Twice Blessed by Andy

Ten years. A decade. One tenth of a century. A long time by most standards.  People will ask if you know where you were on 9/11 or when JFK was assassinated and most people can respond.The tenth anniversary of Andy's death is February 26th.  I can remember that day in vivid detail...what I was doing, where Denis was in the house, what the time was, how cold it was when the knock at the door came. Whether we want to or not, we relive that precise moment in technicolor, frequently, but especially on February 26th.

Two months later, Shannon O'Brien interviewed us about Ace and our life with him and his brothers. I did not remember saying that we were "twice blessed by Andy. We were blessed the day he was born and the day that he died" and despite the depth of pain that we continue to feel, we are so fortunate  that we have the friendship and love of so many people that we have met through Ace!

I can see Ace's love shine through when his friends reach out to just say hello, or tell us a funny story about Andy. I can see Ace's compassion when his brothers reach out to people less fortunate than they. I see Ace in his fellow police officers as they go about the business of reaching out to the community with empathy.

When I wake up tomorrow, I will pretend for just a little while that Andy will call or drop by as this is what helps get me through the patches that are too painful. I know that he will not appear magically, but it can help ease the pain to just pretend for just a little while. I will  look at pictures, talk to his brothers and his friends and we will tell silly stories and mimic Andy's version of the "blue steel" look. Tomorrow is a day that we would rather skip, but since that is not an option, we will find as much joy and love as we possibly can as that is the best way to remember Ace. Semper Fi, Marines.

Love,
Ace's Mom
"There is nothing to be unhappy about"~ Andy "Ace" Nowacki