The Littlest Angel

Andrew came into Jon and Sandy's life on a warm summer day in 1998. Little could anyone imagine the joy he would bring into everyone's life that he touched. Andrew was a little angel that God loaned us for a short time. We will always be grateful for the time that we had with him.

Andrew had Lissencephaly and was never able to speak or walk, but this in no way diminished his ability to communicate or to enjoy the nature that surrounds us. He recognized the voices of the people around him and as soon as you spoke to him he would reward you with a huge smile and sounds of delight would fill the room. He loved going for a ride in his stroller and just being held. Just going outside stopped any fussing immediately. We could all learn from Andrew to enjoy the many wonders that God has given us that we so often take for granted.

 

Jon and Sandy

Andrew could not have asked for two more loving and caring parents. I know in my heart that if he could have, these are the parents he would have asked for.

If anyone wants to know the true meaning of being a full time mom, they should ask Sandy. She is a truly special person. Many wonderful friends and relatives would help with Andrew and watch him when Sandy needed them to. Even when someone else was watching him Sandy would constantly call to make sure he was alright. If Andrew was upset when someone else was holding him, all it took was for Sandy to hold him.

Jon has to be one of the most devoted fathers any child has ever had. Andrew loved the feel of daddy's whiskers on his face and Jon could comfort Andrew when no one else could. Rocking with daddy was of Andrew's joys in life. Jon would work from early morning until late afternoon and then come home to what was most important to him - his family. Andrew was a shining star that put a smile in Jon's eyes.

 

The brothers

For the first two years of his life Andrew was an only child. In 2000 Andrew's brother Noah was born. As Noah grew he wanted to help take of Andrew. Many times you would hear him speak of "brother" and what they had done that day. Then in 2005 Andrew started school. School it turns out was simply another place that gave him happiness. And like everywhere else he went, Andrew brought joy and happiness to his class. He had one special little friend who loved to sit with him and hold his hand. This was another opportunity for Noah to help "brother" when the bus brought him home. Noah would go down to meet the bus and push "brother's" stroller up and into to the house. Then in 2006 Jacob was born. Noah now had two brothers to help with and for him this was a privilege not a chore. This is simply the effect Andrew had on those around him - be it children or adults. Although nothing can fill the emptiness that Jon and Sandy feel, Noah and Jacob are a great comfort and a wonderful blessing for them.