Andy's song for Avery

One of the things I am grateful for through losing Avery is the bond that has been formed between us- those who loved her and still do. Those who miss her and don't let us forget that. One of those people, who has always amazed us with his love for Avery, is her uncle, Andy. Andy is Daniel's younger brother. Even his Honda has the same 'Avery' sticker that mine and Daniel's cars sport. Long after some have stopped mentioning Avery or act as if she's just something of the past, Andy is still here with us, making her feel relevant. It's so touching when others are so obviously affected by our precious little girl. Especially when over a year after she's gone and her brother is on his way, someone could come over to our home just to share a song they wrote about her. That's what Andy did on Thursday night. Just to know that someone thought about her that much, to pen lyrics in their head while they worked hard at their job, to go home and write the music to put those words to, to make a song about our Avery... It's such a gift to us.

Andy is very talented. He always has been. Writing music, singing, playing guitar... It all seems to come so naturally to him. His voice is beautiful and has always been one of my favorites to hear. God has really blessed him with these talents. And he uses them to honor God, which makes it all that much more beautiful. And of course, honoring Avery is beautiful to me as well. When he sat in our living room next to his new wife, singing and playing Avery's song, Daniel was next to me with tears streaming down his face. Daniel may be the older one but there are many times when he looks up to his little brother. I think this was one of those times. So in awe at his brother's heart and how he was sharing the same pain that Daniel bears every day. It was a special moment. I'm so touched and so honored by Andy's gift to us. It's so personal and so special.

I asked Andy if he could email me the lyrics and if I could share them here. So here it is, Andy's song for his little niece:

The news hits me so hard
My brother's baby girl won't make it out alive
This feeling of helplessness overtakes me
I don't know why this happened but I miss you Avery


Mommy and daddy are so proud of you
Even though they missed your first word and step
God knows I believe that you're singing and dancing in His holy presence


We love you so much
We hate to say goodbye
Those tiny hands hold our hearts so tight
Don't you worry we'll hold you soon
But till then don't forget that We love you
We miss you
We wish you were here with us


Even when the waves are crashing down
You're still good
God you're so good


The news hits me so hard
My brother's baby girl won't make it out alive
This feeling of helplessness overtakes me
I don't know why this happened but We miss you Avery

Andy and sweet, tiny Avery.



Thank you, Andy... For being a great brother to us... and a perfect uncle to sweet Avery. <3 We love you.