A couple of days

Tonight I was told it is only a matter of a couple of days.  I wanted you, his friends and colleagues, to know this.  It would have been wonderful if Andrew could have corresponded with those of you who have written these last several weeks, as I know he would want to express his gratitude.   Your words of support and care have meant so much to his family, and of course to him.

One of Andrew’s most admired traits was his insistence upon writing back to the people who wrote to him for advice.  He answered every email, and once upon a time that was a mountain a day!  He also took time to speak to those who approached him at conferences.  He felt it was what one should do…reach out and give a hand to help the next person.  He never understood why some chose to hide behind their success or to keep themselves apart.   He took the responsibility seriously, and never for a moment felt it was his destiny or his right to be successful.  He worked hard, more often than not obsessively so.  His humility is very genuine.

In the past week his decline has been quite dramatic and surprisingly quick.  While we knew this was coming, it still feels shocking.   His children have arrived, so I will close now.

Thank you all for your support.  I know his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and were his friends.

Jeanne Walker Bourland