Recently we went to hear Maureen Eykelenboon talk in Spruce Grove where she spoke to the audience about her son Andrew for whom she created Boomer’s Legacy. Maureen talked about his experiences in Afghanistan and his conviction that what he was doing there was important work, something we hear from every single family that we talk to. She told us about his heroic moments in which he saved Afghanistan lives, treated some of the Afghan people who have no access to medical care, what life as a medic or soldier is like, and some of his thoughts. “Mom, people in Canada have no idea of what having nothing means, even our street people have more than those in Afghanistan”. And this “About two weeks ago a little girl brought her infant sister to the UMS while I was on duty. She had 2nd degree burns on her hand from touching a kettle. I bandaged her hand and after gave a doll that your friend made to her. She instantly stopped crying and started sucking on the nose of the doll. A special thanks goes from her elder sister to your friend for such a wonderful gift; and a thanks from me for being the one to accept her gratitude. Making the children happy is the most rewarding thing about this tour. Love Andrew”.

In May 2006 Andrew saved the life of Niaz Hussaini, an Afgan interpreter with the Provincial Reconstruction team. Maureen was lucky enough to meet Niaz on a visit to Afgahanistan and see for herself the impact our Canadian soldiers are having on the people of this country.

Maureen played a slide show of the photos that remained on Boomer’s camera when he died. It was an excellent look at the life of a soldier in Afghanistan and the good work that they are doing to restore order and give the people a sense that they are being cared for. Thanks Maureen. Thanks Boomer.

We hope that the portraits and exhibitions will be able to show some of the magnitude of what our soldiers have done and have given up to do so. Their families too.

Shairl (left) with Maureen (right) This incredible quilt was a gift made by a neighbor friend that honours not only Andrew but other soldiers that have died in previous wars.

“I have to meet this mother; I want to paint her son!” said Shairl as she listened to Maureen Eykelenboom share her story called ‘Andrew’s Smile’ on CBC Radio.

Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom died on August 11, 2006. He was the first Canadian Forces Medic to be killed in Afghanistan. “Andrew was packing up to go home, but he volunteered to go out on the day he died”, said Maureen. She spoke of how Andrew lived his life to the fullest but always had time to help others.

As Shairl visited with the Eykelenboom family in their home in Comox, B.C. she observed the many plaques, photos, and commemorative items throughout the house that honored Andrew as a brave hero, soldier and medic. Through Maureen’s stories Shairl learned that Andrew’s sensitivity and compassion for all peoples was evident even as a young boy.

Shairl feels she knows this young son of Maureen and Hans a little better now. It will be an honour to paint him. She will start his portrait tomorrow.