You know when you get a new calendar you always add important birthdays of your family and closest friends that you have memorized. When I flipped to the month of November I always added “Andy’s Birthday” on the 12th.  Andy is Evan and Cinny’s older brother. We always made sure we called him on his birthday and sent him text messages. He was more thoughtful and would mail us a traditional birthday card with a thoughtful message. We can’t call him this year. Who would have ever predicted that he would not be with us. You see, Andy got tired out of the blue. He was healthy when he went over to Europe this summer for a bike ride with his friend through Croatia.  Long story short, he was filled with cancer and didn’t know it. Luckily his girlfriend Jill was in England and able to be with him till he took his final breath.

Life expectancy is a mystery. Andy was the type of person that avoided taking his social security out at age 62 and 65. No doubt he would make it to at least 90. He was so careful about what he ate. No sugar or processed foods, no red meat. He ran several NY marathons, and was a cyclists. If you had to bet on someone living a long life, you would have laid your money down on Andy.

He had what this world holds high – a Dartmouth undergrad degree, NYU Law School degree, was a Manhattan attorney, served on several boards, and his favorite organization was Toastmasters.

But what I imagine God his father in heaven thought what really important was how he came to graduations of our kids, he went to visit them in their various places, and took such an interest in them. He prepared countless meals for us including gazpacho soup, caprese salad, and salmon with fresh dill. He made you feel special and put himself out for you. He served you with delight. He rents out his NYC apartment far below the going rate because everyone can use a break.

Andy and his former wife Liz Andresen designed trips for our family to Puerto Rico and NYC. We will never forget it. It was so generous and memorable. The Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico is the one that we will always remember – Evan Jr was in 8th grade, Natalie in 7th grade and Caroline was in 4th grade, You think those days will last forever, and sadly we are reminded that they don’t. I can still taste the fresh papaya. He arranged for our children to see their first Broadway Show too – Lion King of course.

Andy was the responsible one, very well organized and well traveled. His friends in his law firm were shocked and said it is rare to find someone so fair, moral and ethical in this world. He was just with us earlier this year for Evan Jr’s wedding and made a point to visit Caroline in the Spring in Charlotte.

RIP dear Andy. You just can’t beat the system no matter how hard you try. You never know when you will leave this earth which is good and bad. You just need your suitcase ready for eternal life. Make sure it’s filled with good deeds, serving and helping others, and following the golden rule. You did it so beautifully.

Tags : death