Go Rest High

My cousin Andy would have been 30 today. We would have
been the same age for a few months as it always was.
Andy is still so close to my heart, and as I think of
him today I remember how much fun we always had.
Whenever I start to feel really sad and miss Andy,
which is still quite often I must confess, I have to
remind myself that he is not missing this life. He's
got it really good now, better than any of us can
imagine I'm sure. So, while today, I am feeling sad, I
can still rejoice that he is with our Father and
having a much greater celebration than we would have
offered today.

I love you Andy. Happy Birthday.

Here are the lyrics to "Go Rest High" which was
fitting for Andy. Oh, how I wish we could hear him now
singing with the angels and praising the God he loved.

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You werent afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

Chorus:
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin
Love for the father and son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing


- Annie

You Have A Namesake

Namesake: def: n. One that is named after another.

Receiving the honor of a namesake seems a common
thing, but in reality it is actually uncommon. In
December such an honor was given to Andy. His
firstborn nephew was named after him. Andrew Michael.
His parents gave the name out of love, honor and
respect for Andy who is gone from us and for the baby
Andrew Michael who lives.

Baby Andrew will no doubt grow up to wonder about his
Uncle. His parents and grandparents will tell him all
about the boy and the man who lived and touched the
lives of so many. They will tell Andrew lots of funny
stories that have become legend with the passing of
time. They will tell of Uncle Andy's talents, his
struggles in his too-short life, and they will tell
how Uncle Andy would have loved playing with him,
making him laugh, and teaching him so many, many
important things.

Andy's brother and his parents will no doubt watch
little Andrew Michael grow and see signs of Andy in
perhaps his smile, his walk, his talents as they
emerge. They'll hide all those things in their hearts
and take the bitter with the sweet. All the while
this new life will be blessed with devoted parents and
grandparents, and an Uncle who is in another realm
assuredly very aware and involved in the loving and
nurturing of this little tiny boy.

Andy, you have a namesake! Isn't it grand?!

- Aunt Becky