Andy at age 21, near the tide pools in San Diego. Both photos taken by his mother.
| Name at birth: | Andres (Andy) M. Castaneda |
| Date of birth: | 06/19/1977 |
| Place of birth: | El Paso, TX USA |
| Date of death: | 07/29/2001 |
| Place of death: | Denver, CO USA |
| Resting place: | El Paso, TX |
| Submitted by: | Lucy Araujo-Cook (Designengin@earthlink.net) |
But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13
But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalms 5:11
Andy at age 11, Ruidoso, NM, during a family camping trip.
Andy was 24 when Our Lord called him home. He was tall and brawny, quick to smile, ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He laughed a lot. He was witty and he had a playful character. He was openly affectionate with the people he loved.
But when he was a child he was none of these. He was small and often sickly. He was quiet and shy. He disliked being the center of attention. He spoke only when it was absolutely necessary.
The shy boy and the gregarious man. He was both of these. When he spoke of the hills and valleys of life he was generous. He sifted the wheat from the chaff. He recalled the good times and tried to forget the bad. He was willing to do that for those he loved.
How can we possibly count the blessings of one single life? How can any of us count the blessing it was to know Andy and love him, or be loved by him? It is impossible. But God uses all things for good for those who love Him and serve Him.
“All things?” you might ask. “Even grief and sorrow? The pain of separation?” All things. In our brokenness we grow closer to the Lord, learn to depend upon Him, spend more time in prayer, acknowledge our powerlessness and His complete control.
Andy was young but he had experienced trials. He was learning to seek after the Lord, and share Him with others. This pleases Our Father God.
Andy, you will not face the ravages of old age. You are forever young. You died before you knew the grief of loss. Every person who figured prominently in your young life was still in their place–your grandparents, your sister Nicki, your parents, your uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. You had Rachelle by your side as a faithful wife. We surrounded you in the circle of our love.
We love you still. We love you forever. We look more longingly to that distant shore now that you are there waiting for us. There is no doubt that when we cross over your spirit will greet us, and we will be together for all eternity in Our Father’s House.
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