22 Years

 

Perhaps you are here because a kind act was done for you "Because of Andrew." Or maybe you were curious who Andrew was/is.

It's September 2025.

Andrew was my first born son. He was born one minute before his twin brother on September 15th. They were both wrapped in cord. Andrew didn't make it. Jonasen did. HERE is their story.

In the 22 years since my heart shattered for the first time- and grew beyond measure- I have been gifted so many lessons from Andrew. From his absence and I'd argue also from his presence in my life.

As another September dawns, I am aware that for some reason this time of year is one that challenges me in so many ways. My major world-changing tragedies ALL happened in September. It is the month where I have cried the most tears, prayed the most, screamed the most, questioned the most. It is a month of hard as I say goodbye to my grown children and hello to a new group of students. It is a transitional month- the month I always seem to change- and somehow come out on the other side a little better- a little more understanding- a little softer- a little more at peace.

I know that my heartaches have grown me and shaped me and changed me. It doesn't mean that it wasn't hard- that there weren't days where I wasn't sure I would make it. But I'm here- on the other side- stronger than ever.

But September 15th is always a hard one for me. The boy that I think of EVERY day is not someone that the world knows- except perhaps once a year when they are the beneficiary of an act that was done in memory of MY son. Seeing his name. Hearing his name. It all brings me such comfort.

And so, as I travel to his garden and then later to see his brother, I hope that all around there might be other people who pause and think- this day got a little better- Because of Andrew.

If you plan to do a kind act- or receive a kind act- please tell me about it HERE or in the comments below!

If you'd like a ready-made note to print and share with your kind act- click HERE.