Our Andy
Andrew Joseph "Andy" Blocksom
May 21, 1989--Sept. 13, 2001This memorial was written by Carol Blocksom
Andy was so very much more than many realized. He was only 12 years old. He was born with the AIDS virus in Brooklyn, New York, May 21, 1989. He died in Danville, Pennsylvania, Sept. 13, 2001.
He was our son, and Matthew's brother. He was everyone's friend. He loved life and had a sense of humor that made everyone smile. He was brave beyond his years. He taught us to live each day and to laugh at ourselves. He loved his room, his toys, his video games and TV with a passion. He stuffed more fun and joy into each day than anyone I have ever known.
People often saw him as handicapped. He was actually gifted in many ways. Those that knew him saw that.
Andy did the best he could with what God gave him, always. He LIKED people and did all he could to be with them. He liked it when others were happy. He cried at sad movies, laughed at funny ones. His laugh was contagious and could be heard through the house at all hours. He brightened his school with his smile and hard work.
Andy always did more than anyone thought he could. His life was a testimony to fun, courage and dignity. In the face of a disease that stripped him of many opportunities, he found a way to flourish. He loved fiercely and totally and with no reservations. He never held a grudge. He seemed not to have time for that petty foolishness. He loved music, he loved to sing in church. He had trouble with speech, but we understood him and he worked so hard at it. He never ate food, he was tube fed, and he didn't complain, he accepted it as part of life. As long as he was near the people he loved, he was happy.
It is hard for me to comprehend that he is gone. His presence is everywhere I look. He has been so much a part of us for so long.
Andy was bigger than life. He helped change laws, change minds and opinions. He certainly changed this community. We pray that he will always be remembered.
I am so very empty without him. That is testimony to how precious and wonderful he was and how much we loved him. Please please remember him and pray for us.
Otho, Carol and Matthew Blocksom
MamaCinPa@aol.com
October 1, 2001
See also: Imagine Loving Your Child by Carol Blocksom for a reflection she wrote at Christmastime about caring for Andy.
