July 14 08

Andrew,

It has been exactly 1 year since we last saw you on this Earth. One year since I last touched you. One year since I last kissed you. As you know, I see you occasionally in my dreams, I talk to you all the time, and I definitely feel your presence in my life. I hear a lot of stories from people who say that that they feel your presence as well. You lived for 14 years in this world, but I really feel like you are continuing to ‘live’ on in our lives and the lives of many others. Thank you SO much for not leaving us.

Your Mom, Ali, and I are so proud of you. I hope you know that. I hope you are proud of us, too. Andrew, you, Ali, and your Mom are my role models. I could not have survived this past year without the strength and presence of all three of you. Now, and forever, we will ALWAYS be a FAMILY OF FOUR – just like we said in the hospital.

When I don’t think about God’s plan, and I just think like a Dad who lost his son and best friend from this world, I get very, very sad! I miss you SOOOOO much!!! I feel like someone took my heart out and is just stomping on it. There’s so much that I miss, including:

· Your smiles

· Your hugs

· Your voice

· Your kisses

· Your practical jokes

· Your funny faces

· Your sense of humor/your goofiness

· Your kindness

· Your generosity

· Your warmth

· Your faith

· Your hair

· Our talks

· Our games of pool, basketball, our catches, kicking the soccer ball

· Just hanging out with you

· Watching you and Ali together

· Seeing you sitting on your Mom’s lap

· Watching you play with Casey

· Watching you play sports

· Watching you with your friends

· Seeing how much you cared for people

· Seeing you go off to school with your coat and tie on

I could go on forever, buddy. I really could. But, I can see you saying “I get the point, Dad.” J

You have changed, and are continuing to change, the world, Pal.

Please give us strength today. And, most importantly, please watch over Ali.

You already know this, but I’m going to repeat what I have said many, many times before. As the song (“For Good” from “Wicked”) that was sung at the Celebration of your Life states,

“I do believe that I have been changed for the better,

And, because I knew you, I have been changed FOR GOOD!”

Thank you for changing us for the better…and there is NO doubt that we have all been changed FOR GOOD!!!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH – YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME, ANDREW!!!

<3

Dad

P.S. Thank you, Ali, for the unbelievably beautiful birthday note (and cake!!!) :)