Andrew's Final Ride
We are sitting beside Andrew's bed in the hospital. It has been a heartbreaking time, both terrible in that we know we are losing Andrew, and wonderful in that his family has been here in force to show him their love and support.
He has been bleeding since Thursday, and Friday he opted for comfort care only -- no more transfusions. He decided he had suffered enough, and we support his decision even though letting him go will be the hardest thing we've ever had to do.
Andrew is a true hero, and an inspiration to us all. It would be impossible to describe the way this hurts. But Andrew is also still making us laugh with his wisecracks, watching South Park, and just generally being Andrew. It probably won't be very long now, but we are treasuring every moment.
We're limiting visitors to family only, but friends, please know that Andrew loves you and that he knows he has your support.
We will keep this blog updated with further information as it happens.
He has been bleeding since Thursday, and Friday he opted for comfort care only -- no more transfusions. He decided he had suffered enough, and we support his decision even though letting him go will be the hardest thing we've ever had to do.
Andrew is a true hero, and an inspiration to us all. It would be impossible to describe the way this hurts. But Andrew is also still making us laugh with his wisecracks, watching South Park, and just generally being Andrew. It probably won't be very long now, but we are treasuring every moment.
We're limiting visitors to family only, but friends, please know that Andrew loves you and that he knows he has your support.
We will keep this blog updated with further information as it happens.
posted by Amy at 12:14 AM
59 Comments:
Amy, know that the TC community continues to hold the Molenda family in our prayers. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you.
I know that Andrew will live strong until his last breath. We're all right in the room with you in spirit. Ride on, Andrew.
Continued prayers. Much love to all of you.
Kay from Resurrection
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Andrew and your families.
-David
Andrew,
You and your family are such an amazing inspiration to so many. I will forever treasure getting to know you through your aunt and how much your courage and sense of humor has touched me.
You do live strong through your example.
God bless all of you. With hugs and prayers.
Andrew, Godspeed.
Love & Peace.
Ellen H.
Dear Andrew,
I am so sorry that we can't be there right now. Please know that we sent our hearts and all our love with Dan to share with you. I know without a doubt that these babies (little AJ and ???) will carry your spirit with them and that we will see you in everything that they do. I promise to make sure that they know all about Uncle Andrew and to teach them to always live strong.
All our love,
Alaina,
Hailey, Tennyson, and Julian
Andrew, at the appointed time, death will come as a friend. I have followed you for some time, and so many times you have reminded me of 2 Timothy 4:7-- "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
God bless you Andrew, and all those who love you so very much.
Lucy Gillespie
You don't know me, and don't need to. Just know, please, that a friend of a friend is lifting you all to our loving Father for His presence to be with you.
Andrew and Amy - What a blessing it is to know you and to learn to Livestrong. My apprentice has become my teacher.
We love you, Margot and Madeleine
You are in our prayers. You will always live strong in all our hearts.
Everyday your are both an inspiration to so many. Today I lift you both up in my prayers to our Heavenly Father and all the love that He has for you.
In Christ,
Robin Bartlett
Andrew and Amy,
I've been following Andrew's blog since my husband's disgnosis with EGC. You are an inspiration. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Livestrong!
You have been and always will be the true meaning of LIVEstrong..You are a true inspiration to all who have known you!!!!!!!!Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!!! Don and Yvonne St. Louis
Our thought and prayers are with you all during this final ride. You all have embellished "Livestrong" and are an inspiration to everyone .
Love to all
Tom and Lori Frendak
xtAmy, savor each moment as you take this final ride with Andrew. He has blessed me with his strenth and courage. I am proud to have known him and to have been one of his nurses. He is my HERO!!
Love and prayers.
Jodi
Andrew and Amy,
You're both an inspiration, the way you've handled yourselves with dignity and grace and courage.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barry
Amy and Family,
I have been following Andrew for so long. Watching his condition deteriorate has been so painful and I don't even really "know" him, so I can only imagine how painful it has been for you.
I know the memories you have made will be so precious to you. My heart aches for you and your children. I just can't imagine how painful this is.
I hope that all of the people that Andrew has inspired will always be of some comfort to you. He has has inspired so many people with his constantly positive attitude. He has always been the epitome of living strong. Any day that I have felt blue or down about anything, I often think of him and am reminded that I should be grateful for every minute.
Love to you and your family.
Joan Kellogg and family
Louisville KY
Love, prayers, strength and Hope to you and your family --
--from Santa Barbara, California
Amy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Your family has been such an inspiration to us. Be Strong!
