Have It Easy (Especially in a Bad Economy)" His scripture verse was based on I Kings 17:8-24. He explained that this may seem like an an unusal title for a Mother’s Day message, but he wanted to honor all mothers especially those who may struggle just a little bit more. Near the end of the sermon, he read excepts from your article. What an awesome testimony to a mother’s unconditional love to her son. I have tears in my eyes as I type this thinking about her life and dedication.
If you would like to hear the sermon, go to jfbc.org and click on the right hand box entilted "are You Listening". Thank you for making my day. God Bless You and yours.
Saturday, May 16th, 2009, 11:55 am
Tom says:
WOW!! I am from the class of ’76 in Austin, and when I read this story, I vaguely remember this incident. I can also relate because a fellow classmate also was paralyzed in a car accident, but from the waist down. So John was my age. I’m lucky, and haved lived a long, thank-you Lord, and very fortunate life. So it’s amazing to me the strength that Ann had, because 35 yrs is a long time. I broke down in tears at least 3 times while reading this story. I don’t even know what to say. I have fowarded this to my kids to read. There is so much inspiration in the story for every one. Ann is a true angel, guardian, hero, Mother, Saint, protector and human being. John is a life force, idol, friend, hero, and champion. Henry is a brother and son and "the right way to live your life" example. I hope John and Ann are able to meet my Mother and sister, who were killed in 1974, in Heavan and live the gloriious life with the Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009, 3:44 am
Heather says:
This is one of those stories that reminds us that the ordinary frustrations of life are not worth getting upset over. Skip Hollandsworth’s painted a touching portrait of how much a mother will do for her child and the power of never giving up! I wish they were both still alive so I could give them a hug!
Monday, May 11th, 2009, 2:31 pm
tom says:
I read the article while visiting my mother on Mother’s Day. It was a fitting tribute to a mother’s love on that special day. May Johnny and his mother both rest in peace.
Thursday, May 7th, 2009, 10:14 pm
Colleen says:
I can see I am not alone in being so touched by this story. Thank you Mr. Hollandsworth, for writing about this family. With all the rotten mean things we are bombarded with in the news every day, this story was a great reminder that saints do live among us. I am in awe of the kindness and love this family had. I wish Henry all the best, what a wonderful son and brother.
Thursday, May 7th, 2009, 8:39 pm
Joan Moore says:
A remarkable story of a very brave young man and his dedicated family. Their strong faith kept them alive and deeply adoring. They will all be in a better place where they will be well and happy together again.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009, 5:07 pm
Debbie Taub Salmon says:
John sat behind me in math class at HHS. He was such a nice kid. I will always remember the loss of him not being there with us physically everyday. The accident was such a shock. I moved to California right after graduating in ’75 and have thought of him over the years. He was blessed to have such a devoted mother and she was blessed with these wonderful sons. I was deeply moved by your story. Thank you for sharing this for all to understand the meaning of true love.
Monday, May 4th, 2009, 3:49 pm
Barbara Williams says:
After sending my message earlier, I forgot to say a couple more things. I also want to send my prayers to Henry. God bless you every day. I’m sure your mom and John couldn’t be prouder of you. And to Walter, Sara and Jack’s son, who wrote so beautifully in his comments, God bless you and your family, from your mom’s friend and classmate since Pershing, and Kathey Beddow’s sister.
Monday, May 4th, 2009, 2:44 pm
Lindy says:
Skip,
What a beautiful story, i just finished and am crying about this wonderful family. It gives me a new perspective on hope!
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009, 10:31 pm
Celia says:
This was the most touching story I have read in years, if not ever. I am a new mom and I could only hope to be half the woman Ann was. This is truly a love story for the ages. I plan on reading it to my son when he is older. Thank you so much!
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009, 5:09 pm
Amanda says:
I just put down the magazine from reading this amazing story and I can’t even remember that last time I was so touched by words, tears are still drying on my cheeks! Absolutely amazing story, Ann’s devotion and John’s determination are simply inspirational. And Henry for remaining a strong foundation for his mother. What an amazing family. Thank you so much for sharing this inspirational story.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009, 3:14 pm
Barbara Williams says:
Thank you for such a complete story of John’s life, and the part that shines through every thread is Ann’s commitment and love for her family, and her unending faith. I graduated with John, and he was the glue that brought our class together. My mom is a remarkable woman like Ann, full of quiet strength and love who has been taking care of my very wonderful special brother who has special needs. She will be 90 this year. My mom is my hero, an inspiration to me. These ladies truly are the greatest generation. Reading the article took me back to my wonderful days at HHS. I am so thankful I am part of the class of ’75.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009, 11:06 am
Geoff says:
Skip, thank you for writing this incredibly moving article on the lives of these amazing people. As Mother’s Day approaches, I cannot help but be touched by this story and be reminded of how a mother’s love is eternal.
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009, 12:10 pm
Ann says:
My sister and I went to Hillcrest with John and Henry McClamrock. My sister contacted them a couple years ago to see if they might want to enter to win a home makeover. We had little doubt that they would have a compelling entry. But they were proud and did not want any help. All I can say is that we loved John and miss him. Thank you for your story.
