Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Captain

I know there are a ton of people praying for us. Some of you know us, some of you do not. This post is for both, but for different reasons. If you know us, you know Andy. You will like this post because, well, you like him. If you do not know Andy, you will like this post because you can get to know him better.

I call Andy Captain. It started out as a nickname given to him by a friend in which he was called Captain Andy Pants...I have since then shortened it to a much more manly version of Captain.

Let me begin by saying he is the best thing that has happened to me. He is my superman...and he is proving it more and more each passing day. For those of you who do not know Andy, the first thing you should know is, he is selfless. He is always doing something for others. I have not cleaned a bathroom since we have been married...and ours is always clean. He does dishes when he sees they need done. I never take out trash, or fill up the gas tank, or hardly ever feed the dog...not because I can't, but because I never get the chance. If you live with the Captain, these things are always done. He is a servant, and therefore the person I value and respect the most. He loves me more than I deserve, he is patient with me ( if you know me...that takes some effort :)) and always puts me first. He is above all else a Godly man. His character is what drew me to him and it is his character that keeps me smitten. He is always more worried about me than himself...when we found out about his tumor, I asked him if he was scared, he said only for me. What a guy, huh? When I got to see him after his surgery, he was having a hard time coming out of the anesthetic. I would say his name loudly to get him to open his eyes...it didn't really work. I sat a cried for a little bit, and I whispered " I don't like this." As soon as the words were out of my mouth, his eyes popped open and he looked straight at me...He didn't last long, but that of all things is what got his attention.

He is a "big guy". He is over 6 foot and built like a linebacker. I did mention he is my superman, right? He LOVES sports. All kinds, but especially basketball and football. He is an excellent athlete and is quite the baller. He loves his basketball shorts and T-shirts. Jeans are a little too dressy most of the time. :) He can chat IU basketball for hours. He can quote more sports stats than I have even bothered to read in my lifetime.

He is a man of God's word. He does a quiet time daily. He memorizes scripture. He reads and meditates on God's word. He loves to debate theology, but in the end, says if it is not a salvation issue...it probably does not matter.

He was and is a good father. Watching him play and love on his daughter are some of my sweetest memories. He loved her So much. He called her "So Pretty". He would come home from work and say " Hey, So pretty! I missed you today." She would look at him like he was the most wonderful thing she had seen all day...He is going to be a great dad to a little boy...I just know it.

As for Andy "the friend" ...I know he is respected and loved by his friends. He has many. Some since he was 3 or younger. They are still close. Friends that can get together to play ball, chat about anything, even cry together over the death of his precious Caden...good Godly friends. We are so very blessed.

He loves to laugh and play games. But mostly, if you ask him he will say he loves to hang out with me...how did I get so lucky? This, people is my Captain. Thank you for praying for him and loving him...even if you might not know him. Please keep it up...God is answering your prayers in mighty ways.

21 comments:

Lindsey said...

Beautiful, Cari. (And I'm not just talking about your new background choice!)

Extraordinary Ordinary Life said...

You always make me cry.

Unknown said...

Wow. You guys are such an amazing team. I am so thankful to have come across your blog a while back. Continues prayers for you guys!

The Kelly's said...

What a great post, Cari. It was so good to see you and Andy at Target yesterday. I'm so glad God is answering prayers for you, Andy and your families. We will continue to pray.

The Mitchells said...

Overwhelming to hear you talk about how he loves Caden...makes my heart break all over again, but at the same time fill with Joy to get to see him with Rigg. Ha, and I don't even know you guys!!

Mississippi Girl said...

I am praying for you and your family....

Anonymous said...

I met Andy in middle school when he sat behind me in health class. Always quiet. Everyone liked him right from the get go and I found him to be adorable. Of course not a manly term~!
Andy is quite a guy and you are lucky to of found such a great guy, that being said you must be quite a girl in order to have a guy like that. I know how you feel about having someone so great by your side. That in itself is a blessing.

