One would think that there would be no surprises left when it comes to Andy, but that is not true. It is, most likely, the same for anyone who has lost someone they love dearly, not just me!
Andy has two Marine friends, one in Kansas City, Aaron, and one in Chicago, Kevin, who are running and decided to raise money for Andy's scholarship. They are amazing! The amount of work that they are putting into this for Andy is inspiring.
Of course, along with the all the race talk, there is a lot of "Andy talk" which keeps him right at the front of my mind. Everything reminds me of him: I see a Sharpie and I recall when he wrote his name on the arms of the Iraqi kids in the town the Marines made their camp. They all knew Andy's name. I see ice and remember that Andy was called "Ice Man" by the locals as he made the ice run into town for the unit. I see a dog and think of Frank, the dog that followed him everywhere in Iraq, and ran after his truck for miles when Andy came home.
Most of the time, it is OK but every once in a while, it is much like a punch to the solar plexus. Missing Andy is just a feeling that will always be there. Sometimes I can smile and at other times I will cry, but the emotions are a constant, a part of who I am. The pain is always there, lurking below the surface, and if there is a quiet moment, the feelings will creep in and my heart aches. Turning the sadness into a smile is something that I strive to do because I know that Andy would not want anyone to cry on his account.In fact, I can picture him standing over my shoulder as I write this, smiling in his goofy way, encouraging me to capture the joy. So smile ;-)'
"There is nothing to be unhappy about" - Ace Nowacki
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