Friday, December 5, 2008

A Tribute to Andrew

I write this post with a heavy heart. One of our neighbor's sons (25) was involved in a tragic accident Tues. night; he had been on life support with little chance of survival. He's an organ donor and they were waiting for the right time to remove the respirator. They removed it Thurs. to see if there were any chance of life. Sadly, there wasn't and his brain had no activity. So they put him back on it to save his organs. Today was his final day.
I haven't seen Andrew much these past few years, as he's out of the home, married and busy with his work as a full time & volunteer fireman - his life's dream. But I remember the teenager who was so friendly, caring and helpful to everyone - the one who came to our house during an unprecedented snow and we all went sledding. He loved his grandmother dearly and spent a lot of time with her. After having his heart broken as a teen during dating (as most teens do), he found the love of his life and married her several years later. His mother told me at the hospital Wednesday that Andrew would be with his stepdad's mom soon (who died earlier this year). They had held out hope for a miracle for him at first, but his condition worsened.
We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Our life is like a vapor that's here for a short time and then vanishes away. We have no guarantees that everything we hold dear in this life will be here tomorrow. This is a grim reminder to me to cherish my loved ones today and be thankful for what I've had so far, regardless of the outcome - not so easy to do, either. I may not understand it all here now, but I put my trust in the One who does. Vonna wrote a post today about our treatment of other people and striving for the best. It again is a wonderful reminder of how to live our lives. Do we want to live for ourselves or others? A very sobering thought, sometimes. I certainly don't attain this the way I should. But it's also true that we can start each moment afresh with the resolve to love others and live our lives in a manner that would make a difference in someone else's life. A true purpose to have - Andrew, you were this type of man. You will be missed.

14 comments:

Kathy said...

I am so sorry to hear about this. Especially one so young. My heart goes out to his family, young widow and friends. I hope and pray that as an organ donor he will live on and help many.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I will pray for this family and his young widow. Life is so fragile, yet we live life like we are invincible. My heart to you Carolyn, you give life to one that is lost.
HUGS,
Vonna

Unknown said...

It is a great tragedy what had happen to your neighbors son,a human being that goes out of his way to help other, was striking from life.
he will as you said with his mom if not all ready there. in a peaceful
place. I hold a candle out for the family.

Julie R said...

I am so sorry to hear bout this tragedy. Andrew, his family and friends are in my thoughts.

Irene said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. So young and such a tragedy.

Beth said...

Carolyn,
Andrew's accident was indeed a tragedy, but he's still saving other lives. Organ donation is one of the most giving acts a person can commit to. Thank you, Andrew, for all the lives you are saving.

Hugs,
Beth

Shelleen said...

what a horrible tragedy at such a young age. it is nice to know that his organs will save others.

Anonymous said...

please convey my deepest sympathy to Andrew's family. My son-in-law is a volunteer fireman here and we pray hard each time he gets called out.
My husband was an Organ donor and I get great comfort in knowing he is alive in several others.
God bless and be with all of you.

CameoRoze said...

:: sniff ::

Nancy M said...

Such a sad thing to happen to a young man. It must be so very hard on his family and wife. He is helping many others by donating his organs. My condolences.

Meari said...

What a sad thing to happen! My heart goes out to your neighbor's family. You're right... life is short, and you never know when it's your time. So hold those dear ones close!

Sharon said...

What a terrible thing to happen, I am so sorry to read this and sending you and his family hugs and prayers.

Sharon said...

How sad. I am sorry to hear this. He sounds like a beautiful young man. My prayer's go out to you and his family.

Anonymous said...

What a nice way to remember one so young. He has and will touch so many more lives in an amazing way. I will pray for his family and friends.