Andrew James Bowman

Remembering Andy

The Dash Poem
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Reading this just before the second anniversay of the day we all had to say goodbye to you, I smile in the knowledge that you can be so proud of the way you spent your dash as we are all so proud of you too. love always Andy, from Helen xxx

Helen (Friend) March 22, 2009

memories are our keepsake
with which we will never part
God has you in his keeping
but we have you in our heart
we love and miss you
Kimme and Trevor

Kimme Sparshott December 23, 2008

Just to say that you are always in our minds, myself, Serena and the kids miss you loads buddy its not the same without you. I'm sure your cracking the jokes and saving the smiles for the girls.
keep the bar stool warm for me !!

Jonah and family

Jonah Jones (Close Friend) April 27, 2008

Missing You Always

I'm regretful we lost touch over the years Andy but the closeness we shared at school meant I always had a special place in my heart for you and I always will. Your winning smile and the twinkle in your eye is as clear in my mind today as when we laughed together all those years ago. I am so proud that you achieved your dream as a soldier, I always knew you would. Reading the tributes about you just confirms what a diamond you are and now you shine for us above. Take care handsome, till we meet again, god bless xx

Helen (Friend) April 8, 2008

Thinking of you especially today and always. I can't believe its been a year since we lost you. I miss you so much and think of you everyday, remembering all those special memories we shared. I'm so proud to be your cousin and know where ever you are your looking down on me protecting me, which as my big cousin you always did best. I know for sure one day we will meet again and I will see your happy smiling face. Untill then sleep tight brave solider xxx

Shelley Jones (Cousin) March 24, 2008

WITHOUT YOU

IT'S ONLY A YEAR SINCE YOU WERE TAKEN AWAY
BY A FLIGHT OF ANGELS ON THAT FATEFUL DAY
LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS ARE STILL GRIEVING
OVER THE SUDDEN LOSS OF YOU LEAVING

YOU ALWAYS SAID YOU WERE PETER PAN
AND NOW WAIT FOR US IN NEVERLAND
WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU NO ONE KNOWS HOW MUCH
BUT WE KNOW YOUR AROUND WE CAN FEEL YOUR TOUCH

THINKING ABOUT YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY
NO ONE CAN EXPLAIN WHY YOU WERE TAKEN AWAY
JUST CLOSE MY EYES AND IN A WHILE
A VISION OF YOU, YOUR LAUGHTER, YOUR SMILE

MISSIMG YOU SO VERY MUCH SON BROTHER AND FRIEND
KNOWING ONE DAY THAT THIS PAIN WILL END
WHEN WE'LL BE TOGETHER A FAMILY AGAIN
SLEEP TIGHT AND WATCH OVER US HELP US ALL THROUGH
THIS SAD TIME IN OUR LIVES WITHOUT YOU

BY ANDREWS DAD

Mrs H Bowman (Mother) March 24, 2008

birthday wishes wherever u r sweety

well lets just hope uve got a nice birthday cake and lots of smiley faces around u babe,wherever u r u have fun and we r all thinking bout u and ur family ,god bless u andy xxxxx ive blown a big fat birthday kiss to u xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Natalie Stoneham (Friend) March 24, 2008

year today x

sorry andy wrong dates ,ur birthday wishes were sposed to be the other day, ooooooooooooops,year ago doesnt seem poss it really doesnt ,u r so sadly missed by alot of other people espiecially ur family.still thought of by alot of people hope u r happy and still grinning from ear to ear sweetheart,love and thoughts of u and ur mum dad and bruv xxxxxxxxxxxx sleep tight smiler xxxxxxxxxx

Natalie Stoneham (Friend) March 24, 2008

It's been a year since you were taken from us so tragically. Memories of us growing up togeather are never forgotten and are always in my heart. Love you today and always Andy.
Maz,Jake, Jordan and Jake Jnr.XXXXXX

Maz March 24, 2008

Never forget.

A year has passed now mate and we still miss you horribly. I always wonder what we'd be doing if you were here. I know you'd be fooling around making us laugh! We'll never forget you mate and I'd love to meet you again one day. I'll love and miss you forever mate.

Nathan xx

Nathan O'Brennan (Friend) March 24, 2008