FB friends, its April 1st. That means its Barbara Andrews birthday. While I cant possibly do justice to a full biography here, I will try and hit some highlights. My niece, Danielle, was born in 1994. Because her mom was in a troubled and difficult place, Barb became her guardian. Later, when my niece Meraya was born in 1998, a similar situation resulted in Barb accepting legal guardianship. My brother Mike was Merayas biological father, and he struggled with the guardianship, and other demons. As many of you know, Mike passed in 2000, before Merayas 2nd birthday. My wife and I intervened in the case, and battled Barb and her husband, Skip Andrews, in Clark County courts for eight years, seeking custody of the girls. During this grueling and acrimonious process, a change occurred. We settled. We would all be co-guardians. We thought maybe it would settle down. No such thing here. After Barb suffered the death of her husband, Skip, from a lightening fast cancer, the family was devastated. I recall Danielles intense pain, Merayas numb emptiness. We set aside all of our conflict, and became...united. Barb, Dani and Meraya live here in Arvada now, and we live nearby. Barb suffers from COPD, a vicious and relentless malady. Still, she provides a home and refuge for her daughters in an equally relentless and unkind (sometimes) world. Her daughter Sherri, mother of Dani and Meems, passed in 2008. In the fury, the loss, the doubt, the sadness, the joy, the grind, the accomplishments...in the very middle, stands Barbara Andrews. It may not always be pretty, perfect or seamless, but it has always been consistent, loving and sternly courageous. These two young women will be big successes in Life, Barb, because you were their Rock. Mrs. Andrews neither seeks nor desires the admiration of me, you or the world. Happy birthday, Barbara Andrews. We are here for you. We love you and yes, admire you.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 15:01:09 +0000