We first met Andrew (Andy) about 2 1/2 years ago when we travelled to AZ from NY to house hunt and pay a visit to the Freedman's. Andy's mother was my law school study partner and close friend. From the very first instant, my husband Peter Goebel and I, became fast and trusted friends of Andy. We were meeting him for the very first time, but you would never know it.
Andy gave us the opportunity to visit a more innocent time of life's simple pleasures by having us join him in a festival of blowing soap bubbles. As new visitors in his home, he was quick to engage us in sharing his fun. Andy was never afraid to let you know when he wanted more soda or what to do to make amount of chips in his bag just right. His communications were simple, but surely clear and direct.
We watched Andy with a degree of awe negotiate his IPad with greater adeptness and skill than we have yet to achieve for ourselves. We watched Andy socialize with family and friends at the Freedman's backyard bash. He was his own social butterfly and never missed a beat of who was arriving or what party activity was taking place that he might like to join. An obvious favorite was bocce ball.
Wishing of course that God could have given us more time with Andy, we are no less blessed by having known him at all. Andy was so handsome - those gorgeous eyes were so bright and expressive; so charming - nothing says welcome to my home and to my world than a sweet fleeting kiss on the top of your hand; and that coy smile - so mischievous and playful.
Dearest brave loving Andy we will all miss you, but that is our mortal defense against sorrow and to help us deal with the loss of a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, and friend. We know you are safely in God's loving eternal care. Dearest Andy we love you and you shall forever be in our hearts.