We are lucky to have known Drew…

Dear Faith and Jim, Anna and Jake,

We are lucky to have known Drew, and your family for so many years.  We will always remember Drew as a strong, funny and sweet presence with his siblings, whether running around the yard when we would meet at the “tree” after school at Ambrose, or greeting us in such a welcoming and kind way when we would gather at your house.  Always with that wonderful smile.  We have a special memory of our trip with you to the Woodlands, that Thanksgiving of 2013, when you shared one of your many family traditions with us.  We still remember that funny dinner…our kids together at the table next to us, as we teased them and tried to get them to mix it up a little!  (Jake and Joe providing much of the entertainment!). So many of the memories blend together, but the loving bond that you all share has always been evident.  We will continue to hold you all in our hearts, and look forward to more memories together. 

Your vulnerability, openness, love and strength are a testament to your deep love for Drew, and your deep faith.  Drew lives on in all of you, and in the amazing inspiration he has been for so many of your family and friends.     

We hope that this gift, filled with so many heartfelt remembrances of Drew, will bring you some comfort.  Each time you look at it, we hope you are also reminded of the love and support of the beautiful community of family and friends whom you have built over the years.  We hope to be able to continue to honor Drew’s beautiful legacy, and walk with you in the months and years ahead.  We all love you!  

The following passage seems to sum up the feelings of so many…

With love and prayers, Joe and Jane, Julia, Clare, Joe and Ava

I share with you the agony of your grief,

The anguish of your heart finds echo in my own.

I know I cannot enter all you feel

Nor bear with you the burden of your pain;

I can but offer what my love does give:

The strength of caring,

The warmth of one who seeks to understand

The silent storm-swept barrenness of so great a loss.

This I do in quiet ways,

That on your lonely path

You may not walk alone. 

~From Meditations of the Heart, Howard Thurman 1953