In Memories of AmericanChopper

Kalista said:
Andy was a wonderful friend, a part of my family, and typically the
mediator in our household. If he wasn't working to pay the bills, odds are
you could find him watching football, napping in his chair, or quite
possibly doing something in between. When you talked to him, you knew he
was listening, which to me is a luxury and an unusual gift coming from a
deaf man. He kept the family together during the worst of times, and
during good times, he would share. More than anything he made my mother
happier than I had ever seen her in my whole entire life.

He had been with my mother for nearly a decade. Before he came around I
remember seeing my mother raise my brother and I literally hanging on
every last dime she could. I remember how lonely she was, and how it
seemed like there was this hole where you could see right through her.
Worse than that, there was an even larger rift between myself and my
mother. I remember when I first met Andy. I thought to myself "Who the
hell does this guy think he is?" I feel like a fool for saying it now but
it's true.

One Christmas we were looking at a very bleak time. Heating bills were
ridiculous, there was no way my brother or I could have gotten really
anything we wanted. During that time, Andy drove this really awful little
red car. I joked with him calling it the clown-mobile. Andy came into some
extra money that winter, and instead of spending it on himself getting a
car to replace the one that stuck out like TNT exploding in a snowstorm,
he used the money to buy gifts for the family. That's the kind of guy he
was. Sure, he wanted to win the lottery, and have money in his pocket; but
the only reason was so that he could give to the people he loved. He never
gave a damn about buying a Ferrari or owning a gold plated toilet seat.
His dreams were always pretty simple. Buy a house, help my brother and I
go to college, make my mother happy etc, etc, etc. Then again, I'm sure
Super bowl tickets wouldn't have hurt either.

I never understood Andy's fascination with football, nor really understood
football itself. Although, from time to time, it was always interesting to
simply sit on the couch just to see how animated he would be. Football was
a big part of his life. For the whole season, every single year, that was
what got him going. When it was over, he would already be ready to find
out who was the next big player, or which teams were doing what. I
remember many a late-night with him napping on his chair, and then waking
up in celebration over the score on the television.

During the hardest times of all, my mother and I would fight pretty much
non-stop about the most ridiculous issues you could think of.: Dishes,
hair dye stains in the bathroom, cheese's. Literally, the dumbest things
you could think of. Andy had a talent for stepping in and resolving these
things. Even more so, he did it in such a way where he wouldn't let you
actually know how stupid you were being. He didn't like making anyone feel
less about themselves even if they deserved it.

More than anything he made my mother happy. He accepted her exactly as she was, and accepted my family exactly as we were. More than that he grew with us, he lived with us, he became one of us. In a way I'd like to think
we became a part of him. We miss and love him as my Dad.
Click to expand...

this is a VERY MOVING eulogy! brought tears to my eyes again... :hug:
 
Kalista said:
Andy was a wonderful friend, a part of my family, and typically the
mediator in our household. If he wasn't working to pay the bills, odds are
you could find him watching football, napping in his chair, or quite
possibly doing something in between. When you talked to him, you knew he
was listening, which to me is a luxury and an unusual gift coming from a
deaf man. He kept the family together during the worst of times, and
during good times, he would share. More than anything he made my mother
happier than I had ever seen her in my whole entire life.

He had been with my mother for nearly a decade. Before he came around I
remember seeing my mother raise my brother and I literally hanging on
every last dime she could. I remember how lonely she was, and how it
seemed like there was this hole where you could see right through her.
Worse than that, there was an even larger rift between myself and my
mother. I remember when I first met Andy. I thought to myself "Who the
hell does this guy think he is?" I feel like a fool for saying it now but
it's true.

One Christmas we were looking at a very bleak time. Heating bills were
ridiculous, there was no way my brother or I could have gotten really
anything we wanted. During that time, Andy drove this really awful little
red car. I joked with him calling it the clown-mobile. Andy came into some
extra money that winter, and instead of spending it on himself getting a
car to replace the one that stuck out like TNT exploding in a snowstorm,
he used the money to buy gifts for the family. That's the kind of guy he
was. Sure, he wanted to win the lottery, and have money in his pocket; but
the only reason was so that he could give to the people he loved. He never
gave a damn about buying a Ferrari or owning a gold plated toilet seat.
His dreams were always pretty simple. Buy a house, help my brother and I
go to college, make my mother happy etc, etc, etc. Then again, I'm sure
Super bowl tickets wouldn't have hurt either.

I never understood Andy's fascination with football, nor really understood
football itself. Although, from time to time, it was always interesting to
simply sit on the couch just to see how animated he would be. Football was
a big part of his life. For the whole season, every single year, that was
what got him going. When it was over, he would already be ready to find
out who was the next big player, or which teams were doing what. I
remember many a late-night with him napping on his chair, and then waking
up in celebration over the score on the television.

During the hardest times of all, my mother and I would fight pretty much
non-stop about the most ridiculous issues you could think of.: Dishes,
hair dye stains in the bathroom, cheese's. Literally, the dumbest things
you could think of. Andy had a talent for stepping in and resolving these
things. Even more so, he did it in such a way where he wouldn't let you
actually know how stupid you were being. He didn't like making anyone feel
less about themselves even if they deserved it.