Love you,
Nathan and Ashley Downs
Andrew
I love you brother --
I am so proud of you and Amy --
as I sit next to you - typing this comment - I am overcome with the love I have for you
thank you for teaching me the meaning of Livestrong ---
--
I can not express my feelings any better than what Alaina has already said
I am so happy that I have been able to share the experience of expecting twins with you -- while I had hoped that you would be able to hold you niece and nephew in your arms - I know that you will be there in spirit - and that you will be sharing in the experience
I love you
Brother Dan
Andrew,
I've found that there aren't keys on this keyboard or words in in existence to express what is in my heart. We've made memories together since before we could drive, and I will treasure them always. Most people go through life having never met or had a relationship with their heroes. I am blessed in that I not only got to meet a great hero (you), but I have the honor of counting him as a friend. May God shelter you in his hands.
Craig Schaefer
No words can express the flood of emotions that I felt when reading this. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Andrew and your family.
-Rich Ehrmann
Andrew-
It seems like only yesterday when we would sit behind the comfort of our computers and badger friends about our cars. What a strong passion that has created friends for you long before this tragic ordeal took hold in your life.
You have ALWAYS been in my prayers and I strongly regret NOT trying harder to just see you and be your friend in the last year when I know you've needed that comfort the most.
Ashley and I hold your family in such high esteem and I know it must be devastating for Amy and the kids, but life WILL go on and there are so many people here that are looking out for them that I think the power of persistance and prayer will only magnify what great and wonderful children you have already brought into this world.
You both are dear friends, it pains me to know that we won't be racing each other down the turpike anymore, or butting heads about everything from politics to woman on the forums... but you have been an inspiration to me, you know I never met my father and he died of Leukemia himself when I as 2 years old, and your fight has brought notice to what it means to LIVESTRONG and push your way through adveristy. You have put the best face forward in the worst of conditions and I know that you will be honored and esteemed for your final ride home.
Amy- if there is anything we can do, just feel free to call. We love you guys and I PROMISE you Andrew, you will never be forgotten. I love you man!
---Nathan Downs
Dear Judge Molenda, Amy & Family:
We wanted you to know of our prayers and support for your family at this terrible time. Andrew's courage has been inspirational. Our prayer for you and Andrew is peace that our Loving Father will walk with you and hold you close.
God Bless you!
- Beth, Cathy & Rhonda @ OHA
andrew and amy,
we have gone through our sons' births together. we have done holidays and birthday parties. i have mixed feelings while writing this comment. i know that you wont be in pain anymore, but it saddens me to know that physically you wont be here anymore. amy, you have such a tremendous strength and andrew is lucky to have such a good woman standing beside him.i will continuously pray for the family. frank,margaret, dan, liam, ms.rose and evan joseph. we love you,kay
Andrew,
I have only heard the things you are going though. I never had the courage to see them first hand. But I do remember the heart we felt from you while you were here at Williams/Wiltel/Lucadia/Level3 and you are the true definition of what a hero should be. The fight that you put up is more than admirable, it should be the focus of all of us to be as couragous as you have been.
Know that God will take care of all that you have brought forth in this world. As your brother said in his comment, you define what it is to LiveStrong.
-George Howard
Today I have a 2 hour ride planned, I will ride it for Andrew.
dadmo
Andrew, You have fought a very couragous battle and you have not lost, the rest of us have. May the Lord keep his arms around all of you and someday, we'll see you again in a better and pain free place.
Amy, you know we are always here for you.
Carolyn Hargis
Andrew
not sure why I am talking to you on the computer - when I can walk a few blocks back to the hospital and talk to you
I had thought last night was the last but now learned could be a few more nights
While I know this is the end -- and since you will be at peace -- I am at peace with it
however I still have some shred of hope that there could be a miracle -- even if it is a billion to one - I still want to believe that there could be a miracle --
afterall I believe every year that the cubs will win the world series -- even though they never do -- there is still some comfort in believing
I love you and am so lucky to have had you as a brother and a best friend
Love your brother Dan
Andrew,
Man... I'm really not sure what to say. I do feel comforted in that I know you are one tough son of a bitch. I'm glad we got to have lunch a couple of weeks ago. Even if you had on that darn OSU hat. Thank you for the GREAT influence you have had and will ALWAYS continue to have on my life.
Love always and LIVESTRONG!!
Billy
Andrew-
There are not words to describe how much I'm going to miss you. You have been a wonderful brother in law and I have so many good memories that I will never forget. You have fought this with everything and you have truly inspired so many people. I'm so grateful for getting to know you over the past 6 years.
Amy-
Know that I'm here for you any way that I can be. Let me know if there is anything at all that I can do to help you and the kids out.
