March 17, 1998

Early on March 18, 1998, the news came on the radio.  I thought 'how sad', as I heard that two young men had died the night before in a horrific car accident, broadsided by a speeding police car. 

Moments later, a friend called. "...did you hear about Eddie & Andy?..."

Their Mom, my 'junksista' Kathy, and I had just begun to get acquainted.  She worked at the school that our boys attended and after discovering a mutual love for 'old stuff', we'd recently teamed up to do our first show together.  

Andy, (top right), was still in high school.  He was quiet, artistic, and had a gentle heart for the less popular among his classmates.  

Eddie was out of high school.  Eddie was 'out there' in life, all action and full of fun. He and my oldest son were friends and played baseball together.  My fondest memory of Eddie is him standing at the plate, waiting for a pitch, wearing a grin as big as the moon.  

Half of Kathy's children were gone in an instant.  I don't know how she's done it, but from the start, Kathy simply chose to go on 'living'.  The grace of God  has sustained her these past fourteen years.  The difficult days are tempered with the knowledge that Andy & Eddie are not gone 'forever', but are waiting in heaven for her.  Her two younger sons are now fine young men.    

Hugs to you today, my friend.  We will never forget your sweet boys.