Birth Month - Day 12

As with most boys and sports, or boys who have the same first name, it is common for them to be called by their last name.  Matt was always Carson when he started sports. Andrew didn't really start getting called Carson until high school.  When Matt started dating his girlfriend, Alexandra (Alex for short), her family referred to him as Carson. Alex has a younger sister, Mackenzie (Mack for short).  Mack loved her some Carson and I think she felt like he was her boyfriend as much as he was Alex's.

Andrew and I were invited to attend fireworks with Alex's family for July 4th in 2013.  Mack was 3 or 4 then.  When we got to their house and introductions took place, Andrew was introduced as Carson.  Mack didn't understand how this could happen, but was completely enchanted by Andrew.  It was probably his beautiful blue eyes.  Mack ditched Matt and adopted Andrew as her boyfriend and naturally, Andrew was happy to indulge her as it meant he was favored over Matt.  Remember, they are both super competitive (no idea where they get it)!

Anyway, Mack spent the evening hanging with Andrew and it was then I thought he would make a good dad.  Until that night, I hadn't witnessed Andrew engage with little kids and enjoy it.  He just kind of stood in the background and admired them from afar.  But with Mack he let her sit in his lap, play on his phone, and talk his ear off.  He had patience and made sure she was safe.  He would have made a good dad. I'm sad I'll never hold his child in my arms, but I'm grateful to have this memory of how he could have been as a dad one day.  Stupid motorcycle.

Birth Month - Day 11

Another group of folks Andrew and I worked with at the hospital is known as the Census Team.  They ensure all the patients are kept straight on their actual location, among many other "duties as assigned".  They gifted me this scrapbook book, which has pages inside this box so it makes for great storage.  It's once again the perfect way for me to preserve memories of Andrew in a way I am already familiar with and love.  Thank you Census Team!  (Note: those are not pictures of Andrew or our family, they are the stock photos that come with the purchase.)

Birth Month - Day 10

Ask any woman what she carries in her purse and the answer is usually her "essentials".  For some that is make-up, credit cards, or coupons.  For me it is pens, I love a good pen and I usually have several in my purse at all times.  I think for men it must be the same with regards to their wallets.  If you snoop through a man's wallet you'll likely find the things he values, even more than the money it might contain.

When Andrew died, he had no actual cash in his wallet.  He didn't like cash, he liked his debit card and credit card.  He also had his social security card, driver's license, and insurance card.  Standard stuff really for any man's wallet.  But if you looked at what he folded up and tucked away in his wallet, you could see what he truly valued.  

Here's what was in his wallet the day he died:

The receipt from the Michael Kors purse he bought Natalia for Christmas.

The ticket stubs from the last two movies they saw together.

And here's the one that brought tears to my eyes.  The ticket from the Falcons game in December 2014.  That's what Chris (my brother) had give us for Christmas that year - tickets to a Falcons game. So Matt, Andrew and I went.  I don't really remember much about it, other than the outrageous prices for parking (we paid $40).  But it meant enough to Andrew to hold on to the ticket.  Either he really enjoyed the game, hanging with Matt and I, or wanted to remember what Chris had given us.  No matter the actual reason, it was special enough for Andrew to hold on to it.  Gosh I miss him!

Birth Month - Day 9

After Andrew got his motorcycle and financed the balance he owed with Honda, he received a survey in the mail.  Along with the survey was a brand new crisp $1 bill.  He was so excited to have brand new money, which I reminded him was available at a bank, but it really somehow made him feel extra special.  The dollar was of course enclosed as a "thank you in advance" for completing the survey.  Had they not included the dollar Andrew might have skipped the survey, but he felt obligated to complete it, otherwise he said it felt like he was stealing.  He kept this dollar on desk, determined not to spend it or ruin its "crispness".  Zeus took care of that for him, by taking a bite out of it. Andrew still kept it - and so will Natalia now.

Birth Month - Day 8

This came up today in m Facebook memories as well as in Matt's Facebook memories.  Exactly three years ago today I had gotten tickets to the Falcon's preseason game.  Matt couldn't go so I took Andrew (wanted them to go together).  Anyway, I'm guessing Andrew thought it was lame to go to a game with your mom, but he cheered right up when I bought him this shirt and matching visor.  You can't tell from the photo, because Andrew was too cool to show emotion, but he was totally posing for this picture to make Matt jealous.  Actually, now that I think about it, he might have been unhappy our seats were so far from the action - yes, we are in the top section of the Georgia Dome.  I sure do miss even these non-excited looks.

Birth Month - Day 7

If you knew Andrew in his elementary or middle school years, then you had to know of his love for Pocky.  I think it is Japanese although I am not certain.  It is a treat that is like a shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate.  He loved this stuff and could never get enough.  He got some every time I went to the grocery store and was usually the only reason he would go with me.  I saw this display in Costco and had to snap a photo as it brought back that memory for me.  It also brought a smile to my face as I remembered how excited he would get when I brought it home for him.

Miss you Andrew!

Birth Month - Day 6

After the service we had for Andrew, we spent a few days in California with my brother and his girlfriend.  When we returned, the hospital also had a service for Andrew.  They held it in the Strickland Chapel and it was very sweet.  All of the chaplains spoke and then Andrew's team in the ED presented me with a memory book.  It is one of the most precious things I have received as it contains their stories and memories about Andrew.  It's especially perfect for me as it is like a scrapbook which is definitely right up my alley!

The stories and memories from Andrew's co-workers/friends/family have a resounding theme - Andrew was initially quiet and shy, but soon became known for his sarcasm, laughter, and practical jokes.  Oh yeah, and his competitive spirit.  I love reading their stories and remembering Andrew and learning how others saw him.  It is so comforting to know people really loved Andrew.

The cover picture was taken at the Patient Access Christmas Party in December 2015.  Not my best look but it is a great picture of Andrew, Natalia and I and how we were on a daily basis.  Thank you Patient Access!