I love reading your inspiring and touching blogs~!

Justin said...

Captain.

The Laird Family said...

Wow, Cari. I am so touched by reading this. I work with Andy and have so much respect and praise for you both. You are amazing..My thoughts and prayers have been with both of you through this time.. I'll continue to pray for not only God's healing, but for HIS Grace, HIS strength and more than anything, for HIS will.

Anitra

Keith said...

I have read your blog every since I found out about it. My intent has been to read how you and Andy are doing and then try and give you some words of encouragement. However I am the one that is always encouraged and uplifted by your words and the good news about Andy. So now all I can say is Lynn and I pray for you two and the baby every day and will continue to do so. Andy I can’t wait to see you back at work you are missed.
Keith

Krista said...

You have no idea how much that means - even to strangers! Andy aka the Captain sounds God-sent! And I believe he is. Be blessed today, and always!
Still praying
From Sunny Seattle,
Krista

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful tribute to your husband! Praise God! You ARE blessed. I continue to pray.

Carla in Maryland

Kelsey said...

Wow, what an amazing post...actually what an amazing man you have. I don't even know you but have brought me to tears.

Anonymous said...

I learned of your blog from Kelly's Korner last week. I've been praying for you and your family since. This post about your husband is so touching. Everything about it is beautiful.
I will continue to pray for all of you.
Carley

Anonymous said...

Dear Cari, I don't know if you remember us, we used to go to Grace, and now go to the Church Andy's cousin, Steve, is an elder at. I have prayed for you since last fall, but just heard about your blog last week. My boys now recognize "There will be a Day" on the radio from your blog. We all pray for your family! Praise God for the witness you are to the world. I want you to know there is truth behind the saying that behind every good man is a great woman. You are his helpmate, your love and support helps him be the wonderful guy he is. I remember how sweet it was to see him visit his nephew (if I remember right) each Sunday in the nursery before he ever had a baby of his own. We look forward to hearing about continued healing for Andy, and the healthy birth of Rigg! We have four sons, what a joy they are! We rarely have a dull moment! Yesterday I was so encouraged by Isaiah 43, maybe it will encourage you, especially 43:19
"See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland."

God is, and will continue to use your pain. He is awesome in the way He brings joy & comfort out of sorrow. Sorry for my rambling!
Ingrid, Joel,
Ben, Caleb, Noah, & Luke Prail

Anonymous said...

Hi I am one of many of Winstons teacher at world of life on Wed. I know Debbie well. I love her she is a sweetie.My family has been praying for you (even my inlaws in Flordia and there church) I am so amazed at your faith and what have you have been through. I am a mom of 4 kids. I am so touched by you and your strength, that god has given. May he always be with you. Amanda Collins

momofall said...

Cari- You seem to be such an encourager, uplifter, and positive thinker. I am so proud of you for being your husband's best cheerleader. That is very important to him and will be a great witness to many around you. Not only are you encouraging to him, but to all of us who read your blog and check to see how your family is doing each day. He and Rigg are so blessed to have you as the wonderful mom that I"m sure you are. Don't forget to take some time just for Cari occasionally, so that you can always be at your best for your boys. May God continue to richly bless your family.

Angie Smith said...

just wanted to let you all know that i stopped by after one of your friends emailed me. you have a precious family, and i am asking the lord to give you great peace in this season...

blessings,
angie smith
(audrey caroline's mommy :))

Amber said...

Cari it is Amber from F.C.Singers and well I would just love to say how happy I am that I found your blog! You are such a true inspiration to me and my family. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard of your unimaginable loss. I have cried more for you than I think I have for anyone. After reading your blogs, I feel like such a stronger and better christian. I hope my faith grows to where you and your family are. You are an a amazing person and it sounds like Andy is as well! You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

CinderellaMommy said...

Keeping you in our prayers!

Beck said...

Thinking of your family and keeping you in my prayers (: Stay strong!