“What so every you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me….” It is with a heavy heart to compose words in celebration of my nephew Andy’s life. I hugged Andy goodbye exactly 1 year ago, June at my nieces wedding. Had I known then it would have been our last embrace, I would have ensured its strength and duration to reflect how much I loved him.
It’s always a treat to have a nephew that shares your same name. It was even more exciting watching Andy grow up and to have had shared similar interests as mine. When Andy was in middle school we both shared a love for basketball. Not only did he enjoy the game, on visits to Manteca, I would even see him wearing NBA regalia to add credence to his love of basketball. On one Christmas visit, Andy & I walked to the park by his grandma’s house to shoot baskets. I embarrassed myself by pulling a muscle thinking I could mimic the moves of my young nephew.
After high school, Andy & I would always talk about cooking and working in a restaurant. I love to cook and I loved hearing his stories about helping out in the kitchen and working in food service.
I inherited a love of succulents from my dad and will always keep that memory dear to my heart. When I discovered that Andy was growing succulents and other plants, I was thrilled. On one occasion, Jordan returned home from a visit to Manteca with 3 plants given to him by Andy. We still have those in our patio. Nicholas & Jordan have been keeping that memory alive by propagating the original plant. One succulent appropriately named "Mother of Thousands". Thank you Andy for this gift!
In addition to our shared interest, which I consider so precious because were only able to share on brief family visits, I became keenly aware in Andy’s later years, how beautiful his mind, spirit, heart & soul were. Andy was a student of the good book, but he wasn’t a bible thumper, he didn’t wear his religion on his sleeve, he lived the word when it came to other people. In every conversation with Andy, he would always talk about how he helped a friend move, or how he helped a friend who had a broken down car, or a friend needed him for support and he was there, etc. I was touched that such a young man lived by the words, “what so ever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me”.
Andy, your passing has allowed me to hit the pause button, to reflect, celebrate memories and most importantly, ensure my future hugs goodbye are never taken for granted.