In the hospice
Hi folks, this is Roger Bourland, Andy’s older brother. I’m out spending the holidays with family, but mostly to spend some time with Andy. In that you have not heard from him for a while, I am taking the liberty of updating you on his status.
Andy is in the hospice now and happy to be there. It is a beautiful place with a wonderful staff. On Sunday, we had a birthday party for his daughter, Hannah. It was a typical Bourland party: rowdy, fun, loving, good food, and merriment. Andy was in great spirits. He had many pictures taken with the family. After a few hours his energy dwindled and he went to take a nap. The family cleaned up and left the hospice. I apologized to one of the nurses for being so noisy and she assured me that it was not a problem and was happy to have had us there for him. This week, smaller groups have gone to visit. A small group went on Sunday to watch the game. Yesterday, he needed the day to regain some energy so we left him alone to rest. Today my husband and I will go over and bring “It’s a Wonderful Life,” one of his favorite movies, and watch it with him. Tomorrow, New Years Eve, a few of us will go over to celebrate the New Year.
Several of us have urged him to do a few more posts. He seemed a little nervous about doing it “being the perfectionist that I am” and as blogging takes sustained mental energy, he fatigues easily these days. So, I’m hoping to help him in this process by proofreading his posts, or being his faithful scribe. Whatever the outcome will be, I’ll keep his readers up to date.
He was deeply, deeply moved by the warm responses you all have given him on his recent posts. Our family thanks you for your outpouring of appreciation and concern for him.
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Thanks for doing it. Makes my heart strangely warm.
Dad
thanks so much for keeping us updated…Jeanne sent me an email too. We are praying for you and even from Texas, I wish there was something more I could do.
Andy, you’ve been such a champion for this industry, such a mentor to many and encourager to all (including me, a new kid with no track record when we met)
Thank YOU for your belief in us.
I am believing the best possible times for you and your family in these days…and a beautiful eternity for you.
much affection,
Carrie Wilkerson
The Barefoot Executive
Thank you for sharing this journey with us….
I’m only meeting Andy & the Bourland family now..thanks to Carrie Wilkerson.
What you’ve shared here has special meaning for me…and has helped sooth some hidden places….my Dad passed 2 weeks ago today…his final time was spent in a wonderful warm & loving hospice facility.
Those special care givers cared for us…those left behind on earth…… as well as my Dad…
I think I understand how Andy feels about Celeste…the meaning of her name speaks volumes….I was lucky to have a “Celeste” guide me.
Thank you for sharing this special tender time….I was also with my Mom when she died…what really struck me with both my parents….is how much like birth… death is…..for everyone concerned.
Thank you again for sharing.
Blessings to you and your family….In Peace,
Jeri
Please tell Andy if blogging is too much,
we will certainly see him if he twitters a sentence here and there.
Thinking of him frequently.
~Ed
Andy and Roger,
Roger thanks so much for keeping us updated.
I first met Andy at a jvAlert Live Event in
Orlando and in a few more weeks will be returning to Orlando.
Andy know that you are thought of often.
You have a wonderful family of people who will be thinking of you when we gather in Orlando, February, 6th, 7th and 8th for jvAlert Live again.
It won’t be the same without you, but we will be streaming some video from the event. If you have access to the Internet and are able, we would love to say a few words to you as a group from our gathering.
You’ve meant so much to so many and we would like to let you know that you are loved.
All the best,
Ken
I met Andy when we went to dinner at JVAlert in Philly. We rode in the back seat of Brian Edmondson’s car, as I recall. I had never met Andy before, but I have this thing were I feel how people are. Not physically, but inside.
I got this feeling that Andy was a very kind and caring person in a short time, and enjoyed his company very much.
I know that many people are praying and sending positive vibes his way.
I’d like to add mine.
– Pat
I have not had the privilege to meet Andrew, but I just wanted to add my prayers to the chain. You have touched so many lives from what I have seen, and I just wanted to let you know that these lives will never be the same. May God bless you and your family.
Andy, we heard you were ill through Susan. In these difficult days, we wish you peace and happy thoughts of baseball and Truro.
You are in our thoughts and prayers…
Karen, Allan, Harry and Emma Wood
Hey buddy–just sent you an email before I saw this post….
Praying for you and your family. You hang tough, my brother!
JW
Dear Andy!
I just got the address to your blog from Susan. I don´t know if you remember me. I´m from Sweden and I took care of hannah when she was 6 months to 1 year. We also visited Susan the summer of 2002. You were so kind to inwite us to your home that summer. Ia have read “your story” with all your medcial problems. I also read that youa are a member to a church. I´m also a member of a church here in Sweden. That gives you a differnt goal with yor life and a bigger hope for the life after this one on earth. Wanted to write you a little message and send a prayer for You. May God bless You and touch in a very special way! You and your family are in my prayers. Best regards! Pernilla
Hi Andy,
We’re so touched by your honesty and generosity and all the wonderful wishes your friends continue to offer. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. WE wish you the best — God be with you now and always!
ME & Nicholas
Hi Andy,
Just letting you know that a lot of people really care about and miss you. I was at the JV Alert in Philly, and will be at the February one in Orlando. As Ken said, if possible, we’d love to send you a long distance hi, and some healing energy.
The hospice sounds like a good decision. I’m not sure I could handle those television shows younger folks watch either.
Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us.
Willie Crawford
Hi Roger
Please give my love to Andy - and the whole family. We were in a mastermind group together last year and I enjoyed getting to know him.
Wishing you all well xx
came across your blog today, while Googling for a video thing, I read much of your story, I was very moved, thank you for sharing what you could, I’m sure its a treasure for those who know you, and may be some who don’t.
Being a Japanese Buddhist, every life is a unique precious thing, my prayers reach out to you and your family,
Best Dreams
zichi
Andy
It was awesome that I was able to talk with you on the phone on Christmas break. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t think of you. We have had so many great times together. I still have to say the best time was when you picked me up and jumped into the pool with me, and of course I had my Nano Baby in my pocket. : )
Andy 3:16 I Just drowned your Nano Baby.
Much Love Uncle Andy!
David
Thinking of you today, Andy.
Just noticed a great email you sent in April, 2008 while searching for something in Gmail.
Thanks for being you.
All my best,
Brian
We are streaming JV Alert live today at http://JVALERT.TV - and I am speaking at 10:30am eastern
just wanted you to know — i plan on giving you a shout out
love you Andy!
Carrie Wilkerson
The Barefoot Executive