This was one of Andrew’s favorite songs and I can tell you he lived this song.  He was a simple man.  What you saw is what you got.  He would lend a hand to anyone.  He would smile even when he is so sick he could barely hold his head up.  His loyalty to family was strong and his loyalty to friends almost stronger.  He would jeopardize his own health to help others.  Daily seizures, never having the life of his peers, he still enjoyed life.  He complained so very little.  He truly hated the seizures and what they did to him but he tried to be positive.  Rest in peace my son, this is your sunny day.  You were the simple man and now you can be satisfied with a seizure free life.  Kiss your sister, hug your brother, hug your grandparents and be a big brother to your baby cousins.  I saw three stars in the sky the other night and knew it was you boys checking on us.  We are doing fine, live your life my son.  I will see you soon enough.  

Mama told me ... when I was young
Sit beside me ... my only son
And listen closely ... to what I say
And if you do this ... it'll help you some sunny day

Be a simple man

Oh, take your time
Don't live too fast
Troubles will come ... mmmm ... and they will pass
Go find a woman ... oh, baby ... you'll find love
And don't forget, son, there is someone up above

And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be somethin' ... you love and understand
Baby, be a simple ... be a simple man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can

Forget your lust ... for the rich man's gold
All that you need ... oh, Lord, is in your soul
You can do this ... oh, baby ... if you try
All that I want for you my son ... is to be satisfied

Oh, don't you worry... you'll find yourself
Follow your heart ... Lord, and nothin' else
And you can do this ... oh, baby ... if you try
All that I want for you my son ... is to be satisfied

Be a simple ... kind of man
Oh, be somethin' ... you love and understand
Baby, be a simple ...... be a simple man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can

Oh, mama, I will be a simple man
Don't ya know ... don't ya know
Lord, I'm doin' the best I can.

Andrew loved Eagles and we both especially loved the song Eagle Song by the Imperials.  It was the one song that played during his funeral.  At our first event for Epilepsy Awareness it was reported by more than one person that there was a lone eagle that hovered over the park and then flew away after about five or ten minutes. 

I stood and watched an eagle fly
Spread his wings and soar across the sky
So gracefully he flew
Rising effortlessly
I wanted to know just how to be free

I reach for the eternal one
Creation he was waiting to renew
His purpose in me
He said this is were life begins
I made your spirit to glide on the wind

Come let's fly on the wind
Come on let's fly on the wind
On the wind

 Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/i/imperials/eagle_song.html

Andrew is flying in the wind.  Andrew was an avid fisherman.  We wanted to do something that Andrew would love and we chose cremation.  Now Andrew can be with the earth that he loved so much and in the water with the fish, on the land with the his friends and family and in the wind with the eagle. 

R.I.P  Andrew William Shirley, our son/brother/uncle/grandson/friend

You know the meaning of the purple rose, no one else needs to know.

Love Mom, Dad, Kay, Laiyla & the rest of your Family & Friends