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CaliforniaPeggy

(152,315 posts)
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 10:45 AM Mar 2024

Today, I remember my dear friend Andy.

He would have been 76 today. I miss him.

We hadn't known each other very long--our friendship first bloomed in 2020, in the Photo Group.

He was newly divorced, depressed and an incredibly good photographer. We hit it off right away!

His illness and death caught me by surprise; nobody close to him had any idea how sick he was. I couldn't figure it out. His ex-wife filled me in in the aftermath of his death. Of course, she knew him and his family history much better than I did.

Talking to her was a comfort. She and I had a lot in common and it brought us together to mourn, and to remember.

I've pretty much gotten used to the fact that he's gone, although the pain still strikes--just not as often or as hard. I try to focus on the really good times we had. It helps.

Writing about him today helps so much. Thank goodness for the Bereavement Group. This is a safe place for me.

Fair seas and following winds, dear Andy . . .

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Today, I remember my dear friend Andy. (Original Post) CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2024 OP
So sorry, I never interacted with him but I loved his photos. Walleye Mar 2024 #1
I hear you and thank you, my dear Walleye! His photos were amazing. nt CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2024 #2
Sending you lots of love Goddessartist Mar 2024 #3
What a nice tribute JohnSJ Mar 2024 #4
I totally understand, Peggy. Diamond_Dog Mar 2024 #5
Thanks so much, my dear Diamond _Dog! CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2024 #8
He is missed. LoisB Mar 2024 #6
Yes, he will be missed. As long as he is remembered he will live in our hearts and minds...nt mitch96 Mar 2024 #7
💗💗💗🙏🏼💐 Hope22 Mar 2024 #9
(((Andy))) mahina Mar 2024 #10
"" AllaN01Bear Mar 2024 #11
... littlemissmartypants Mar 2024 #12
Thank you, Peggy. murielm99 Mar 2024 #13
Do you have a photo or two of his that you can share with us as a tribute to him? keopeli Mar 2024 #14
I sure do, my dear keopeli! And thank you for asking; I hadn't even thought of it. Here are four: CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2024 #16
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Two of these look so familiar, but not the hand clasp. I love that photo! keopeli Mar 2024 #17
Wow, my dear keopeli! Thank you for your beautiful words and thoughts . . . CaliforniaPeggy Mar 2024 #18
So sorry for your and our loss. SleeplessinSoCal Mar 2024 #15

Goddessartist

(2,067 posts)
3. Sending you lots of love
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 11:06 AM
Mar 2024

and grateful that you got to know him. I've made a good friend or two here as well.

We lost a dear friend just a few days ago. I had no idea he had heart problems, he was such a big personality and just shined.

They both are released from pain and fly high together.

Diamond_Dog

(35,002 posts)
5. I totally understand, Peggy.
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 11:13 AM
Mar 2024

I’ve no sage words of comfort - just know that we all loved and appreciated Andy’s photos and comments here on DU too. The photo group just isn’t the same without him.

Gosh, I can’t believe it’s already been a year since he passed.

Peace to you today.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,315 posts)
8. Thanks so much, my dear Diamond _Dog!
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 11:58 AM
Mar 2024

I wanted to let you know that he hasn’t been gone a year. I’m posting because today’s his birthday.

He died December 12th. March 12th will be 3 months for him.

Thank you for your lovely words.

murielm99

(31,478 posts)
13. Thank you, Peggy.
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 01:12 PM
Mar 2024

I, too, treasure this group. They make it feel safe to talk about my brother.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,315 posts)
16. I sure do, my dear keopeli! And thank you for asking; I hadn't even thought of it. Here are four:
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 02:00 PM
Mar 2024

This was taken by Grumpy Old Guy back in 2021, on Andy's first visit to California:



Here's the three of us at lunch on the same trip:



And this one I took at home on Andy's visit last August. My husband was clowning and Andy was smiling:



I forgot one! He and I thought it would be fun to photograph our hands together, so we did.



Enjoy!

keopeli

(3,579 posts)
17. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Two of these look so familiar, but not the hand clasp. I love that photo!
Fri Mar 8, 2024, 12:25 AM
Mar 2024

I can see the joy in each of your auras! I really needed this reminder of the beauty in life, the joy in living, and the transcendence of art. Thank you, California Peggy! And thank you Andy! Blessings one and all!

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,315 posts)
18. Wow, my dear keopeli! Thank you for your beautiful words and thoughts . . .
Fri Mar 8, 2024, 01:12 AM
Mar 2024

The hand clasp! When I found out that Andy was dying, I remembered taking that photo, and I was so grateful that we had taken it. It's a vivid reminder of what we meant to each other.

Blessings to you as well.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,714 posts)
15. So sorry for your and our loss.
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 01:49 PM
Mar 2024

It's wondrous how photos can say so much. Yesterday we spent a long time on the freeway during the midday rains. Then after an hour and a half a rainbow appeared. It brightened our trek and I wanted to take a picture of it, but decided I should keep my eyes on the car ahead of me. But it is snapped in my memory.

Thanks for your beautifully expressed tribute to Andy Miss Peggy.

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