Friday, May 1st, 2009, 8:35 pm
Barbara says:
I read this story twice because there are so many aspects to it. An football player’s courage,a family’s support,a mother’s love and her faith. Not only was this story about a son,but also one tough mom.Thanks for an inspirational story about a mothers’love.Happy Mother’s Day Mrs.McClamrock.
Friday, May 1st, 2009, 5:20 pm
Enna says:
Oh my... I had to stop and send a prayer to give him strength to live a life full of hope and love.
Friday, May 1st, 2009, 1:42 pm
Danielle Valdivia says:
What a moving and emotional story by Skip Hollandsworth, it was hard to read the pages through my tears last night. Thank you for telling this inspirational story about a mother’s unfailing love and how we just have to keep fighting, no matter what comes our way in life.
Friday, May 1st, 2009, 10:37 am
Deborah says:
Beautiful story, Skip! And what a beautiful family the McClamrocks are. As one of the Northport neighbors of this amazing family, I have to say how proud I am that their whole story has been so movingly portrayed. Ann really knew that the value in any life is what you do for other people. We are all inspired to live better because of her unfailing faith.
Thursday, April 30th, 2009, 9:51 pm
Kevin says:
God bless caregivers everywhere.
Thursday, April 30th, 2009, 7:50 pm
Dwane says:
I am a 63 year-old man, who thought he had heard everything by now. This story made me cry like a baby. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us.
Thursday, April 30th, 2009, 5:33 pm
Toni says:
What a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Yet very inspirational. Hats off to Skipp Hollandsworth and the McClamrock family. I will remember this story for a long time.
Thursday, April 30th, 2009, 4:14 pm
Kim says:
Wow. What a powerful story...as always, the most gripping stories are the real ones. With real heroes and ones you wouldn’t expect. May we all run across someone as beautiful as Ann in our lifetimes. I’ll stop crying now.
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, 4:24 pm
Reggie says:
Read the magazine version and found the story to be very inspirational. Enjoyed the additional background information narrated by Skip on the internet version.
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, 2:55 pm
Eduardo Garcia says:
What a Great Story of a mother’s love for her son and her unbounding faith.
Great article written by writer..God Bless all who are touched by this story.....
Ed
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, 2:31 pm
LW says:
Inspiring and heart wrenching!! Bless your heart for remembering these wonderful people!
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, 12:54 pm
Meg says:
Whew! There’s nothing like a good cry in the middle of the afternoon in one’s cubicle. What a moving article. Thanks, Skip, for bringing us the story of John and Ann.
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009, 8:45 pm
Jerrie says:
What a wonderful story. I read it from start to finish and was on the verge of tears at the end. Ann was the epitome of mothers and her son was a godsend to everyone with whom he interacted. Thank you so much for this story.
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009, 5:20 pm
Walter says:
Skip,
I don’t know you, but I want to give you a hearty thanks for writing this wonderful piece.
Sara Foxworth was my mother. It is fascinating to read this article and hear the multimedia portion because I know how important John was to my mom.
I remember when mom did a fundraiser for John to get him a special straw for him to blow into to change the channel on his television. That was a HUGE deal when he got that. Both John and my mother shared a tremendous love for Hillcrest High School.
I realize now, in retrospect, what kind of a special relationship John McClamrock shared with my mother. They are both having a ball in heaven today!
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009, 1:56 am
Carolyn Peterson says:
I am the Divorced Mother of two young boys with special needs of their own, and also a classmate of John’s back from our elementary years. Thank you for sharing the McClamrock’s remarkable and inspiring story with so many people. Mrs. McClamrock is such an inspiration to all of us, to be the best Mother we can be, and she was right: what an honor to care for her son. She was a remarkable woman, and John and Henry were so lucky to have such a strong, loving woman in their lives. Prayers and thoughts going to Henry as he draws strength from all this, and those around him who love and care about him as he continues the next chapter in his life.
Thanks!!
PS: She should have been voted: Mother of the Year!!
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009, 12:07 am
Beth Ann says:
Thank you for this inspiring story. I am the mother of 4 children and my youngest daughter has special needs which have required round the clock care. My husband has just been layed off and sometimes I’m not sure I can face another day. Reading the story of Ann McClamrock’s unending faith, hope, and love for her son in the face of so many challenges has reminded me how important my job is as a mother. This story has given me the strength to face tomorrow.
Monday, April 27th, 2009, 9:13 pm
tommy says:
I just want to say I registered this evening after I read this article in my monthly issue. I say "bravo"!! Thanks to Mr. Hollandsworth for writing about that is good and pure. A story with a message. I’ve now encourage my wife to read the article. Thanks again for a great article celebrating three lives
Monday, April 27th, 2009, 9:08 am
Sarah says:
I can’t tell you how touched I was by this story. Our family recently received a blow when a new baby was born to us with severe disabilities. This inspirational story reminded me how strong the love of a mother is, and how a positive attitude can change everything.
Saturday, April 25th, 2009, 8:51 am
Jan says:
As usual, Mr. Hollandsworth does a remarkable job bringing us a remarkable story. Thanks so much.
Friday, April 24th, 2009, 11:32 pm
Susan says:
This was the most inspirational and touching story I have ever read. Thank you for sharing it.
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