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.

Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom

What a pleasure it was to paint Canadian army medic Andrew James Eykelenboom, or “Boomer” as his mates called him. The first time I learned about Andrew, was when his mother Maureen told his sad but beautiful story “Andrew’s Smile” on the radio. I couldn’t wait to read about him, visit his home in Comox, meet his parents and hear more of his goofy but sweet humour.

Yes, it has been a pleasure painting your smile, Andrew, and getting to know you.

Shairl

Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom Initial Drawing in Oil, 14 x 18

This is my initial drawing of Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom. Andrew’s mother, Maureen, gave us the copyright to this photo to paint from when I met with her in Comox, B.C. in June. It was wonderful to get to know Andrew through his mother’s stories and photos of his life. We both liked liked this photo the best; it displays his wonderful smile; his love of fun, family and friends.

I started with a quick free-hand drawing done in yellow ochre paint directly onto a high quality, acrylic primed and stretched canvas. Once this drawing has been checked, measured, and is satisfactory, I’ll start painting the portrait in many layers, using Walnut Alkyd Medium to ‘wet in’ the painting each time I start another layer. The walnut oil medium helps me blend the oil colors, and since it dries overnight I can work on it every day until it is finished.

Shairl