Much Love,
Jennifer
Andrew, Amy and family,
In my 5 years as a LAF Peloton Yellow Jersey member, meeting you briefly and stumbling across your inspirational blog have been some of my most memorable moments. You all have truly defined what LiveStrong means. Andrew, I know you will be riding with us in spirit in Austin. Sallie Mae is so honored to have you as our 2006 CvC cancer survivor at the OSU-Colorado game to share your story and inspire so many more people.
God bless you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Katie Schofield
I'm not sure what to say. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always cherish my memories of Andrew at the Sigma Nu house.
Ken & Cindy
I've been missing you for a while- but you continue to impact who I am, and more importantly, who I am becoming.
Perpective is more than seeing the other faces of the die- it is the knowledge that they are being cast for me in every moment.
Goodbye my friend.
-Patrick
Andrew,
It was a great time working and getting to know you over these few years at WilTel. My families thoughts and prayers have and always will be with you and your family. I can appreciate the fight that you have put up. May God be with you and your family in this and any time of need.
LIVESTRONG,
Kelley Myers and Family
Andrew,
I will miss you so much, my friend. Please know how much your bravery and consistent positive outlook has blessed my life, and the lives of so many others. My continued prayers are with you for your journey. I'll never forget you. Ever.
Love you,
Mary Carter
Andrew and Family,
My prayers are with you and your family. I will cherish the great times I have had with Andrew at the Sigma Nu house while at OU.
- Monty
Andrew, Many recognize the battle you have fought but I remember the guy who came along for my sweet niece Amy. The person who has made her so happy and given her so much over the years. I truly believe that things happen for a reason and you were supposed to be her husband and the father to her children. I thank you for being that wonderful husband and father.
Know one more thing... you have left your mark, accomplished so many wonderful things, and inspired so many people including myself and Larry. You made sure we all understood what you stand for and more importantly what is truly important. Many people never get that but you did... Be proud of that and God bless you, Amy and the kids.
Kathy & Larry
Thanks for all the efforts in regards to cancer advocay and TC awareness.
You have made and continue to make a difference in many people's life.
Amy, I share a roundabout connection through Vinny's church and my husband's job at Wiltel. I pray for peace for you both. Andrew's ride has been inspiring, even just via computer screen.
Marcy in St. Louis
Andrew,
You and your family are an amazing individuals. Your story and commitment to LIVESTRONG have been an inspiration to my wife and I through our TC cancer experience. Know that I think of you often and that your spirit and passion for life is truly remarkable. As always, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Austin & Karla Mae Elling
Andrew,
As someone who has spent half of his life putting feelings into words, I should confess I'm finding it difficult to do so now; especially since there has probably never been a more appropriate time or circumstance in my life. Since this isn't something I have any experience with, I suppose I'll just have to stumble along as best I can.
You and I shared a time and a place that will never happen again, not in your life or mine, no matter how long either of them turn out to be. We met each other and other good friends; you met Amy. We learned things about ourselves, about others, and about the world. It was a time and a place that helped determine our futures and the people we all would come to be.
Even now, I'm smiling as memories float in and out of my thoughts, some of them as clear and complete as though they happened yesterday. I hope they stay that way.
I'm also applauding your drive and determination, not only to succeed in a difficult and painful endeavor, which I can only imagine has been a test of faith as well as body, at times; but also to be a source of strength for your family and for others, and to help those for whom it is within your power. The world would be a better place if more human beings would strive for nothing less than the character you've displayed these last few years.
Goodbye, Andrew. I will be thinking of you.
Peace and grace always,
Dustin
Andrew, You are an inspiration to us all to Livestrong. I know that without meeting you and getting to talk to you that I could not have made it through my cancer experience. You and your family have been in our prayers everyday and will continue to be in them. Thank you again for all that you have done for all of us.
Livestrong
Travis Loffer
'Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come.'
- Rabindranath Tagore
There's a victory wrapped within every defeat. You relentlessly fought to overcome an inexorable opponent which often leaves its opponents cowering hopelessly in fear. Although death may have won this battle, your fight serves as a victory for the principles embodied by the human spirit, a victory which will be forever kept deep within the hearts of all those you've touched in your time on this Earth.
Thank you, Andrew. I'll see you on the otherside.
Eric Carlson
Andrew,
You have dared to do great things, and you have succeded. You have been an inspiration to so many. You have done more with your short time here then most will ever do. You have lived strong.
The thoughts and prayers of my wife and I are with you.
ETTSN,
Donatiello
I've hesitated to write a comment because no matter what I write, it feels inadequate.
I just want to say thank you for everything you've done for me personally and professionally. You are a big influence on my life and a good friend. I'm sad to see you go but take comfort in the fact that you're surrounded by people who love you and you leave knowing how you touched so many lives.
