On Friday, January 1st, a good friend passed from death to life. Andrea Canady battled leukemia for 23 months. During that time, she prevailed for several months. However, as if summoning reinforcements from hell, the cancer returned with a vengeance. I wish I would have known Andrea better. I’ve worked for her husband Mack twice in my career—when I was very new to the industry and for the last almost seven years. He really taught me the business and still teaches me today. The lessons of late are more about life than about drafting.

I’ve known the Canady family since 1983. Their kids, Andy and Heather, I knew when they were little. Now they have children of their own. Throughout the years, Andrea always supported and loved Mack, tempered him when he was fierce about something, gave wise godly counsel and seemed always to have a sweet sweet spirit. When she was going through treatments and would stop by the office, she always stopped and expressed her trust in God. My wife had a recurrence of a blood disease the same week that Andrea received her diagnosis of leukemia. Even while sick, Andrea always asked how Rhonda was doing.

Mack has been a good friend and mentor to me for many years. When his son Andy and I were both working for him and involved in ministry efforts at our churches, he always allowed us the flexibility to do both – even when it was not convenient or profitable to him. Going through this time dealing with Andrea’s illness, Mack never complained. When he talked, he has been open about his fear and his anger but without bitterness. I’ve seen in him a steadiness and faithfulness that is noble. That spirit doesn’t come from our nature it comes from God.

These articles that I post are primarily to point out that a person of noble character can make a difference in the world. In many ways, Mack and Andrea are one person and their character is noble. They certainly have made a difference in my life. I’m not sure how it happens on the other side of this life. But when she walked through the gates of heaven and met those who were waiting for her, I expect that somewhere in the background the angels were singing and the sweet sweet spirit of Andrea Kidd Canady was home.

telemicus out

Note: There will be a memorial service for Andrea at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday January 9th at First Baptist Church in Rockwall.