Monkey Boy...

As I read this and looked through the blog, I got very sad and then very happy. Andrew was a very important part of my life as he was countless others in our family as well as his huge network of very good friends. Watching him grow up went way too fast. I only wish, as does everyone else, that I had spent more time with him than I did. We all need to take this experience as a life changing lesson. Our time here is limited, none of know what the next day will bring or if we'll be here at all. This became all too true and never more evident to me personally than that morning of Friday May 30th, 2008.





I called him "Monkey Boy" from day one and he will always be my special Monkey Boy. I am very proud of the fact that he touched so many people in such a positive way in his short time. I am proud of the fact that he was my nephew and not a day will go by while I'm still here that I will not think of him and smile, as well as cry...



I am also so very proud of Terri for being so strong and helping all of us to understand as well. I love you both so much and I will always be here for you..


Uncle Joe...

The Grand Canyon

Who was there: Andy's sister, his brother-in-law, and one of Andy's best friends
Where we were: About three miles down into the Kaibab Trail, just past the Cedar Ridge overlook. There is a rocky outcropping to the left of the overlook that looks out onto the canyon floor. It is the closest point to the flat spire just ahead.
When we did it: We scattered his ashes on a cloudy day just before noon. November 9th, 2008.
What we did: There was no real ceremony. We hiked down into the canyon and stopped for a rest. After exploring the area around the scenic view point, we came to the edge of the overlook. All of us were quiet for a while as we admired the landscape. I scattered the ashes first, then Justin finished the job.
Why we chose that place: The Grand Canyon was somewhere none of us had ever been, and part of the intent of this project is to encourage people to travel to new places. The spot that we chose was particularly scenic; you could see down to the bottom of the canyon. Most importantly, it just felt right that we scatter his ashes at that particular spot.

The Spot

Some Posting Suggestions

I'd like everyone who scatters Andrew's ashes to write a little something on this blog. It can be as long or as short as you like it, but please share the basics with us in one or more posts.

Who was there? You don't need to give everyone's name, but an idea of how many people would be nice.
Where were you? Please try to be as specific as possible for mapping purposes. GPS coordinates would be best, but if you don't have that option, just try to note the location as exactly as you can.
Why this place? What made you choose that spot?
When did you go there? Was it morning? Noon? Sunset? What time of year was it?
What did you do? Did you play any music? Say something? Or just have a quiet moment?

Please feel free to write about whatever you like in whatever format you wish. There's a place to post photos and videos if you're not very good with words.

Also: Don't forget to update the map! It will be great to have a visual representation of all of the places he's gone.

Thanks to all of you who help with this project.

Grand Canyon View