The sadness that I feel about Andy passing is incredible. I wasn't one of his best friends but I spent enough time around him that I did care very much for him and considered him a good friend. It goes without saying how good of a kid he was. He gave me my fare share of sh!t but always cautious about saying unkind words, even in jest. I think that was just the way he's wired. He would do anything to please people, even taking the car to fix the A/C, he was talking about that the day we looked at the car. He helped me work on the Metro when we were at Nats if it was nothing more than grabbing a wrench for me. I've got a good picture somewhere of him trying to get into his GN with the keys locked in the trunk. He tore up his interior to hurry up so we could get to Toots that night. He was worried not about his car but about the people he was taking there, he didn't want to let them be late.
His whole life was ahead of him and he had it wired pretty tight for a kid his age. Recently completed a difficult training program for Caterpillar (on a scholarship I believe) to work on their equipment at the proving grounds. No small feat, only a few are asked to participate. He just started making good coin and was really on track to an excellent career. He's a big kid with a kind heart. He'd stand up for anyone he cared about too. I know I was willing to let him stand in front of me in case I got too far out of line !!
What most people won't realize is how significant the relationship between Jason and Andy was. J talks like they were more like brothers but I'd say that Jason treated that kid like his own. You have no idea how much Jason did for Andy and that young man loved and respected his uncle much more than the simple word uncle can ever capture. I could list several things that Jason did for Andy that I knew of. I know there's many more that have nothing to do with cars. Jason, my admiration for you is most visible when I'm all liquored up but you know it's true all the time. You're a good man and I love you my brother.
And to Jill, if you happen to read this. You raised a young man that I'd be proud to call my own. He tread his own path and with struggles along the way, he became a man that he, and anyone, would be proud to be. All the things I said down there in KY, I'll remember when Andy commented to the rudeness going on that that was his mom. He said it with a compassion that made me shut my yapper. (If not permanently, at least temporarily). It's easy to forget that you are his mom and as a dad myself, I cry with you. I can't imagine the pain that you are feeling but I want you to know that I am always there if you need anything in this time of tragedy.
In my best and most formal Sunday School Teacher's voice:
May God pour out his grace on our brother Andy and lift his spirit up high to you. Lord Jesus Christ, you are the master healer, please send down your angels to comfort those of us burdened with the sorrow of this tragic loss. Make the hearts light of those with sadness and let us rejoice in the memories of your child, Andy.
Much love,
Roger
