I started working for Dayna and Barrett about 8 months ago as Jacqueline's nanny. When I met Dayna for coffee in February for my interview, I had no idea I was meeting a family that would change my life forever. Over the course of my time with them, I have seen first hand just how incredible these people are. I couldn't believe how cool they were; they just seemed to figure out the flow, the flow of being parents, but still being totally awesome. 

Barrett, of course, was a huge reason for that. Right off the bat, he was one of the nicest people I had ever met. He told me, "just be yourself, and you will be Jacqueline's best friend in no time", and he was right. The more time I spent the Jacqueline, the more I began to realize that she is, hands down, the coolest kid I've ever met. The more time I spent with Dayna and Barrett, the more I realized exactly why Jacqueline is that way.

Some of my favorite memories of Barrett were spent late at night. Barrett would come home from work, exhausted from working a 12 hour day, but so happy to be home. He would offer me a Heineken, and then we would talk. One of my favorite talks with Barrett took place outside on the front porch at the table. Dayna was working late that night and Jacqueline was fast asleep. 

Barrett started to tell me about Dayna, and how they met. He said, "I remember when I first met her, I saw her and she was SMOKIN HOT.. of course, she's beautiful now, but back then.. Dayna was smokin". He went on to tell me that Dayna was kind of dating one of his friends, but that wasn't going to work for him. He said he remembered having talks with her about what she did for a living - and she told him, this is what I do, the restautant biz. Barrett was blown away becuase he felt the same way about his work. It was not a seasonal job, or an in between thing, but what he did - what they did. They shared this passion. He said he knew he had to have her. 

He went on to tell me, "right before I found out Dayna was pregnant, I had saved up almost $30,000. It was the most money I had ever saved, I was going to buy a boat. Instead, I got Jacqeuline". He said, "who needs a boat when you have her?". He told me he asked Dayna to marry him at least 5 times before she finally agreed. I never asked Dayna if this was true, but it makes me laugh to think of him asking her time and time over to be his wife, she's a smart one :) 

Barrett loved to tell me stories about life, he was so genuinely interested in me and where my life was going - and he used his experience to help me figure out my own path. As a 24 year old girl, I am often confused about where life is going to take me, but I remember what Barrett said to me: "Don't worry Carly, your 20's are awesome, but your 30's are so much better". I know he felt this way because of his family - because of Dayna and Jacqueline, and because of the infitite love they had, and will continue to share.

I know now that fate brought me to the Anding's, and that I was destined to know Dayna, Barrett, and Jacqueline. I feel so lucky to have been such an integral part of their family, and to see first hand just how wonderful they are. No little girl is as lucky as you, Jacqueline, because you're half Barrett, and half Dayna. You really hit the jackpot! (and so did I, meeting all of you). I love you, Barrett. Your energy and spirit are eternal, and we will all carry you with us forever. Thank you for welcoming me to your family, I plan on hanging out with them indefinitely.

PS - The last time I saw you, you were blasting Snoop Dogg from a speaker when you came into the house - for some reason, this makes me think you're kickin it with Bob Marley... I have a feeling you are. 

Barrett was always a character.  Truly an unforgettable guy with a free spirit.  I have nothing but fond memories of him.  Funny how you remember very specific things about people when they leave us. 

During batting practice in the multi-purpose room at the Prep one spring, Barrett bunted a ball directly off of his nose.  I'll never forget the expression on his face after he did that.  He shrugged it off as if he did it all the time and kept on hitting.  I think that is what I'll remember best about him.. he just kept moving forward.

My heart aches for his family but I am sure Barrett is going to be just fine...

I met Barrett in the summer of ’03 at Oak Beach.  It was my first introduction to my now my in-laws (Mandelman’s), and to the rich history of Oak Beach.  I was nervous.  The two people who made me feel immediately welcome and included were Barrett and Walt.  I feel like they took me under their wing so to speak;)  I realized then, and ever since, that Barrett was an incredibly compassionate and sincere person.  He loved a good talk.  He was so open minded and loving to everyone around him.  He shared, listened, and asked meaningful questions about life, our children, and the struggles we all face.  Even if Barrett only had 5 minutes before he needed to catch the ferry back over to Fire Island, he always made the time for a quick hug and kiss to our entire family scattered around the beach house.  We would swap a quick milestone about each of our little girls who are the same age.  I was in awe of the father that Barrett had become.  He adored his Jacqueline. And was so proud of her.  I am grateful that she will carry on his spirit, and that of Barrett’s beloved grandmother, Jacqui.