Andrew Robert Basil

Infant Andrew Robert Basil died on November 14, 2006 at St. John’s Children’s Hospital from septic shock. He was only thirty days old. He was born on, October 15, 2006 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, the son of Sarah Hacker and Justin Basil. He was baptized on November 9, 2006. Andrew will be providing others a chance at life through organ donation with the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Terry and Lisa Basil and his great-grandmother: Shirley Basil He is survived by his parents: Sarah Hacker and Justin Basil of Springfield; grandparents: Dianne Hacker, Joyce Stoelting, Bob and Nancy Hacker, Robert and Diana Meacham all of Springfield; great-grandparents: Don and Sandra Beck, John B. and Debbie Clark, Rosemarie Stoelting, Edgar and Karen Cearlock all of Springfield, Joe and June Hacker of Centralia and Robert Basil of Kincaid; great-great grandmothers: Marjorie Allen of Pawnee and Nelle Clark of Springfield and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, with Rev. Julia Melgreen of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church officiating. Cremation will be accorded following the visitation by the Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to: Pastor’s Discretionary Fund at Douglas United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Andrew Robert Basil is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Below is a poem that Andrew's family wrote for him. A Poem for Baby Andrew October 15th, 2006, was a joyous day as a bundle of love Came into out hearts as if sent from above. His eyes were bright blue, his head perfectly round But his legs were like chickens without the ‘cluck’ sound. We held him; we loved him and watched his eyes peek. We giggled and cooed as we tickled his cheek. We wait fully watch for a smile to appear To indicate “Whose your favorite?” was near. Whether Colts or Falcons, we are all football fans. Holding tight not to drop him when yelling “Touchdown Rams!” For Halloween, it was orange, a pumpkin he would be. But Grandpa had him dressed as Santa for underneath the tree. Our dreams turned to fears when his body lay quiet and still. His eyes would not open, his stomach he would not fill. For a dark and devastating germ had crept into his blood. Our tears of joy quickly turned to sobs of torrential flood. The doctors and nurses fought with wisdom and might. He had tubes in his body for 8 days and 8 nights. The family was present and prayers were a many. We each prayed to God for a miracle, just any. Father Samuel’s anointing made his eyes open wide. Pastor Julia’s baptism made us feel God was on our side. He fought a hard battle, his heart kept on beating. But our hopes and our dreams for him slowly were fleeting. The damage was too much, his brain would not function. We knew that his life hung at the brink of a junction. The uncertainty of life was changed only by the certainty of death. And only in giving Could his life go on living. By sharing his organs the Gift of Hope knew That his heart and liver would help babies of two. Although, the gift that he gave was blessing for some. We knew that life as we knew it was forever done. We cannot even imagine, for Sarah and Justin The sorrow and emptiness they must feel within. As a family we will stick by their side To help them, to hold them, and cry into the night. Our hope for them is that God looks down from above And gives them another baby to love. As parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and cousins We can only smile at Father Samuel’s prediction ---- that God will give them a dozen. Now our hopes and dreams for Baby Andrew forever. Is that he is cuddling and playing with Jesus in Heaven.