Seven years ago, our lives were changed in an unimaginable way. Two Marines knocked on our door to tell us that our youngest son was killed in combat. It is one of the moments in time that is indelibly imprinted in my mind, a moment that I would give anything to have erased.
The passage of time dulls the sharpness of the grief, but the pain does not go away. There are moments when the loss of Andy is still so overwhelming that tears flow and they cannot be held back. Now and again, we all need the outlet of tears, release the grief.
Fortunately, most of the time, thoughts of Andy are joyful, full of life and love, bringing smiles and outright laughter at unexpected moments, not tears. Who can forget Andy’s “blue steel” look and not giggle? Or envision his police car with a disco ball, smiley faces , skull door locks and a dashboard hula girl and not laugh aloud? How about Andy’s escapades doing yard work when he described the encounter with the lady who named every flower in her garden (Andy accidently trampled “Gladys” and there was hell to pay!)? The best of Ace is to watch his videos, Andy in action, making people laugh!
Yesterday, as we gathered with Andy’s friends, Marines and police brothers, it was heartwarming that we all talked about Andy and TO Andy amidst grins, smiles and happiness. Love for Ace just radiated in that room! Andy left a legacy that many us treasure; the legacy of laughter and love for one another. Is there anything greater than that?
Today is Andy’s casualty date. As the custodian of Ace’s legacy of caring and laughter, I will think of Andy with joy. Tears are not an option. I will celebrate his remarkable life with family and friends as we “Pedal for Heroes” to raise money for vets. Andy will be right there with Team Ace, urging us on to achieve our goal of 262 minutes, one minute for each Ohioan that has died since 9/11 in the Mideast. He really would not want it any other way would he?
As Andy said, “there is nothing to be unhappy about”. I miss you, Ace.
Ace's Mom
