...Dear Andy...

Dear friends, I decided to write a song in memory of my son, Andy, who was tragically killed last week when he fell to his death in a climbing accident in California. He was one of our fraternal triplets born on September 16, 1992. He leaves behind a beautiful wife, Nina, and their 8 week-old infant in utero.

He also leaves behind his beloved brother, Tom, and his wife, Emily, and their newborn son, Shiloh, and Andy’s sister, Caroline, and her husband, John, and two boys Bennett and Callen, as well as a girl, Eleanor, who will be born in 3 or 4 months from now. Please pray for us all, especially Andy’s Mom, Linda, and all of Nina’s family and friends.

A few days ago I wrote these words to a song: “Dear Andy.” My brother, Steve, an accomplished and most generous pianist, is writing the music to this song:

“DEAR ANDY” 

(Song Lyrics To A Tune Yet Unwritten)

Dear Andy - you left me without saying goodby.

I would have loved to hold your hand - and kiss you one-last-time,

but you had songs - songs still left to sing - songs to sing without me at your side.

So I had to let you go - where heaven could feel-your-warm-embrace.

Dear Andy - Dear Andy - Oh I thank you for your life and love you shared-with-me - 

and for all you gave to others so unselfishly.

You helped us all in the few short years you were here-with-us,  

and you blessed us - son and brother, and dear friend.

Dear Andy - every time you come and check on me again - my hope and prayer - 

is that I’ll feel your heart again - in the warm embrace that only you could give.

So let me promise this - I’ll do all I can to help take care of your sweet, sweet child-of-God,

Whose life God planned before the world began. 

Dear Andy - know that I will always hold you in my heart and in my prayers.

I can only hope and pray I’ll be as caring as-you-were.

When I call to you for help - I hope I’ll feel you here with me -

So take care my son - keep loving where you are.

Dear Andy - you left me without saying goodby.

I would have loved to hold your hand - and kiss you one-last-time,

but you had songs - songs still left to sing - songs to sing without me at your side.

So I had to let you go - where heaven could feel-your-warm-embrace.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.