Today, my eldest niece will be getting married. It is a time for savoring the company of those I love most in the world, as it is one of the rare occasions that all my siblings and most of the nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews are all in the same geographical location. Family is our foundation.
It is inevitable that thoughts of Andy will be prominent. Andy really loved celebrated when he was able to be with his family. Family and friends were what mattered to him the most and hanging with his cousins was at the top of his list. Andy always tried to to touch everyone he could on a daily basis. He made people feel cared for.
I was always proud of Andy but never more so than when I heard some of the stories from his unit: he spent hours learning to play "Happy Birthday" on a keyboard (he was not a musician) to celebrate for a Marine; if he was finished eating and someone came in alone, he would stay and keep them company; he would make an special occasion out of anyone's birthday, no matter their rank; he was "Secret Santa" on steroids!
Today, as the family gathers to celebrate, Ace will be there too. We will feel his love and I know that he will be next to Heather, watching, smiling and sharing in the happiness of the day.
"There is nothing to be unhappy about" - Andy "Ace" Nowacki
During the 2003 deployment, I turned 21. I was with Andy pretty much that whole day and he thought it was absolutely hysterical that I was in middle of nowhere on my 21st birthday. When we got back stateside, every single time we would go out to eat, he would tell the waitress that it was my birthday. He seriously did this like 6-7 times...and every time he made sure they did the whole sing and clap thing (or whatever). He still makes me smile everyday.
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