After Andy left us, my wife got an odd phone call and of course she immediately hung up. I mean, seriously, who calls from South Sudan? Her friend told her to answer next time. It was Fr. Mike Bassano, from back in her high school days. Who was now a Maryknoll Missionary. In Malakal.  South Sudan. Of course. 

In the course of their conversation, she finds out they have just installed a grain grinding mill, but badly needed another one. We decided to donate the cost for it, with a bit extra (you know, in case the occasional war-lord or official needed a bit if grease {that would be Vig to De's East Utica peeps} and random other costs for start up etc). After a few floods, washed out roads, some local uprisings and tribal violence and a barge ride down the river said roads being impassable, the mill finally arrived. It was installed and commissioned at last. I am attaching the UNHCR report showing Andy's Mill. The pictures are on the second and third pages. The one thing we asked Fr. Mike to do for us was to put Andy's name on it. So now we present in Andy's remembrance ... Andy's Mill ... 

More pictures of the mill parts as delivered in the photos section.

Here is a link to the page put out by Andy's extended family at Accel, a very special school operated by the most amazing staff around.

https://www.accel.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Andy-Freedman-Tribute.pdf

Franks note: This link is safe. I use it here until either I can directly post the PDF or the source material.

Today I stand with you, a day I never expected to see, humbled and privileged to be sharing with you, the last chapter of the journey of a true hero who so deeply touched all our lives. But real heroes surround us, live among us, most of whom only they and a handful of others will ever know.

No one who ever met Andy or heard his story will ever likely forget him. From the moment he came hollering into the world until his quiet departure from it, his smile, brilliant blue eyes and loving personality lit the way before him. While his life was one of much pain, there was far more joy, surprise, mischief and ordinary events as any of us would expect.

And there was pain, a more frequent and faithful companion as he grew older and his health continued to be affected. Yet he did not give up on life. He loved us, not just De and I, but all of us standing here. He would reach out to touch, give a kiss to the hand (our own Rico Suave) or hair, and rarely the special giving of a hug. He knew us and strangers (whose kindness showed in how they reacted) as well by smell. When he would hold or kiss a hand, he would smell it. We always say that if you met one person on the spectrum, you’ve met one person on the spectrum. When you met Andy, you met an affectionate, extrovert. And you would not forget him easily.

As to the mischief, what would a boy be without it? Boring I would imagine, with many years of lost lifetimes still intact. Andy was pretty amazing on his ever-present iPad, I never found or observed anything more objectionable than perhaps the less than anatomically correct Crazy Frog video on Utube. But he was a climber. From before he could walk. My earliest memory of this was him standing in front of the TV with a Baby Einstein video playing and he had stacked a few VCR tapes to stand on to get a better view. Well he progressed from there, to counter tops, to the curio niche above the kitchen cabinets and then on to being able to look out the upper window above the shower. (To this day I still don’t know how he got there, even after catching him and helping him down. More than once. He was fast) A few months ago I found his favorite top in the corner of the top shelf in our master bedroom, a relic of his climbing days. When he got caught he would simply turn that stunning smile and blue eyes on you while you explained the error of his ways….. and be found doing it again. But wait there’s more….

De likes remind me of his very early time when he and I would sit watching the Simpsons in our underwear and little else. He seemed to like it cooler outside, he would get a swim suit on and stand in the rain just to feel the drops on his hand and sometimes face. He did toys his way. His last favorite was a pneumatic nerf ball shooter we got for him. Fun for him and unbeknownst to him great OT/PT device. For him and his grandfather when we visited in Alabama. Always that smile, at Buckies on the roadtrips, at the doctors, at PCH after his foot rebuild, it was never far away. Thanks to Chrysalis, ACCEL, and all the wonderful people helping Andy along the way, life in many ways was very typical and ordinary as well. School, meals, hanging out at home, some road trips and vacations to mention a few.

And now the eyes have faded and the smile seems gone, but not really. His smile remains unforgettable and because he has his mothers eyes, I will always be able to see and remember his eyes in hers. His journey continues and someday we will meet again as our own journey progresses as it should. Thank you Andy for sharing your life with us. Until we meet again.

Eulogy for Andrew Paul “Andy” Freedman 3/13/2021


Welcome Friends - Distinguished Guests - Family - and “De & Frank” –

It is an Honor and a Privilege that you might have asked me to say a few words in Andy’s Memory -

True - at times when asked to speak at occasions like these - it is difficult to find the exact words to say - but I have learned that at these times --- it is best to just speak from the heart and let the words just speak for themselves.

