Eight Years: Remembering Andrew and the Lessons He Taught

Eight years ago, on this very day in 2017, Andrew passed away around 7 or 8 p.m. The time, though specific in my memory, feels both incredibly recent and impossibly distant.

Today, July 18th, holds a profound significance for me. It's truly striking how quickly time has flown – a realisation that is both incredible and, at times, a little frightening.

Life has undoubtedly changed since then. I've remained single, not for lack of looking, but because my world view has shifted so profoundly. Andrew's illness and his courageous battle with cancer opened my eyes to a different vision of life and its true priorities. The societal pressures, the judgments, the expectations – they all seem less important now. Taking care of Andrew during that challenging time fundamentally altered how I see the world and what truly matters.

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Today, then, is not just a day of remembrance, but a celebration of Andrew's enduring persona – a persona we need more of in this world. He embodied pure goodness, a spirit of helping each other rather than tearing each other down. Life is simply too short for anything else. Andrew's passing, while a moment of profound loss, was also, in a way, the birth of a new me.

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There's so much I want to do, so many aspirations swirling in my mind. The challenge, of course, is trying to do it all at once, which can feel like a recipe for disaster. I scatter myself, time slips by, and suddenly, it's eight years later. It's a mistake I'm working to rectify, to focus my energy, because as Andrew, my wonderful mentor and unwavering support, always reminded me, focus is key.

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I miss him dearly, and I think of him constantly. A significant part of my life was spent with Andrew, and he opened my eyes to so much. Even during times when I was, admittedly, a "prick" or a "dick," as I've been called, he was always there to offer support, comfort, and help. I remember countless instances where, after I had acted out, he was the first to offer comfort. That, for me, was a truly eye-opening experience. It taught me how life should be lived: with compassion, understanding, and without throwing tantrums or holding grudges over mistakes. We all make them; no one is perfect.

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So today, as I walk my dog, I'm celebrating Andrew. I'll be sharing more thoughts and reflections later, but for now, I encourage us all to embody the goodness Andrew brought into the world.

Let's be good to each other, because this life is a precious, fleeting gift.