Today once again marks on our calendars, your birthday. Today, here on Earth, to all your loved ones, you would have turned 27 years old, 27 years of life. But, in Heaven with Jesus Christ you will be fulfilled with eternal life. How fortunate that today, on your birthday, you will beside the most special, Our God. How I wish you were along side your loved ones. You should see how everyone's life has changed so much, Rafy and Randy are Afghanistan, and me here contently worrying about them. But I have to think about how God has everything under control, like when you were there, far away. I miss you a lot, and you more than anyone know, this is a day that hurts so much for me, because I feel you should be here; seeing you very established in life, perhaps married with children (a boy or a girl) :-) But, our destinies are programmed by God. There are days that are super bad for me, and there are days that one has to put on a mask, in order not to worry anyone, like today. I remember the day you were born, that little precious face that gave me that sweet smile, that silky hair you were born with and your skin, so golden brown, absolutely precious!! I remember the doctors saying you would be short in height, and as it turns out, you were tall, dark and handsome. Any girl's wish would be to have a man like you by her side. As always, as your mom, I was so proud of you and your brothers. I remember your first steps, and when you learned to run. Since you were young, you liked playing with sports balls, that's when we knew you were destined to be a great athlete. I was so proud as I watched you on the basketball court and the football field. It came to mind the time you had the accident and injured your hand. That last football game of the season was near and you were heartbroken you couldn't play. You took off your cast behind my back and went to the game and played. You ended up catching the ball for a touchdown! Oh son, so many memories to treasure deep in my heart. I have locked them up there, and preserve them deep inside. I also remember your graduation day, your prom, and the day I dropped you off at college. When we left you there, I cried all the way home because I realized you were becoming a man with responsibilities. And, I remember how I would drive all the way there just to bring you groceries. My dear son, the memories are many. I don't think I could live without them. I give thanks to God that they are good and sweet memories that left behind. Thank you, son, for making me the most proud mom in the world. I thank God for giving me the privilege of choosing me to be your mom, what a pleasing privilege it was. Today we celebrate your life, that life that today you celebrate at God's side, your creator, our creator. Happy birthday, beloved son.
Love you always, Mom
Beloved Son / Xiomara Mena (Mother) The angels came in the blink of an eye, I never got to say goodbye.I didn't know there would come a day, When you would have to go away. I guess I'd always just assumed, I'd have forever to spend with you. But forever came the day you died, Leaving me to cry and cry. I can not let you go so young, You will always be my baby son. One day I'll get to hold you again, When my time here is to an end. Until that day I need you to know, That I will ALWAYS love you so.... Love Always, Mommy.
The other side / Xiomara Mena (Mother)
The Other Side
I'm over on the other side where life and death softly divide. Left my skin and bones behind now I'm over on the other side.
Can you feel me there with you? My breath is gone but I'm not through. Loved you then and i still do from over on the other side.
I can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky. Tell em all I did not die. I'm just over on the other side.
It's good here on the other side. The sweetest songs...the bluest skies. Thank you for the tears you cried but it's good here on the other side.
I can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky. Tell em all I did not die. I'm just over on the other side
The world is smaller than a needle's eye. Where life and death softly divide. When you leave your skin and bones behind I'll be waiting on the other side.
I can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky. Go tell em all I did not die. I'm just over on the other side.
I miss you- We miss you. There’s not a day that goes by and we don’t think of you. So they say “what don’t kill you- only makes you stronger"…well I guess Xiomara must be the worlds strongest woman because I only know the emptiness that I feel- and can only imagine the love of the mother & how she must feel… Andy when you left you left foot prints upon sooo many hearts. You have inspired and touched so many- and still do so every time each one of us shares our stories of you. The legacy you leave behind is out of this world- I am just sooo blessed to have had the opportunity to have played my part and for this I am forever thankful!
Missing you... / Pety Lopez (Friend)
Miss you Andy.. It sucks not having my friend to gossip with exchange stories or just stay quiet on the phone with.. I miss you so much buddy.. But knowing your in a better place keeps me sane and I can't wait to see you again. xoxo Close
To Andy / Luis Ruiz (cousing)
Hello andy I am sorry I am writting a little late I being so busy at work, but anyways I don't want to talk about my job I want to said that I was in virginia for your annyversity and I got to said what a day I had so much I also seen people that I haven't seen in a while and they already beat by having kids wow I got to get me a girl cuz I am getting old I going to be almost 30 years old can you believe that I can't. Also my nephew andy and gabriel have funn 2 they thought that phillip was a real basketball player but make them believe that your nephew 2 they had so much funn I can wait for next year. And cuz you should be proud to have a mom like my tia xiomara please you been heaven please protect her and our family. We all miss you so much and still can't believe you gone but I had to wake up and face reality. Well cuz I love you miss you and will see soon.
