Hi there,
I just thought you all should know that I carry you in my heart daily. I’ve been inspired by your generosity and unconditional love for me and for my family. Thank you for your continued prayer and understanding as our family is getting adjusted to our new normal.
Ellie and I are now getting settled in Dallas. She started her new school today and every day she seems to be doing a little better then the day before. She says she misses Daddy a lot and I reply by telling her I miss him too and it’s ok to be sad. One special thing I did get done before Andrew passed away was a necklace with his fingerprint and initials on the back and another one with Ellie’s fingerprint and initials (Thanks so much to the store Be in Cuero, TX for this wonderful gift). I plan to give it to her one day, but until then I get to wear it (which I love).
I have waves of sadness come over me usually at night time, but then after I feel the sadness I remember how much Andrew inspired me to live life to the fullest. I’m reminded how valuable time is and how life is a gift. It’s a gift I want to continue to share with you all because I believe God has a plan/purpose for our lives and it involves connecting with others.
I would be so honored if you would continue to follow mine and Ellie’s journey as I share the ups and downs of being a single parent, the highs and lows of my walk with God, the accomplishments and the failures. I plan to write my first book “Beyond a Gray Faith” (Special thanks to Pastor Glenn Moore and his beautiful wife of Lifeway church in Cuero, TX for the title and the encouragement). It will be about the lesson’s I’ve learned from Andrew in the last years of his life and how those lessons have inspired me to overcome my fears and to focus on what matters most in life.
As horrible as cancer is, it did not destroy Andrew’s spirit, his love and his purpose. All of those live on in the hearts of his family and all those he touched. I plan to continue spreading Andrew’s message by sharing our story with whoever will have me, showing a documentary of our journey (thanks to fotolanthropy) and selling Andrew’s books. I will also be working to get his children’s book published, building his real estate empire and completing several of his other projects that he had in the works. Andrew left me a lot to do, and I consider it a great honor to help finish what he started.
If you are at all interested in being involved in any of these projects please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
If you have a group that you would like for me to come share our story and video with you can also email me. I don’t have a speaking fee right now all that I ask is that I would be able to sell Andrew’s books in order to spread his message.
Be looking out for some new renovations on the site, coming soon! Looking forward to connecting with you. Love and Blessings.
You really are an inspiration!!! I could only pray for the strength that you possess. I pray blessings over you and your family.
Thank you beautiful Dasha! I really appreciate you following our story and reaching out to share your love and encouragement. You are such a precious person that I’m so blessed to know. From what I know about you sweet girl, the Lord has given you so much strength to endure all that you already have. You are an inspiration to me. I love you Dasha. Blessings.
You are a true inspiration. Keep up the writing. You are absolutely right that God has a plan for all of us and puts different people in our lives for a reason.
Jenny,
Thank you so much for the kind words and the encouragement. I am continuing to learn that through other people God stretches me and molds me into more of who I am supposed to be. I’m learning to embrace who God puts in my life and listen and watch for what He wants to teach me through them. It’s not always easy, but in the end I usually like who I am becoming. Lots of love to you Jenny.
Thank you for continuing the journey! I always look forward to reading your posts!! We love you!
Thank you so much Jennifer! That means so much to me. Blessings and lots of love to you!!
We will definitely be watching and waiting! Keep up the great courage!
Thanks Marianne! I appreciate your constant support for me and for my family. You are such an amazing person and I’m so blessed to have you and your family in my life. Lots of love.
Hi Bailey! 🙂 I’m still with you, girl! 🙂
It’s so nice to read an update and know how you both are! That picture of Ellie is adorable! I hope to meet her and hang out with y’all someday. 🙂
And that’s exciting about the book! I just prayed about that. I will continue praying for you, Ellie, and both sides of the family!
It is so beautiful to see how God has shown you the beauty and freedom of openness and honesty. I’m so glad you don’t feel like you have to come across as perfect anymore. 🙂 You’re not perfect and not expected to be! Something that encourages me often is that Jesus lived the perfect life so that we don’t have to. 😀
As Galatians 5:1 says: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
He lived the perfect life, so we don’t have to, died to completely take away all our sin forever, and rose again defeating it all… For us AND His glory… Wow!! 🙂
I am not preaching at you haha 🙂 Just rambling about things that The Lord reminds me of often, and I’m so thankful He does!
God bless you all! Love you! 🙂
~Mandy
Just what I needed to hear sweet Mandy. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. What you said about Christ being perfect so we didn’t have to was really powerful. When I think of you from high school I think about your contagious joy. You always had the biggest smile on your face and so much love and joy to give. I’m so glad that you are still that way. Thank you for sharing your encouraging and uplifting spirit with me. You bless me sweet friend. May the Lord continue to bless you beautiful Mandy. I love you.
I admire you for the strength and courage you have. You are strong person and such a wonderful example for many but especially for Ellie. You have moved to Dallas? I hope you have family support there. May God continue to bless you daily.
Hi Brenda,
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. My parents and entire extended family live in Dallas as well as some of The Heard’s family so we have been well taken care of. Thank you so much for your love and concern. Many blessings to you sweet Brenda. Lots of love.
what a precious gift God has given you. Ellie seems to be full of joy and laughter. Praying for your sweet family. Press on my dear! The race is long and full of obstacles, but know that God is by your side. There will be days of crawling. There will be days of being carried, there will be days of running and steadily moving forward. One day at a time and know that any one of these ways of is ok in striving to finish the race set before you. Persevere with your eyes focused on Christ. love love love you. Amazed by your strength
Bailey, you have such an amazing look on life The love that you show to others is awesome even thru all the hurt & sorrow that you have been thru yourself . I pray for you & Ellie every day for God to give you strength & the wisdom in your every day life. I can’t wait for you to start on that book I think that it will help you in a lot of ways.The love that Cuero has for you will always be there .and it really showed at the football game Friday night when they did the tribute for Andrew . I will get that address that you need tomorrow at church & text it to you . all my love Pat
Bailey,
I’ve said it before and I have to say it again. Andrew was lead by God to you for his purpose. In return, you were loved by the best man God could give you. I am amazed and equally inspired by your strength and determination to carry out the plan Andrew led you to. It is so clear to me that you are on the right path, and embracing God’s plan for you and your sweet baby girl. I look forward to and feel blessed to be able to follow your journey. I pray for your strength and continued encouragement and blessings…….so many blessings!