new life in heaven - andrea's memorial

I want to welcome you all to Andrea's memorial. Instead of being sorrowful I want you to rejoice with me in the celebration of her new life with her heavenly Daddy. Andrea would not want this memorial to be about her as she hated being in the spotlight but I'm going to go against her wishes and make it all about her. Andrea was a trooper! The way she carried herself through this disease was the most amazing experience for me. Andrea was a wife, a lover, a mother and the most interesting person I ever met.

Even though Andrea and I never had any children she was wonderful with kids. From nieces and nephews to teaching children in her Montessori years and being a camp counselor at Circle Square Ranch for kids, Andrea loved being around children. Two things she loved... besides Jesus and I, children and animals. Any stray cat or dog running free she would make me stop the car and try and catch it and find its owner. Because if I didn't find its owner I'd risk having more animals then I wanted. I remember a couple of times I would tell her that I saw the owner of the animal when actually it was just an person on a walk having nothing to do with the animal. I think Andrea sometimes loved animals more than people.

Prior to the last few years and going back to Canada I describe Andrea as a very strong woman of God and prayer warrior. I learned many things in my Christian walk and how God used Andrea to help develop me into the person I am today, says alot about Andrea. I really believe Andrea's purpose was to get me where God wanted me to be today.

In the thirteen years we were married the first eight were as a husband and wife. What we accomplished during that time could be a lifetime for many. We enjoyed many things together such as traveling, playing golf and tennis, going to the movies, eating out and just enjoying life. During those years Andrea's health was mostly fatigue issues as she led a pretty normal life physically. Andrea wanted me to be the best that I could be and accomplish all that God had planned for me. Andrea insisted on excellence and wanted to make sure she was honoring God at the same time with her own life. Andrea would always place herself in other peoples shoes as she was a very empathetic person. She wanted everyone to feel accepted so she would do whatever she could to help the situation.

The last five years of our marriage Andrea's health changed dramatically and I felt at that time God used me to care for Andrea as a daddy or husband would care for their daughter or wife. As is said in our wedding vows, "through sickness and in health till death do us part" we wanted to make sure we honored our marriage before God. At times I felt Andrea was born as an adult and went out as a child. I want to thank God for allowing me to take care of His daughter during her stay with us. We are all blessed to have known her and thank God for the lessons she taught us.

Andrea, I am blessed to have been part of your life as a friend, companion and husband. It was my privilege to take care of you during our time together and thank you for saying yes when I proposed to you October 25th, 1997. You are in God's hands now and are enjoying the most amazing part of our journey... ETERNAL LIFE. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

your husband always Andrew