And true - there are no words to describe your loss –

But today I bring to you words of Love and Happiness that Andy brought to your life - and to all those around him – and to all of you present today that knew him like we did!

Today we want to remember Andy’s smile - and his Love of Life that he so easily passed on to everyone he came in contact with –

Today we definitely want to remember Andy’s hugs - Andy’s kisses - and how he captured everyone’s hearts with his presence and his big smile!

Know this - my family - Gabby and my three boys were privileged to have received those Hugs and Kisses from Andy because that told us that “He was cool with us!”

And once Andy grabbed you by the hand - it’s quite true - you would leave your world to go to “Andy’s World” - and you know what? “Andy’s World” was really cool!

Now when Gabby and I got “That Call” just over a week ago on a Thursday morning - we hurried over to be with our dear friends De and Frank and be at their service.

And know this: Sometimes it’s not about sounding eloquent during these difficult times but just hugging them and telling them that you are there for them –

And sometimes it’s not even about telling them anything - but just about hugging them and keeping them company!

Today I look around and I see that Andy – De - and Frank have a lot of great friends - because your presence alone speaks volumes of the Love in your heart for them!

That morning we got the call - all we wanted to do was just love on them –

Let me just start by telling you I have rarely seen a couple so strong as De and Frank -

When we got to their house - they were already conversing with a lady from Hospice and a Police Officer that assisted Frank in giving Andy CPR - unfortunately to no avail.

Andrew Paul Freeman “Andy” we will always hold you in our hearts ---

Andy - you were an inspiration to me and my family - as you faced many challenges - but for the most part you were always up for that challenge –

I remember the last birthday we celebrated with Andy - he couldn’t quite walk - but he met us at his front porch on his wheelchair showing off that awesome “Andy Smile” that said “I am pleased” --- as we all sang the “Happy Birthday” song – each member in different key of “Happy”

– Gosh - I remember Adam stepping away from payroll for a short time to pay tribute to his friend Andy – and remember that he even picked up his son and baby daughter to assist in the chorus and keep us honest.

And Andy didn’t have to say anything to anyone on this – His Special Day – “His amazing smile said it all!” Andy approved of the singing – even though some of us were singing in notes he probably had never heard before. And Andy looked around and even approved of the Happy Birthday signs as well … Remember Cynthia you were there!

And let me tell you - we were pleased – “That Andy was pleased!”

I wish all of you could’ve been there that day!

That day everyone who did not know before – Now knew - that Love lived in that house!

And for that matter so did Mr. Sun Chip and Famous Amos!


Knowing Andy – it made me think – “For the most part - parents are the glue that keeps the family together --- and grounded ---

But the reality it ends up having a non-typical child or adult dependent on us - what in truth keeps us on our toes - what keeps is vigilant for their safety - and what keeps us grounded in reality - and what keeps us Humble. I know – because we too have a Son on the Spectrum back at home!

This example speaks directly to the Freedmans – De and Frank – Grounded – Vigilant - & Humble

Now allow me to share a very special Verse from the Book of 1 Corinthians that reads like this: “And now these remain – FAITH – HOPE – LOVE. But know that the Greatest of these is LOVE”

Andy was born on August 22, 2001 and was carried on Angel’s wings on March 4, 2021 –

And date searching I found something Amazing: Andy was born on a Wednesday – and he was taken to Heaven on a Thursday.

To Andy I say: – One Day we’ll meet again my Friend –

To you all I say: Losing Andy has affected us all – but know this about “Pain” - Love will see us through -

So today on: Life more Intentionally and Love one Another Fiercely Every Day – as De and Frank loved Andy

And as Mother Teresa would say if she were here:

“Should people be unreasonable towards you”

FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY

“Should you be kind and people accuse you of Ulterior Motives”

BE KIND ANYWAY

“Should you do Good today and the people forget tomorrow”

DO GOOD ANYWAY

“Should you give the World your Best today - and the World think its not Enough”

GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY


De and Frank – Don’t ever change – and thank you for allowing us to Celebrate Andy with you here today –

And continue doing what you do – All of us gathered here today Appreciate and Love you Both – and Andy!


As to our next Destination – I DON’T KNOW – But let’s get there together!

God Bless






Uploaded for Jose Orozco by Frank.