-Darren Phillips
Andrew,
I just found out how you are doing. It is extremely hard to type this, because you never know what to say. You have been an inspiration to many people, and will continue that role, no matter what may come. I can say that you lived life to the fullest, and never let anything get you down. You are a leader. You have had a wonderful support system, it shows how much they love and respect you. That is the ultimate for any man, to know that he is loved. You are in my prayers. Ride on my friend.
Hi Andrew and Amy,
We've never met. I'm a friend of Frank's "Vinny" and first learned about your situation when I followed a link from his blog to yours. Since then, I've checked in on Andrew pretty regularly.
I am both amazed by Andrew's strenght and humor during adversity, and also by how moved I am by someone I've never met.
Andrew, you are a great inspiration to friends and strangers alike. I wish you peace as you ride on to the greater glory.
Sincerely, Kristine Stocker
Andrew & Amy:
Thank you for allowing me to participate in your journey. You both inspire me LIVESTRONG daily. Andrew, you are an amazing man with courage, strength & insight like no one I've known before. Amy, you have taught me so much about the gift of love. The two of you are truly soul mates ... your relationship is an inspiration to those who know you.
Thank you for the honor of being Evan's Godmother. I love you & Liam, Alena & Evan. God Bless all of you.
Love,
Sharon
Andrew - I have continued to follow your courageous battle. I feel blessed to know you and am constantly inspired by your strength. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Paul Dougherty
The Molendas,
We have never known anyone as strong as you on a personal level, our lives have changed from the light you have shown.
God be with you,
Ted and Lorrayne
The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero uses his fear, projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs. It's the same thing, fear, but it's what you do with it that matters.
Cus D'Amato, Boxing Trainer
Andrew and family,
We met at the Sigma Nu house, and even then it was clear that you were a remarkable human being with drive, determination and vision beyond your years. With the challenges you have faced in life, you have personified the word hero.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.
Vince Lombardi
Words escape me, and rarely have I been at a loss for them. I hope you and your family find peace and comfort on your final ride, knowing that you have been an inspiration to many.
Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Amy and Andrew, You both know that we love you and our prayer is that God will comfort you, as only he can. You both have fought a courageous battle and we are very proud of the adults and parents that you have become. You have a huge support group, but know we are here for anything that you might need. Love Aunt Tracy and Uncle Darrel
Andrew,
I just want to thank you for being in my life. Your belief in me has helped me get to where I am today. Two of our kids are the same age and have played together in the past. I will never forget the heated discussions we used to have about your "left wing ideals" and my "correct" facts. Somehow you always won. I cannot imagine facing the hard times you have gone through and still keeping my spirit high. Salesha, Brian, Katie and I will keep you in our prayers.
Livestrong
Matt Wilken
Andrew,
Sorry we never got to meet, but someday we will one way or another. I'm really proud of you for making it as far as you have, and as others have said multiple times, you're an inspiration to everyone in a lot of ways. Congratulations on all that you've accomplished in such a short time, and know that you'll be missed by many, many people. We're praying for you.
Therman
I felt strongly compelled to pull out this song and listen to it at shortly after five (four, central time)this afternoon. Now I know why. I thought I would share the lyrics with you:
Going to leave this Brokedown Palace
On my hands and my knees I will roll roll roll
Make myself a bed by the waterside
In my time - in my time - I will roll roll roll
In a bed, in a bed
by the waterside I will lay my head
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
to rock my soul
River gonna take me
Sing me sweet and sleepy
Sing me sweet and sleepy
all the way back back home
It's a far gone lullaby
sung many years ago
Mama, Mama, many worlds I've come
since I first left home
Goin home, goin home
by the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
to rock my soul
Goin to plant a weeping willow
On the banks green edge it will grow grow grow
Sing a lullaby beside the water
Lovers come and go - the river roll roll roll
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
to rock my soul
Fare thee well, Andrew.
dadmo
I often hear people discussing their faith in God and I have always thought that the greater question is does God have any faith in man. Andrew’s example of how to live in the face of great adversity has certainly affirmed the greatness of the human spirit. If anyone is ever welcomed with open arms it will be Andrew. He has proven himself to be one of the few, true heroes we are ever like to be acquainted with.
Andrew and Amy,
I also am a collegue of Margaret's. I had the wonderful priviledge of getting to know Andrew during the summer he was in sixth grade. What a summer that was as we wandered the halls and grounds of the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.
Andrew with his sense of humor kept us smiling the entire time, and thank heaven for that as it was actually a fairly intense time!
What fun we all had in the computer lab, with Margaret and I working on papers for classwork and Andrew playing Where in the World, Carmen San Diego.
What an inspirational adult, father and husband you have become!
LeAnna from Omaha, NE
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