Today I watched a true crime story featuring the son of one of my friends I met in my grief group. I have known her since a few months after it happened, and even though I heard a lot from her about Andrew and bits and pieces of details here and there, the reality of what exactly happened did not hit me until I watched it today.
No matter how many times we hear or see about murders, rape, and other violent crimes on tv and other media outlets, we never truly can see and feel its impact on the victims and victim’s family it has. In this case, for the first time, I have seen the damage. I have watched Dawn and her daughters struggle with grief on top of having to go to court and deal with all the grizzly details of this horrendous crime.
Andrew, a young man not even 17 years old, was taken for no other reason than a few dollars. As I watched, I could not even comprehend how other people, his so-called friends, could stand by and cover-up this horrible act perpetrated by 2 young people. The sheer evilness of the one young man’s deed will haunt me forever. Such senseless violence did not only cut Andrew’s life short but also ruined 4 other young people’s lives forever and altered their families forever.
I have met two of his sisters and two of his nieces, one of which was born shortly after his passing. His passing left a huge hole in their lives. His young nieces and nephews left to try and understand the absence of him and little ones robbed of the chance of ever meeting this gentle young man. I have seen first hand the grief it has caused his mom, who is one of the sweetest people you can ever meet. Her gentle and quiet demeanor makes you want to hug and squeeze her tight every time I see her. Even though everything she has been through in the almost 5 years since this has happened, she never has lost her capacity for compassion. Always lending a helping hand and a sweet smile to all of those in need.
Even though I have never met Andrew, I feel that I know him through all the great stories I have heard about him from his mother and his sister that his passing has touched me deeply. I know I will never forget him and his great family I met through TCF, and I feel richer having met them. I wish I had met them under different circumstances. I know he will be missed forever, and his family will honor him till their own dying breath.
Rest in peace Andrew