Andrew "Annie" Graham

Nearly 20 years later, Annie´s kindness is still remembered by myself and many others. I was a high school classmate of Annie´s, and his open heart has had an impact on me all these years. What a truly wonderful young man with a gentle soul. He will always be missed.

It is May 20th, 2007......this time last year you were suppose to be right HERE spending the night with us.............Oh, how I wish we could roll back time and you could be here to ease your families' suffering, and to see my Katie Joe smile just one more of those big smiles you always gave to each of us. You are missed beyond imagination, Annie. This is NOT a good weekend for me, but I KNOW you are in heaven.........at peace and still loved by each of us more than you could ever dream of...

"Annie" would have been 18 years old March 29th, 2007........instead we joined at Lafayette HS to dedicate a large blue bench in his memory. It is so very hard to accept the fact that he is gone from our lives, but I just wanted to say to Carol, Richard, Daniel and ALL of us who loved Andrew Ryan so very, very much, that yesterday's memorial service on Annie's 18th birthday was a huge reflection of the LOVE that will ALWAYS remain for your son, brother,grandchild, nephew, cousin, dear friend...

I am very sorry for your loss. From the entries I can tell that your son was a wonderful young man. Please know that Andrew will never be forgotten by our family and many others. In his life and his death he has touched many lives. To this day it still amazes me at the strength you showed by helping others by making the decision to donate his organs. Your family will always remain in our prayers and Andrew will always remain in our hearts. God Bless.

Carol, the usual platitudes seem to be so...worn...when something like this happens. Instead, let me share a poem I had written long ago to express my personal sorrow over losing a loved one...I've changed it just a bit for you. Maybe it can help you as well.

The Cross
O Cross, your Christmas-tree-blue light reassures me—-comforts me.

High atop the barn,
A farmer’s uncomplicated, compelling instrument for God’s exultation;
your light revives the weary...

Carol, Richard, and Daniel: I am truly sorry for your loss and I can't even find the words to express my sorrow and shock for what has happened. Carol, you and Richard have always been such amazing parents and Andrew had grown up to be such a great young man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Richard,

Today I heard of your loss of your son, Andrew. Words can not express the sorrow that I feel for you and your family. This evening I read thru the entries in this guestbook, and it so strongly shows what a special young man Andrew has been. I pray that the Lord will comfort you in this worst of times, as there is no greater pain than the loss of a child. May the Lord be with you.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.