Andrew

This Saturday, we went to the Baltimore Aquarium. My favorite thing to see were the rays. (Picture from aquarium website, I don't have access to mine right now).



It happened to be the first anniversary of my brother Andrew's death and I wanted to do something he would have enjoyed. So Mike, and my friends Heather and Nate from D.C. went with me to check it out. I have known Heather since elementary school, and it meant alot to me that she came up to spend the day with me. It helps to have people around who remember him and loved him too.



Andrew intimidated people when he was dressed in full punk gear with his mohawk up. (These pictures were taken of him for his friend Reus's photo project. He never got arrested!) But he would open his mouth and be the most sensitive, compassionate and sweetest boy ever. His interests were so vast, that he was able to touch so many people. He would surprise them and broke down stereotypes.



He had a childlike glee and was really silly, which is one of the things I miss most about him. And he gave the best hugs and provided comfort or advice to anyone who needed it. As my Dad wrote in his wonderful obituary, "He was a friend indeed, to anyone in need."



He was an amazing brother. (He let me french braid his hair right after this picture was taken).



He wrote a book at the age of ten and the dedication said, "To my Dad. Because he is not just my father, but also my best friend." And as you can see here, he was really a mama's boy. I think that woman made him his lunch until the eighth grade! We always knew he was her favorite! (wink)



I miss you Andrew and I will see you again. (And that totally sounded like Maximus from The Gladiator, but that would have made him crack up).