More than anything he made my mother happy. He accepted her exactly as she was, and accepted my family exactly as we were. More than that he grew with us, he lived with us, he became one of us. In a way I'd like to think
we became a part of him. We miss and love him as my Dad.
Click to expand...

:aw: Such a beautiful !! People can learn from his example as bein' a good man.
 
CyberRed said:
:aw: Such a beautiful !! People can learn from his example as bein' a good man.
Click to expand...

I SECOND THAT!!! not many men are like that!!! she was very fortunate to have him... and so i am i... since he reminds me of my bf! who is very gentle, soft heart, willing to help others and making sacrafices too... who also will DO ANYTHING TO MAKE ME HAPPY!!! and of course our kids, if/ or when we have them someday! :fingersx: ... he won't give up if we go through a turmoil or anything like that either! :)
 
Kalista, I am so sorry about your loss of your dear husband.
You and your family have my heartfelt condolences :hug:
 
Kalista and boys

The eulogy is so beautiful.

Tears dropping down on my cheek.


hugs,
Wendy
 
Kalista and boys,

What a very moving eulogy! I am so happy to know that Andrew had the happiness he had with you guys that he so deserved. When he was here in MD, he talked about you 3 so much and I wondered why he moved to MD. Eventually, after a month of living there, he made what would probably be one of the best decisions in his life, he packed up and moved back to Boston. To this day, I dont know what hit him to make that decision but I was happy for him and sad at the same time that I wouldnt see him around as often. I could see that his heart belonged in Boston with you all. I keep saying to myself "Not fair that he couldnt have more years with you." but that's life and a lesson to learn from. Cherish every day we have on this earth...say " love you"o your loved ones everyday and keep in touch with good friends as much as you can. All day yesterday, I was consumed with so much guilt for not replying to Andrew's last email to me. My husband finally told me to stop beating myself over it cuz it wouldnt what Andrew would have wanted. I wish I can go to the wake and funeral but my thoughts will be with you all the way.
I will make a donation to the educational foundation in honor of Andrew who was one of the gentlest man I have ever met. He didnt have a mean streak in him. Bless you all.
Hugs:hug:
 
Sabrina/Kalista, my deep condolences to you and the family.
I'm learned this news today.. My heart goes dropped huge archor and wasn't expecting your husband passed away. You're not going forget him so best cherish memories stored it lot. So moved beautiful eulogy truly touched my heart goes out to your husband and your family too.

I've met him only once 'bout 7 or 8 yrs ago and looks quite he's truly big heart and gentle when I was in Wisc along w/my old friends.. I will not forget him great memories.
 
what a beautiful eulogy .. it made me crying.. He would have been proud of your sons.. :(
 
Please accept my condolences, to you and your family, on the passing of your dear husband. Hold tight to the wonderful memories of the times you shared. He sounds that he was a true blessing in your life.
The eulogy is beautiful, how heartfelt and simply honest. The very best tributes.
Take extra care of yourself today and tommorrow, many many people will be thinking of you from afar.
 
Beautiful: Kalista and CyberRed!

CyberRed: Beautiful pix u created... very artful!

Kalista: Very lovely poem ur son wrote!! That was very move! I was in tears when reading! Beautiful!

:hug:
 
Thank you so much for sharing your deeply touching tribute with all of us. As I cautiously ended reading of your son's eulogy, I felt that I really knew your husband so well. His moral obligation and character brought to life by your son's eulogy... have stopped us all for a moment, to review our own lives...

:hug:
 
catmandu is coming to the wake... i wish i could come and be there for you too but i am in chicago :( ... hopefully someday i can make it up to you :hug:
 
Kalista, we talked earlier. I would like to extend my deepest condolenceson on the loss of your husband. I feel for you, and my thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.
 
Kalista, aww I am very sorry about you lost your husband. I hope that everything will be okay for you and your sons. You was lucky that you had him. You can always remember him forever.
 
Kalista,

Your son's eulogy is heartfelt beautiful. When I was reading it, it gave me tears in my eyes. It's tell that how much your husband loves and care for you and your sons. He sound like a lovely caring man.

Huggs,
Koala
 
OMG! I have been away from computer, and I have missed a lot of things going on here.. OH MY GOD! AmericanChopper passed away! NOOOOOO!!!

Kalista, I am soooo sorry.. Hang in there.. If you need to talk or something, you can im me anytime you want. Wish I can give you my real hug....

I am sorry!
 
My sympathy....

I feel terrible for Sabrina. She went through many bad moments in her life (Bobby Berry, for example). It was great she finally found a good man in Andrew.

May he rest in peace.
 
Katisla, I remember AmericanChopper was here in AD in few years, I am not sure about him very well. I am going to honor your family to pray for him to be in peace with God. God bless you and your family. It is diffcult for you.

I hope you will be alright later on.

May he rest in peace.

GoldenLeaf74
 
Kalista, ur son's eulogy is so beautiful. It got me tears. CyberRed did a great job with the avatar for you Kalista. It was so sweet of her.
 
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