Your cousing
Luis Ruiz
P.S. Tell my mom I said hi also that I love her and miss her so much that only memory I had from her is saying hi to me in the hospital in Panama. Thanks cuz love you both. Miss you miss you Close
3rd year Aniversary in Heaven / Xiomara Mena (Mother)Read >>
3rd year Aniversary in Heaven / Xiomara Mena (Mother)
My beloved son, today marks on our calender another year without you, unbeliveable how time passes so fast, I've been so busy putting your second annual basketball tournament together. It was so nice and so successful. I saw all your high school classmates, everybody was so happy just to be there for you and to honor you. Phllip won the MVP trophy. We had the most wonderful time honoring you. A lot of people were just talking about you and remembering the times they've had with you. I felt so happy that all our family from out of town came just to be here for you. My son, I miss you so much but I know God doesn't make mistakes and you're in heaven looking down on us and pleased with today's event. Everybody helped out for your special day, even a mother of another fallen soldier, my friend Paula. I know you've probably met Justin in heaven already, he also gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I thank God for your life my beloved son, you always will hold forever a special place in my heart. At the candlelight vigil, so many people accepted the Lord, you are still making an impact in peoples' lives, even in your after life. You are my pride Andy, and also daddy's pride and Rafy and Randy is also very proud of you . Your nephews talk of you all lthe time, they say 'my uncle Andy.' Thank you son for your love, I'm so glad that God chose me to be your mom.
Gone but not forgotten / Montigo White (Friend)Read >>
Gone but not forgotten / Montigo White (Friend)
Andy,
Today I remember you. Not only as my brother in arms but as the friend i shared many laughs on our barracks balcony or riding around Alabama. I even think about our battles on the court or on the football field. I visited you last week and will take my moment of silence for you today. Gone but not forgotten. Close
A Soldier / Anette O. (Aunt)
There is discipline in A Soldier
you can see it when he walks,
There is honor in A Soldier
you hear it when he talks.
There is courage in A Soldier
you can see it in his eyes,
There is loyalty in A Soldier
that he will not compromise.
There is something in A Soldier
that makes him stand apart,
There is strength in A Soldier
that beats from his heart.
A Soldier isn't a title any man
can be hired to do,
A Soldier is the soul of that man
buried deep inside of you.
A Soldier's job isn't finished after
an 8 hour day or a 40 hour week,
A Soldier is always A Soldier
even while he sleeps.
A Soldier serves his country first
and his life is left behind,
A Soldier has to sacrifice what
comes first in a civilian's mind.
If you are civilian -
I am saying this to you.....
next time you see A Soldier
remember what they do.
A Soldier is the reason our land
is 'Home of the free',
A Soldier is the one that is brave
protecting you and me.
If you are A Soldier -
I am saying this to you.....
Thank God for EVERY SOLDIER
Thank God for what YOU do! Close
Heaven She Needs a Hug / Anette Ortiz (Aunt)Read >>
Heaven She Needs a Hug / Anette Ortiz (Aunt)
Heaven send Andy as an Angel down from above,
To show Her which way to go, and shower Her with his love,
Heaven send Andy as an Angel because his help is needed,
so She can fight this battle, without being defeated,
Heaven send Andy as an Angel to carry Her in his arms, to keep Her away from all saddness and give Her happiness
Heaven send Andy as an Angel to wipe Her tears away,
Because She cries everyday,
Heaven send Andy as an Angel down from above,
Because Heaven, She really needs a Hug. Close
Heaven She needs a Hug / Anette Ortiz (Aunt)Read >>
Heaven She needs a Hug / Anette Ortiz (Aunt)
Heaven send Andy as an Angel down from above,
To show Her which way to go, and shower Her with his love,
Heaven send Andy as an Angel because his help is needed,
so She can fight this battle, without being defeated,
Heaven send Andy as an Angel to carry Her in his arms, to keep Her away from all saddness and give Her happiness
Heaven send Andy as an Angel to wipe Her tears away,
Because She cries everyday,
Heaven send Andy as an Angel down from above,
Because Heaven, She really needs a Hug. Close
Never Forget! / Misty(sister Cpl. Rusty Washam) Read >>
Light a Candle / Xiomara Mena (Mom)
Light a Candle
Light a candle for those we mourn. Into a new life they will be born. Do not look for them at the gravesite. They are somewhere else radiating their beautiful light. They have gone to a new world where there is no darkness, no pain. Their light and essence will always remain. Light a candle for those who have left this mortal place. They are free to travel through time and space. When we think of them, they are near. When we sit in a beautiful garden. Their voices we hear. When we listen to a divine symphony, We close our eyes, their faces we see. Light a candle for they have not really gone. With each flickering flame, In your hearts they will always belong.
