Friday, May 6, 2016

Big Thank You From Andrea!



          Brian and I have been given permission by Andrea to post on her blog. Andrea’s had a rough few weeks with medication reactions followed by infection with fevers and severely low white blood counts. During the worst of it she asked us to stop treatments. Things had gotten beyond complicated, and it was time. She’s currently sleeping comfortably and enjoying a private acoustic guitar concert given by a talented young man, a music therapist. She loves acoustic guitar music, and feels calmed and relaxed by it. He played beautiful quiet music, and then asked what Andrea’s favorite songs were. Pretty soon we were all singing to, "Three Little Birds", “Don’t Worry be Happy”, and even “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
          Andrea, Brian, and I had a goal to bring her closer to home, but because of her long list of medications she has had adverse reactions to, we have chosen to keep her here at Cincinnati Children’s. They have a pain med Andrea likes and does well with, should she need it, and it can only be administered here -- even hospice cannot administer it.
          Andrea was able to have a lovely visit with her children Sunday. They went outside, Andrea in the wheelchair, and the kids played in one of the lovely fountains.
If you would like to visit Andrea, you may contact Brian or I (Kim), and we’ll give you details and let you know if it’s a good time.
          I’m sure Andrea would like to say thank you to all those who have helped her throughout her life. She will always love and appreciate you for being there for her.

27 comments:

  1. Thank you Andrea for showing us what enduring with grace really is. We love you so much and wish you peace. Love, Jay and Laura

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    1. What a beautiful thing to say. Thank you Jay and Laura.

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  2. Love and Prayers from Jonathan and Patty Bright

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  3. Thank you both, dear friends and old neighbors :)

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  4. Love you all. Prayers for strength.
    John Walsh

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    1. Thank you John. You know we all love you too, dear friend.

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  5. Love you all. Prayers for strength.
    John Walsh

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  6. Hugs, prayers, and peaceful, happy thoughts for all of you.

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  7. Hugs, prayers, and peaceful, happy thoughts for all of you.

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  8. Wishing you a blessed Mother's Day, my friend. I never really knew what Grace under fire really meant til I saw what you have to go through. Your my hero, and I'm so blessed to call you my friend.

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  9. Wishing you a blessed Mother's Day, my friend. I never really knew what Grace under fire really meant til I saw what you have to go through. Your my hero, and I'm so blessed to call you my friend.

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  10. One of my first memories of Andrea is seeing her boogie down at our wedding reception--the one she made the most amazing cake for! She always been an inspiration to me about learning to dance even when life makes you want to sit down and give up! I am a better person for knowing her!

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  11. Oh so many memories of you girl!! You know how very much I love you all. As always, you are in our prayers. Now they are for for peace. Thank you for always being so positive and for showing the rest of us the way. Love you.

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  12. I know I didn't get to know Andrea very well because of our age difference, but my thoughts and prayers have been with her and her family so many times. You have no idea how often I have thought about her strength and courage and how she never gives up when I am so quick to admit defeat. My heart is so full now and she and her family will be in my prayers for peace and comfort.

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  13. I met Andrea in Boston too! Andrea you are and will always be a ray of sunshine in every bodies lives! Thank you for sharing your world with us and letting us get to know you and your children and your journey! We are all better people for having a person so beautiful in our lives even if for some of us ...it was only through texts and blogs. You are an angel on earth for many and will be in the world there after. Sending you love, prayers and peace for you and your whole family.

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  14. Andrea is one of the most selfless and loving people I've met! she truly is Gods hands and feet and I love, admire and respect you dearly! ♡

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  15. Andrea, your strength and grace has always inspired me. I'll forever remember long talks on the phone and singing and dancing as the Spice Girls. You've faced life with so much bravery and beauty, and I am so grateful to have crossed paths with you in this life. I wish so badly that I had done a better job of keeping in touch and that I could visit. I wish you peace, comfort, and wonderful days with your amazing family, and I hope you know we will always be here for them to lean on in whatever way they need us. You've taught all those who know you about kindness, generosity, living life to its fullest with the best sense of humor, and love - always love. You've fought SO hard, my dear. I hope to be even half as fierce as you in life's toughest challenges. We love you now and always.


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  16. Andrea,
    You are such a bright light in this world. You k rep going where so many of us would give up. You give and show God's grace and love . You have taught me so much. Never lose faith. Fight hard. You are and always will be in my heart. I love you!💜💜💜💜💜

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  17. You are amazing Andrea. Such a strong soul and it is your strength that helped me through so many rough months of chemo and radiation. One of the things you told me that I still tell myself with immunotherapy is to "just keep swimming". I'll never forget that. You're my hero lady. Stay strong and stay you. I love you angel.

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  18. What sweet relief she must feel at leaving this earthly life behind. Her amazing capacity to endure pain and suffering while still remaining upbeat is an example to all. My true condolences are to her husband, children and close family and friends that must continue on without her physical presence.

    I'm sure Nolan, Ken and Drewby are showing her the ropes and putting her to work immediately.

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  19. Dear Brian, I truly enjoyed meeting you and Andrea and the support you two gave to Sherrie and Ray. Our prayers go out to you. Sincerely, Angie and Ray, Sr. Guerra

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