| EntryNo: |
164 |
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Friday
00:13
04.10.2009 |
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Jennifer |
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Dear Andrew,
Tonight is the second night of Passover, and during the entire day I could not help but think about its significant and how today wound up being the second day. Michael came over for supper and the ceremony that goes along with it and I can't tell you how proud I was and still am of him and his strength. It wasn't until about twenty minutes ago or so that he started to show wear. Even now he shows such incredible strength; I know you are proud of him. Your entire family for that matter show so much strength and love... It's amazing and I can't begin to tell you how I admire them so.
I met you and spent time with you and Michael a handful of times, and I know that it wasn't enough to fully get to know you. However, in those few precious times that I did hang out with you, and knowing your family as I now know them, it is very obvious that you were an incredible young man. Keep looking down on your folks and siblings. They still and always will love you very much...
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| EntryNo: |
163 |
| Date: |
Thursday
01:03
04.09.2009 |
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Andrew's MOM |
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Today, when we went up to plant an Easter flower at the cemetery, hanging by the flag by Andrew's stone was a Troop 157 neckerchief. We were so honored that someone was so thoughtful to leave such a special momento. Thank you so very much. It made me remember how badly Andrew wanted that yellow neckerchief, and the only way to earn it was to march in the July 4th parade with the troop. So, despite the fact that he had over 50 stitches in his leg, he marched in that parade and was so proud to wear that yellow neckerchief.
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| EntryNo: |
162 |
| Date: |
Saturday
21:26
02.28.2009 |
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Sarah |
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I felt today was appropriate to tell this story, being my birthday and all. For my 15th birthday Andrew came over, and had bought me a beautiful gold bracelet, and a birthday bear. Along with this he promised to bring a good movie for us to watch. In my mind I thought he brought over something we could laugh at, or maybe on the off chance a girl movie. He handed it to me, and it read "Last House on the Left" and I stared confused. I had never heard of it, but trusted Andrew and his taste. An hour into the movie I'm sitting horrified as a poor girl is being brutally killed, and I look at Andrew and say "You do realize I am going out to the Olive Garden in about two hours, and I actually want an appetite right?" Well Andrew just looked back and gave me one of those "You can't be mad at me smiles", and of course I couldn't be. Now whenever I see the previews for the remake coming out I just laugh at it, and think of you and your horrible choice of a movie. Thanks for giving me so many memories to laugh at. I miss you
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| EntryNo: |
161 |
| Date: |
Thursday
19:24
02.19.2009 |
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Drew Vander Horn |
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Man andrew do i miss you dude. So many of us have changed; james, dan, matt, all of us. We are all still good friends and wish you could still be here. It's like you were here yesterday, and now today i'm getting letters from colleges. Growing up way to fast if you ask me. Life is going too fast. Some days in school when i daze off sometimes you come into my head, and it's just a tape playing memories of what we had done together. Every time we hung out it was another adventure. I've also had your sister as a sub a couple times and it's good to see your family when i get the chances to. I haven't written in a while and felt i needed to write again. I think everyday what you would have looked like and by now you would have had your license, its crazy dude. Everybody's driving. Alright bro, going to get off the computer. Miss you bro, See you at the gates.
-Drew
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| EntryNo: |
160 |
| Date: |
Thursday
11:11
02.19.2009 |
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Andrew's Dad |
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Andrew always wanted to get a Dodge Hemi truck for himself and me. I couldn't bear to get rid of my GMC truck as the memories of great times won't allow me to at this time. So I kept it and got the Dodge Hemi truck too. Today as I put my new License Plates on, I turned around to see that red tailed Hawk sitting in the tree behind me watching with approval. Andrew is watching over all he knew. We just need to watch for the signs.
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| EntryNo: |
159 |
| Date: |
Saturday
14:53
02.07.2009 |
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Karen |
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 Ken and Heather, I cannot imagine what you and your family have to go through each day since Andrew's passing. Just know that you are thought of each day.
I cannot bring him back but I hope the gifts I have made you bring some comfort to all of you.
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| EntryNo: |
158 |
| Date: |
Thursday
12:20
12.04.2008 |
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Andrew's MOM |
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Yesterday, Dad and I hung out the Christmas lights. I always remember that last Christmas when you and I did the lights as part of your merit badge in Scouts. You wanted to put lights closer to the road so everyone would be able to see, so you climbed up into the big maple tree, pulling a string of lights as you went. You were so thrilled with your gift to all who rode by our house, it sure looked different, with the lights going straight up into that tree! So, Dad stood on the ladder and we hung some lights closer to the road, hope everyone who rides by will think of you. Miss you, my son.
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| EntryNo: |
157 |
| Date: |
Wednesday
01:42
11.12.2008 |
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Mario De Santis |
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Hey Andrew, of all the topics i got this week to write about in English we were told to write a carpe diem. For all those who don't know that is piece of literature refering to just live life the fullest without any regrets. I can not imagine a more perfect inspiration then your life Andrew. In just your short 14 years of life, you have touched so many people and lived such a great life. Something that I could only hope to accomplish in all of mine. I miss you more and more as time goes on my friend. Hopefully I can meet you in heaven some day.
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| EntryNo: |
156 |
| Date: |
Tuesday
22:01
10.14.2008 |
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Megan |
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I went to Donaldson's the other day to get apples and they had pumpkins all over the place. Some of them were painted and others were carved. One in particular stood out and made me think of you. The pumpkin was carved with an open mouth and all of the guts inside pouring out of its mouth.
It made me think of the night when we had like thirty pumpkins and we all carved so many. There was one rotten one and you stopped us before we threw it out because you had such a great idea. So you went outside to carve it and then beckoned us outside when you were ready. You had taken the rotten pumpkin, carved a face into it, and made it look like it was throwing up. It was sooo disgusting but you were so proud of the clever idea that you had had. Out of all the pumpkins we carved that night, you voted yours the best.
Halloween is right around the corner and I can't help but think of the countless memories that we have from the day.
The orange from all of the Halloween decorations makes my mind wander to thoughts of you and how much I would love to share the fun season with you again. Luckily, I have tons of memories with you and those will have to do.
I love you and I know that I will see you again one day.
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| EntryNo: |
155 |
| Date: |
Thursday
17:04
08.21.2008 |
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Andrew's MOM |
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The Kindness of Strangers
Last Friday, while Megan was out to dinner with her friend, she was asked to share her table with two men as the restaurant was very busy. They got talking, making conversation as newly introduced people will, and Megan's orange bracelet was asked about. When Megan explained about Andrew, the memorial scholarship fund and the website Jay created, one of the men went onto his iPhone and accessed the site. He was so moved (He was a father, himself)he gave Megan $100.00 towards the scholarship fund!
Our family is so touched by his generosity.
If you are that person, please know how very much your donation means to us. If you would like a receipt for your donation, you can contact me at thekriester@gmail.com and I will send one to you.
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