April 3 08

Today (well, technically yesterday now) is/was my Mom’s 83rd birthday. Andrew got a lot of his fighting spirit from my Mom. My Mom has lost her husband, battled through 3 different kinds of cancer, still does aquacize and lifts weights at the Y, tutors, and is totally independent. Andrew and his Mom-Mom had and have a very special relationship. When he was in 5th grade, he invited her to come to school for Grandparents Day. He made her day when he asked someone to take a picture of the two of them. He was so proud to have her there. This picture is one of my Mom’s most treasured possessions. Mom, I know this hasn’t been the happiest of birthdays, but please know that Andrew is smiling down on you. We love you!

Another “Andrew Story” to share with you happened in 8th grade. Andrew’s school organized a 3 v 3 basketball tournament to benefit Special Olympics. Andrew had tentatively agreed to be on a team with two friends when another friend approached him. The boy was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to fill out his roster because he wasn’t as serious a basketball player as some of the other guys. To Andrew, his friendship with that boy was far more important than trying to be on the best team to win the tournament. Andrew and his friends had a blast in the tournament. They didn’t win, but they had fun!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying Andrew was perfect. He was human like all the rest of us. But, he did so many things right. He so often thought of other people. I often think about how many lives Andrew has touched, and continues to touch. I hope and pray that I may be blessed to touch even a fraction of that number. I often think that one of the barometers of success on this earth is “Did I make a difference in the life of even one person today?”

Please keep all of the brave warriors and their families in your prayers today. At this very moment, there are families living in hospitals, getting test results, praying for miracles, and wishing they were you.

Please MAKE it a great day!

God bless you.

Live Like Andrew – Show affection to your loved ones.

B+

Andrew’s & Ali’s Dad