Jan 29 09

Here’s what I remember: Two years ago I took Andrew to the emergency room for suspected appendicitis. Appendicitis turned out to be leukemia. “We can fight this. We’ll get through this.” Then all hell broke loose. Andrew’s body went into cardiac arrest. He was actually talking to the doctors without a readable blood pressure -- that’s how hard Andrew was fighting. As doctors and nurses raced to help Andrew fight, the McDonoughs and Rickers filled the ER hallway chanting “Andrew! Andrew!” Just to let him know we were all with him. And to encourage Andrew to stay with us.

Here’s what I know: Even though the doctor told Joe “Your son won’t make it through the night,” Andrew did just that. And gave us 166 extra days to love him, and care for him, and revel in his magic. He made the doctors and nurses laugh. He made them do things differently. He made them think differently. Andrew allowed us to meet all of you, and allowed you to meet him.

We have met so many wonderful people over the past two years. And shared our son and brother in such an unexpectedly personal way. It’s because of Andrew that we’re all working together now to help others through B+.

While we never, ever doubted that we would walk out of the hospital with Andrew, I often think that Andrew knew we needed this extra time to prepare, as best we could. To gather our support group – all of you.

Thanks Andrew! I miss your hugs, Babe. But you still make me smile. 

<3Mom