March 20 08

A poem that Ali wrote for school-- it needs no other introduction.

My Best Friend

By Ali McDonough

Little did we know

What the future would hold,

He lived every moment,

As all the priceless stories told.

His smile is infectious;

His personality lights up the room.

On January 29th,

Our lives were filled with gloom.

As our family members rushed

To meet us at A.I.,

The doctors told us it was over,

Time to say good-bye.

They said he wouldn’t make it,

Wouldn’t see another day,

“He has to!” I told the doctor,

“there’s just no other way!”

At this point, all his great qualities came brightly shining thru:

Bravery, determination, never giving in,

Faith in God, and family –

True ‘heart of a champion’.

His will to live was obvious.

For 167 days he fought,

Never backing down,

Living 166 days longer than any doctor thought.

Despite the many challenges and obstacles he faced,

July 14, 2007,

The unthinkable took place.

Andrew was called to Heaven,

My brother, my best friend,

Was no longer physically with me,

He instead was flying with the angels,

In perfect peace and harmony.

Heaven sure is lucky,

To have received such an outstanding soul.

Andrew did all he had to here,

True to form, he achieved every goal.

He’ll always be my brother,

My very best friend,

So until we meet again Andrew,

I’ll love you ‘til the end.

B+