Running for Andy

Hi all,

Once again, its been awhile.  The 2 year anniversary (the word 'anniversary' just doesn't seem right) of Andy's death was in early February. As its been another year, it wasn't as if we forgot it, but more like we worked through it.  I find that I miss him most for the big events (holiday, births, Opening Day) and am still amazed how that aching feeling sneaks up during the mundane day to day activities. 

All in all everyone is good, we continue to live, to have fun and grow, and to remember Andy in various ways.

A few weeks ago, we had a blizzard here in Massachusetts. (And then a few days later, more snow, and the a few days after that, another foot... you get the idea about NE winters).  sWe were lucky in that we had power throughout the storm, so we hunkered down inside for 24 hours or so while 3-4 feet of snow built up outside. 

At the end of the blizzard, I was struck by a few things that I saw.  There's always beauty after the storm.  For me, I got to see my 7 year old stepdaughter showing my 1 year old son the snow - which was well over his head out the door, on the porch.  It was awesome to see her holding him, showing him the snow, and the wonder on his face, the happiness on hers. 

After a few days of shoveling, on Sunday evening, we had a beautiful sunset, with all the glory of a cold fresh NE day lighting up the woods and hills of snow around us.  At the end of every storm the sun comes back.  It's true of recovering from a death as well, everyone recovers in their own time and manner.

And then in mid March we welcomed a little girl, Lorelei Marie, into our family.  We're thrilled, and it is awesome to see Nicholas, Maggie and Ian light up to have another little sister/ cousin in the family.

Of course, these are the times that I miss Andy most.  He'd had loved being an uncle.

Our family friend, an older sister for Andy and I growing up, is running the 2013 Boston Marathon in Andy's memory, and in honor of our Dad who's on his 4th bout with prostate cancer.  This is the second time she's run for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) team, the first being April of 2011 shortly after Andy's passing.  In 2011 she raised $12000, and in 2013 her goal is to raise $18000 for a total of $30000 over the two runs.  Details about her fundraising can be found on her personal donation page here: www.rundfmc.org/2013/jamiet.  We'll match the next $300 in donations made today to Jamie's run.

If you live in the Boston area, Jamie has organized a really cool fundraiser today in Framingham.  She's hosting an auction and autograph session at CJ's Northside Grill, 911 Edgell Road in Framingham, from 300 - 500 PM.  Steve Grogan, former NE Patriots quarterback will be on hand to sign memorabilia for $15 an autograph, with all proceeds going to DFCI.  There will be free ice cream for kids, a live auction for Celtics tickets, Red Sox tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, and a 50/50 raffle.  A portion of the proceeds of food purchases during this time will also benefit DFCI. As today is Saturday, there's also a classic car show going on today.

So! Please visit her site, and donate, and I'll match the next $300, and if you're around Framingham come on down and we'll see you at CJ's Northside Grill.  It's a beautiful day for just this type of family event.

Hope all are well -

Tim