Letter To Andy


Dear Andy,

It's your birthday.  We, as a community/family, didn't get to celebrate last year, so I'm so glad that is not the case this year.  We need to celebrate your birthday.  We need to celebrate you because we love you.  We LOVE you. 

You are not family by genetics, but you ARE family.  You are part of more families than I can imagine.  And it's all because you are loved by so many.  Why?  Because you have given love, kindness, compassion and caring to everyone you know (or at least that's how it seems to be) and you've done so for more years than I've been alive!

You've been a part of my family's life since before I was born.  I'm pretty sure (although I can't be certain) that you were present at my parent's wedding.  I'm guessing you were there the day I was baptized, as well as the day my brother was baptized.  You weren't there for my wedding.  (A big regret on my part, but that's what I get for not having it at the church.  I'm still irked at the presiding minister at the time for not allowing you to drive my then fiancé and his best man down to the shore the day of the wedding.)  But you were the one who drove us to the airport for our honeymoon (and various other anniversary trips) and you were at my brother's wedding, and his pre-wedding dinner/celebration.  You were there when we buried my brother, my mother and my father.

You were there when we needed to be picked up at Penn Station after we were stranded in Florida after 9/11.  In all the chaos and confusion, you were there.  You were the safe haven after a long and emotional train ride.

You were always there, in times of sorrow and of joy.  You were fully present.  You were there to help in ways that many people might think were unimportant, but they couldn't be more wrong.  You were there when I brought my son to church for the first time.  (He was less than a month old.)  You helped me get into church and calmed my nerves (no easy task).  

You watched my son grow from a baby to an adult.   You weren't angry when my son threw up in what was then an almost brand new car.  You handled it with grace.  And again, that may seem like a simple thing, but it wasn't.  Your  "simplicity" is as holy as the church community that you have served tirelessly for decades.

You inspired my son.  When you got ill and were not able to work, my son was thrilled to take up the mantle of sexton.  He wanted to do you proud.  He wanted to follow in your footsteps and be the type of person you are.  He didn't want to just do a job; he wanted to be the kind person that you are and be there for all who entered the door of the church, no matter what.

While I just talk about what you've meant to me and my family, I know that's just the tip of the iceberg.  Through the decades you have cared for, encouraged and inspired countless others.  I am just one of thousands (and I'm not exaggerating) who are grateful and blessed to have had you in our lives.  You have touched a community for over a half a century and the community, the state, is better for it...  You didn't have to stand in front of a congregation; you just had to be you and that was enough for us to learn what it is to be a Christian.

In times of trouble or despair, I can have faith.  God has blessed me, my family and all who know him with the wisdom, compassion, friendship and love of Andy.

Happy Birthday Andy.  I don’t say this lightly, but with all my heart, the world is a better place because of you.

With Love,


Bfth

 

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