Andy/ Andy Is A. Hero (A Friend )
Andy You are a hero to me and to many others she can't see but it doesn't seem to ease her pain it doesn't ever soften the strain her beautiful eyes will never dry they will always gaze up for you in the sky looking to where your soul floats above looking to connect with the deep bonds of love and while sweet, the linger of your laugh can cause her tears but the way you smiled and loved took away her fears and the absence of you there seems more than she can bear on days that don't seem to end she just wants her beloved friend the one she raised to stand so tall the one she never dreamed would fall but I know you're up there saying Momma just keep on praying I love you the same if not more and when it's your time, I'll be at the door to welcome you to this loving place where prayers sent up are like notes of grace I see you tend to my place of rest You send me your love, and it's still the best when you talk to me I hear and I try to calm your fear I know that this is so hard for you but more than anything, I want you to press through because you raised me to do what was right and I was honored to take on this fight I was doing what I did best and now I lay among the rest of the fighting heroes that heeded the call who help make this country the best of all so when your days won't seem to end just remember how you were my first friend the first person who filled my heart with love and I will always be putting my arms around you from my heavenly place up above. So Momma, keep saying those prayers for me and remember that I can still see that you honor me with every waking breath and I thank you and love you from every depth Close
Beloved Son / Xiomara Mena (Mother)
I pray to God every night to give me strength to make it through another day. I feel a constant pain in my heart, I lost a part of me that day. A very big part of Me that can never be replaced. I look up into the sky and wish that I could reach My Andy again and hold him but He seems a million miles away.
Andy, I love and miss you with all of my heart and soul. There is not a second of any day that you are not "always on my mind".
A Mother holds her child hand for a while But, Their hearts are joined Forever. "God, please kiss my Angel for me and tell him how much his Mom Loves and Misses Him. Close
Today will be our second christmas without you. I hate the fact that you're not here with us enjoying food and presents but I love the fact that you're in a better place, happier than all of us put together. I know you are here in spirit, laughing and smiling along with us. I love you so much and when I cry, I cry tears of joy, knowing God is coming soon, knowing that this world is not were we belong, knowing that you are in heaven with Jesus, where we all hope to be someday. Te Quiero
My beloved son / Xiomara Mena (Mother)
We know that you are happy now, And we have to let you go. Although it will not be easy, A cheerful smile we'll show.
Christmas just won't be the same Because you are not here. Yet I just seem to know somehow, That we will feel you near.
We wonder how it is with you Spending Christmas up above. Listening to the celestial choir Singing carols that we love.
You know we will always love you Especially on Christmas Day. Something will always remind us Of your sweet and loving way.
One thing that we do ask of you, You'll know just what to say. We'd like to send a message, And wish Jesus Happy Birthday! Love you forever Momma
A FRIEND OF TAVA... / MICHELLE CUMMINGS (FRIEND OF TAVA )Read >>
A FRIEND OF TAVA... / MICHELLE CUMMINGS (FRIEND OF TAVA )
I MAY HAVE NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO HAVE MET YOU- BUT I FEEL LIKE I KNOW YOU. FRIDAY TAVA SHARED WITH US AT WORK A DVD THAT HER AUNT HAD PREPARED FOR HER, & JUST TO HEAR & READ THE STORIES OF YOU GUYS HAS BEEN A BLESSING TO ME & MY FAMILY... I PRAY FOR YOUR MOTHER, FATHER, AND 2 BROTHERS... & TAVA- THAT GOD CONTINUES TO GIVE YOU GUYS STRENGTH!!! IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR... & I SOLUTE YOU! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE!!! MAY GOD BLESS & COMFORRT YOU ALL THROUGH THESE TIMES. THANK YOU, Close
Tributes and Condolences
Add to favorites 
