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!

Birth Month - Day 5

When I first returned to work after Andrew died, there were many cards and letters from those who knew Andrew or simply those who knew a mother's pain.  Before transferring to my current position at the hospital I worked in IT with Nancy Stockslager.  She left me this beautiful wind chime on my desk for my return.  It has the most soothing sound when the wind blows.  It hangs on the screened porch so I can enjoy it while outside or hear it in the living room when it is an especially windy day.  I have received so many thoughtful gifts, cards, letters, and condolences.  I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many people who continue to lift me up.  Thank you Nancy!

Birth Month - Day 4

Ah lacrosse.  A sport Andrew loved for two reasons: #1 you get to hit people with a stick and it is legal and #2 there are so many cool shorts you can get. Once Andrew found Lacrosse Unlimited the fashion choices were endless and he amassed about 25 pairs of lacrosse shorts.  It seemed like he ordered more every few months.

He made the lacrosse team as a junior and he was a starter for junior varsity.  Below is a picture taken at the Peachtree Ridge game (Andrew is in black) during what is known as the face off.  This was probably Andrew's favorite thing to do on field (other than score).  Be the first to get the ball and get it down the field to the goal.  He was pretty good for a rookie but the team overall was young and not great so we didn't see many victories.  Nonetheless Andrew enjoyed it and played again his senior year where he finally scored in the next to last game of the season.

And here he is practicing his shot - he really loved this game!

Birth Month - Day 3

When Matt was young we found out he was allergic to cats and we were always renter's in apartments where we couldn't have dogs, so the only pets we ever really had were goldfish, and they never lasted long.  By the time Matt went off to college we were in a house.  We got Rosco in 2010 and when we first brought him home, Andrew held him the whole ride.  We stopped at the pet store for a few things and they told us to let him sleep in the crate with one of our t-shirts to be comforted by our scent.  So Andrew threw a shirt in and Rosco (a miniature pinscher) was his dog from then on.  Matt taught Rosco all his tricks whenever he visited, but Andrew was his everyday best pal.  Rosco would sit in Andrew's lap as he played his beloved video games and lick his legs endlessly wanting attention.   Here  is one of their snuggle sessions.

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When Andrew was able to afford his own dog and make his own choice (he always wanted a big dog) he and Natalia got a husky and named him Zeus.  Andrew loved three things for certain: Natalia, video games, and Zeus - I'm not sure of the order and believe it would change based on the day. 

Andrew spent countless hours with Zeus teaching him tricks, playing in the park, and of course throwing things in the river so Zeus would swim out to retrieve them.  Truly best buddies and everything a dog would want in an owner.  Here's a picture of them with Zeus still thinking he is a puppy and can just jump up and be held, which Andrew always obliged.

Birth Month - Day 2

In remembering the many wonderful things about Andrew, I often think about some of the truly thoughtful things he did.  He was not much for sentiment or verbal accolades, he was a quite soul and a deep thinker.  When he was a junior he and Natalia did not attend prom, as her culture considered it a senior rite of passage, not one for a junior.  So in their senior year it was a no brainer they would go together as they had been dating since their junior year began.  That said, Natalia still insisted Andrew ask her properly.  Andrew wanted to make sure it was a memorable and special invitation for her, so he devised a plan.  A friend of mine at the time had her nephew print up signs, one word on each sheet of paper, "Natalia, will you go to prom with me?"

He decided he would hang them in the carport, while I took her out shopping or something, and then when we came home he would be waiting outside and she would see the signs.  Once he got the signs hung he called to let me know and that I should give him a heads up when we were just a few minutes away.  So I casually called him, pretending it was someone else, to let him know we'd be home in a few minutes.  We pulled into the driveway, and I stopped, turned on my high beams, and told her to look.  There was Andrew, beneath the signs, holding roses.  She squealed, jumped out of the car, and ran into his arms with a resounding yes!  I was able to capture the moment with a grainy photo from the car, but it was such a sweet moment. I stayed in the car until they went inside.

Now continuing in his very thoughtful way, when he went to pick up Natalia, he also had a corsage for her younger sister, Aneilia.  I don't know many other teenagers who would do that.  She was very excited as he put it on her.

Then of course we had pictures in the yard (the best one is below) and the standard picture from the dance.  I hope they had a great time, like I said, Andrew never really talked about personal things very often, he was intensely private. He'd probably hate this post. But I love that he had such a kind heart and wanted to make others feel special.  He was truly a wonderful soul.

Birth Month - Day 1

Today is August 1st and this month Andrew would have turned 21.  I thought I would try to get back to positive thoughts so I am going to try and share a special gift, letter, memory, or story about Andrew each day this month.  I hope I can make it every day.

Anyway, since Andrew's death, I have received many cards, letters, and gifts.  I am grateful for each and every one of them.  In addition to all the food and flowers, many reached out with other special touches.

One of the biggest surprises and something I will treasure forever is a blanket/throw that was given to me by the Patient Access Department (Andrew's co-workers and the ones I support and train).  They took the time to gather pictures that had special memories for me and then had a blanket created.  It is absolutely amazing.

So from left to right and top to bottom here is the scoop on each picture.

• Andrew's final season of baseball, where he hit 6 home runs and earned the title Bat Man
• Andrew and I on the playground at Pickneyville Park, while Matt practiced with his travel team
• Andrew and Natalia just before prom
• One of many of Andrew's basketball team
• Andrew in Kindergarten at Chattahoochee Elementary - taking a break at recess
• Matt, Andrew and I at Andrew's Duluth High School graduation
• Matt, Andrew and I at Andrew's graduation celebration at Arena Tavern
• Andrew's third grade football team - a nearly undefeated season
• Andrew's awkward sophomore year before the best hair cut and style ever
• Andrew at his graduation
• Andrew in one of his senior pictures
• Andrew and Natalia at a Braves game

I'm so grateful to have this blanket (which is as large as queen sized bed) and all the wonderful memories it brings.  I've said thank you a dozen times, cried a dozen more over this very thoughtful gift, but I don't know that I will ever be able to adequately express how much I love it!