Happy Birthday, Andrew
Today is Andrew’s 23rd birthday. He’s in Heaven. But the joy he brought to many remains.
My son loved pickup lines. They rarely worked. Maybe because he was as likely to try them on his married dance instructor (a grandmother) as he was a sixteen year old who was just having a bad day. He’d deliver them in front of husband or a dad. And he always delivered them with a silly grin. Everyone knew they were his way of saying, “I like you. I care about you. I want to make you feel special.” And we all laughed.
If you were down, discouraged, or feeling out of sorts, he might even propose. He’d say, “You know, your day would be much better if you married me!” More than a few young ladies were given ring-pops when he proposed. I remember a teacher and fellow cast-mate telling him, “I would love to marry you, but it would be illegal!” She was 30 and he was 16!
One gal, a favorite of mine and sweet friend of our whole family, was given an entire box of ring-pops when Andrew went with her family to visit her at college. They had been best buddies for years. Andrew and her brother had earned their Eagle Scout Ranks together. Before he left after their visit, he was asking for phone numbers of her suite-mates. She didn’t give him any, but she still loves him like a brother.
Here are a few of the pickup lines his friends remembered after The Accident. My daughter Margaret posted them last night. As a mom, I groaned at more than a few of them.
Is your dad a baker because you’ve got a nice set of buns.
If you get mauled by a bear with chainsaw arms.. I hope he stays away from your face. Because you’re kinda cute!
I meant to talk to Condoleezza Rice while she was here and tell her I found the weapons of mass destruction, cause girl you’re the bomb.
Gurrrrrl….are you Jamaican? ’cause you are Jamaican me crazy!
Hey do you have a map? Cuz I’m lost in your eyes
Did you have lucky charms for breakfast? Cuz you look magically delicious
Is your dad a thief? Cuz I think he stole the stars and put them in your eyes
Know what makes love like a tiger and winks?
Are you a parking Ticket? Cause you got fine written all over you.
I lost my dog, I think it ran into that motel room. Will you go look with me?
A few more that I remembered include:
If you were a booger, I’d pick you first.
You remind me a summer’s day Because you are HOT!
Are you from Tennessee? ‘Cause you are the only ten I see. (He started to deliver this one once. The gal saw an ugly rash on his face and gave him a strange look. The line was delivered as. “Are you from Tennessee? ‘Cause…Oh, I have shingles. ” Many of us laughed about that one!
If you will indulge me a moment, here are more than a few pictures of my sweet son.
I miss him every day. He is in Heaven. He is living eternally with Christ because he chose life in Christ years ago. Some day I will join him in Heaven, but for now I have a life to live here on earth. I choose to live life with joy and faith until my time to move to Heaven comes. Then I will join my son and so many others worshiping at the Throne of God.
You, too, can have eternal life.
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans. 10:9
Andrew Raymond Duncan, Gratitude, Grief, Grief at Christmas, heaven, Loss of a child
granonine
Can I say my heart sheds tears with yours? I’ve never lost a child, but reading this post and seeing these pictures has brought me to tears. Praying for you, always.
KathleenBDuncan
Thank you for your compassion. He was a great kid. And a fine young man.
conversationcat
Hi Kathleen, I cried reading your post. What a precious young man.
KathleenBDuncan
Thank you. He was a delight. I’m glad I got to be his momma for more than twenty years.
Carole
Happy Birthday to Andrew. Thank you for sharing your wonderful son.
KathleenBDuncan
Thank you for reading about him.
One of the fears of bereaved parents is that our children will be forgotten. I’m grateful that many know about Andrew through this blog.
gene
Thanks for the beautiful look at Andrew. What a great looking young man! My prayers are with you this Christmas season.
KathleenBDuncan
Thank you.
I am enjoying a Christmas Eve Open House with friends. And remembering my friends who have children in heaven. I pray we all have joyful memories of Christmases past, happiness today, and hope for the future.
Laura
Thank you for sharing your son with us today. It makes me feel almost as though I really met him. He sure sounds like a hoot–I think he and my brother must be hamming it up together, and of course, my Aaron with them. Love you!
KathleenBDuncan
You know Andrew is loving on little Aaron! He adored playing with little guys.
Corina
You have an amazing son. He’s not with you today but he’s watching and thinking about you. He’s patiently waiting to see you. He says take your time, he’ll be there when it’s time.
KathleenBDuncan
Yes. And I gave lots of living to do until then!
Elihu
Words are insufficient comfort, but to say nothing seems almost as insufficient, so forgive me if what I say causes any hurt: May the God of all comfort enfold you in his loving arms, especially as you feel his absence so acutely today.
KathleenBDuncan
Your words caused only joy and the feeling of being loved by you and my other blogging friends. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
susieshy45
Thank you for sharing Andrew’s life and his positivity with all of us. God will take care !
Susie
KathleenBDuncan
He was a great guy and a wonderful son?