March 29, 1981 - April 19, 2010

We wish to express our deep appreciation to friends and family for the many acts of kindness extended throughout Andrea's illness and at her passing to her Heavenly Father. Thank-you for the cards, flowers, food, personal support and above all else, your many prayers.

Andrea's story was witnessed by people throughout the world as friends followed her progress on this blog from locations around the world. More importantly she, as well as we, received positive thoughts and prayers from those family, friends and acquaintances who were responding out of belief systems that represent many of the world's various religions. Being concerned about another regardless of their belief is the beginning of the type of love the world needs to bring global peace. We witnessed those seeds being planted.

Andrea's struggle united us all in a desire to support her as best we could; through prayer, written and spoken encouragement and especially our presence. Andrea appreciated the support and shared it at times as she too lifted many in prayer because she was concerned about how others were doing too.

A nurse at M. D. Anderson called Kathy to tell her that they have never seen two such determined and wonderful women as Andrea and Kathy as they fought for Andrea's life. The doctors and nurses could not help but love Andrea and were so sorry that these last few months have been so hard on her. They said they were blessed to be able to contribute to her care.

Andrea has fought the good fight and has won her race, and is at home with God.

I can personally attest to the fact that those many prayers, from all over this world, sustained us and gave us a peace that passes understanding. However, while we are at peace, we are still left with "an Andrea shaped hole" in our heart. I am sure it will never completely heal.

We stand as witnesses to a triumphant end to Andrea's amazing life journey. She lived an incredible life, filled with rich experiences and much love. She is remembered by many as a good friend. Not many receive a better epitaph.

May each of us consider her example and seek our own application of how we too can be better friends to one another. May we too bear our burdens with the dignity and grace she demonstrated to us all.

Andrea, you have blessed us with your presence and allowing us to know you -- thank-you.

To each of you, on behalf of the Martin and Luthringer families, please accept our sincere thanks for your support.


P. S. This is the last blog entry to be posted by either Kathy or Bob.

Celebration of Life, Funeral for our sweet Andrea

Viewing and time of rememberance for Andrea Kay Martin:
Wednesday, April 21, 5-8 p.m.
Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery
13001 Katy Freeway (Eldridge exit)
Houston, Tx 77079 (flowers for Andrea should be sent to this address)

For those who cannot come Wednesday night: Thursday 8-9:30 a.m. viewing, then Burial will follow at 10 a.m., same place Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Celebration of Andrea's Life: Thursday, April 22 at 11:30 a.m., reception following at:
Second Baptist Church
6400 Woodway Drive
Houston, TX 77057
713-365-2459


If you would like for your stories, comments or tribute to be included at the church, please email Danny Havard at dhavard@second.org.
Andrea's uncle, Scot Yarbrough, will also speak and his email is yarscot@gmail.com.

Other information and pictures are at: memorialoaksfunerals.com

Air flight Dignity Memorial Bereavement Travel Program is available at 800-224-4177, Reference 2673

Thank you all for your prayers, love and support through Andrea's life journey. Our family will continue to pray for you all, too, in your life joys and trials.

Peace in Heaven

Andrea peacefully went to live with God and Christ this morning, Monday April 19 a.m., about 7:30 a.m. She did not wake from her sleep.
Tomorrow I will post funeral arrangements, but most likely it will be Saturday.
As a family, we send love to you all for being so diligent in your prayers and reading this blog. We are heartbroken, but know that Andrea is in a better home than we are right now.

Hospice at Home

This past Thursday, April 1, Andrea began hospice care at home. She will no longer go to MDA and wait in lines for blood draw, doctors or tests. The nurses and doctor will come to her and J's house to keep Andrea comfortable. We pray daily for strength, mercy and grace.
As Andrea focuses on God and her salvation through Christ, she continues to pray for each of you in the obstacles that you may face whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual. We thank you for your love and friendship.

Prayers to be Strong

Andrea’s lung infection has not gotten better. She has decided not to
go to MD Anderson for physical or occupational therapy since she is
weaker. We continue to pray for strength, mercy and grace. Andrea is
reminded of how many people are praying for her daily and she really appreciates it.
We remember you in our prayers too.

Lung Infection Not Better

It's been 2 weeks since my last report and in the past that is how long it takes for the IV medicine to take affect and for Andrea to feel better from the lung infection. But, this time the lung infection continued to worsen and it is taking stronger and different IV meds to keep infection down. Andrea's spirits are not down, though. We continue to laugh at
Zeus and Tito's antics. Zeus is allowed in Andrea's bedroom and
Tito is not, so they play this game that Zeus can always win when he has had enough ---- after all Zeus is 5 yrs old and Tito is not quite 2 yrs old!

Our prayers are mighty strong as Andrea struggles, and you guys are remembered everyday as we praise God and ask for healing for each of you whether it is a physical, emotional or spiritual battle you are facing. Andrea sends her love to each of you for being such diligent prayer warriors.

New Pesky Lung Infection

Frustration....as soon as Andrea begins to gain strength and everyone tells her that it is so much easier to understand her, a new lung infection pops up that weakens her whole body. She started two new antibiotics/antifungals today that we hope will zap the culprits. Andrea still went to occupational therapy today before going to the apheresis clinic to receive the first antifungal. It was at OT she realized how weak she really did feel.
We really appreciate the prayers and please know that we think of you all daily, too.