Missing the Music

I wanted to take a few minutes and write about a very sweet, courageous, and adorable little guy in London's class that recently got his angel wings...

I hadn't known Andy all that long- he was a bit younger than London so he started school after she had been going for a while. I'll never forget the first time I met Andy or his mom, Sarah. London's class was going on a field trip to a little pond to feed the ducks and have a picnic. As I always try to do, I met the bus at the pond and waited to see my sweet little London come down on that wheelchair lift so we could enjoy the beautiful day together. As I was standing there watching the kids come off the bus, another mom I didn't know came over and introduced herself. She was Sarah, and she was Andy's mom. I hadn't yet met Andy, and didn't even know another student had joined the class. I remember thinking to myself, 'I wish I was more like Sarah, and could just go introduce myself like that'...

The field trip was nice- the weather was nice, the geese didn't attack, and the picnic was relaxing. The kids were all very content. For me, it was just another day; London's field trip, grocery shopping, a run to the post office, and back home in time to get London off the bus. For the kids it was a great new adventure; feeding ducks, hearing birds, feeling the breeze... I remember smiling when Andy smiled- simply because it was infectious. I wish, rather than being so caught up in what my day held, that I had slowed down a little and enjoyed the moment. I wish that I had been able to get to know Andy better.

When this school year began, Andy and London started out riding the same bus. Andy would already be on the bus when London was picked up, and every day when I'd get on to help strap her wheelchair down, I was greeted by Andy. He would be smiling, playing with his little musical toy. Every day, I loved the sound of that music. I loved seeing Andy be so engaged with that toy, and enjoying such a simple thing.

Andy's service was beautiful- full of love and happy memories. I miss his music, and I look forward to the day where I see Andy again.

Fly high, little man!