Good night, sweet Andrew
Andrew's struggle with cancer ended this afternoon. We all got a chance to say goodbye to him, and although it was a terrible, heartbreaking day, we know he's in a better place and that we will see him again.
We're all sad. But we remember the joy Andrew brought us all, and his fierce, strong, beautiful approach to life. He was a fighter until the end. He made his life and his death meaningful.
All of your thoughts and prayers, and your overwhelming kindness, are very much appreciated. We have all been reading the comments on the blog, and crying and smiling as we are reminded of how many people loved Andrew and were inspired by him.
Andrew: we all love you, and we will miss you awfully until we are together again. Until then, we will keep you in our hearts and know that you are watching over us.
We're all sad. But we remember the joy Andrew brought us all, and his fierce, strong, beautiful approach to life. He was a fighter until the end. He made his life and his death meaningful.
All of your thoughts and prayers, and your overwhelming kindness, are very much appreciated. We have all been reading the comments on the blog, and crying and smiling as we are reminded of how many people loved Andrew and were inspired by him.
Andrew: we all love you, and we will miss you awfully until we are together again. Until then, we will keep you in our hearts and know that you are watching over us.
posted by Amy at 10:06 PM
42 Comments:
Andrew you are my hero and I will be with forever, you are in my heart and soul.
Love,
Dad
Andrew,
See you on the other side brother! Godspeed my friend...
Always Faithful,
Billy
The following Johnny Cash song has been running through my head:
I remember when I was a lad,
times were hard and things were bad.
But there's a silver lining behind every cloud.
Just poor people, that's all we were.
Trying to make a living out of black land dirt.
We'd get together in a family circle singing loud.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
Singing seems to help a troubled soul.
One of these days and it won't be long.
I'll rejoin them in a song.
I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne.
No, the circle won't be broken.
By and by, Lord, by and by.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.
Now I remember after work,
Mama would call in all of us.
You could hear us singing for a country mile.
Now little brother has done gone on.
But, I'll rejoin him in a song.
We'll be together again up yonder in a little while.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
Cause singing seems to help a troubled soul.
One of these days and it won't be long,
I'll rejoin them in a song.
I'm gonna join the family circle at the Throne.
Oh, no the circle won't be broken.
By and by, Lord, by and by.
Daddy sang bass,
Mama sang tenor.
Me and little brother would join right in there.
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Molendas,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. The world lost a strong, beautiful, wonderful man today.
Andrew will live in my heart forever. I already miss him terribly.
God be with you all in this time.
All of my love,
Craig Schaefer
Goodbye Andrew. You will be missed, but you will also remain with us in our hearts and minds. You lived LIVESTRONG and because of that example, others will LIVESTRONG as well.
It was a pleasure to be able to meet you and I always enjoyed your posts.
To Amy, the kids, and the rest of the family...you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Terry
CCC (Cyclist Combating Cancer)
Dear Molenda Family,
I am so sorry that Andrew has left this world, but I rejoice that his pain and suffering are over and that he is now in a much better place. He left this world better than he found it, and no man can ask for more. Our entire CCC family will carry Andrew with us forever. In Andrew's honor, here is a poem written by a CCC'er who went before him:
THE CYCLIST
A cyclist has spread to the breeze
His CCC jersey, and heads for open roads.
He is an object of beauty and strength
As we stand and watch him, until at length
Like a wind, he is lost from our view
Where sky and horizon mingle in fading hue.
At that moment, someone cries with regret,
"There! He's gone!" "Gone where?" I ask.
"Don't forget:
He has only left our sight. Even now
In frame and gears and wheels from front to rear
He is just as reliable as when by our side
He stood, waiting for the first pedal stroke."
His diminished size is in me, not her;
For, just at the moment we would infer
"There! He's gone!"- voices from that other Home
Are taking up the glad shout, "There! He comes!"
With God the sunset on our western horizon
Is sunrise beyond; a New Day begun.
We too must rejoice and not be sighing!
It's a glad adventure that - dying!
- Floyd B. Allen and Martha L. Jack
God bless you all.
Molenda Family,
Though I didn't know Andrew well, I felt I did through his blog. I looked to it daily for inspiration through Andrew's desire for life. I will always remember all that he did for his family and those around them to inspire them everyday.
Robin Bartlett
Adios y vaya con dios.
It is late
and I sit at your computer
reading and re-reading the posts and the comments
It is so hard to imagine life without you in it -- I dont even want to conceive of this as a possible reality
I love you and will forever miss you
LIVESTRONG ANDREW
I Love you -
your brother Dan
Chris Bonnichsen says... How unfair it is to lose the good fight but, know that Andrew is in a better place and that his noble spirit has touched everyone he ever knew and will continue to go on.I pray for his spirit and all that knew and loved him.
Love,
Chris
There are many overused words in the English language, so overused that their real meaning is lost; but when it comes to words such as 'awesome', 'heroic' or 'inspirational' when used about Andrew they are all found wanting - they fail to convey the fullness, the majesty and the grace of his being - a loving husband and father, a good son, a loyal friend, a mighty warrior in the battle against cancer, his own and everyone else's, a tireless campaigner for more and better research and treatment, a true example of all that 'LiveSTRONG' can mean.
To paraphrase Laurence Binyon:-
Andrew
You shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary you, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the Sun, and in the morning,
You will be remembered
- and thanks will be given for the privilege of having you touch our lives.
You have joined the 'Fallen in Battle' but you fell undefeated.
It is now for us to pick up your torch and carry on and it's our privilege to do so.
Au Revoir, my Friend, my Brother, until we meet again in a better place.
Andy [CCC] Anderson
Ireland
Soemwhere over the rainbow...
TO the best and bravest fighter we ever knew. You may be gone but will never be forgotten. With love Always,
Nathan and Ashley Downs
To the Molenda Family
Although I did not know Andrew personally I have followed his battle since I have joined this group. Andrew seemed to always be at the front of the pack pulling the hardest and longest, his stamina and drive made the ride a little easier for us middle of the pack riders. His strength and courage has made my ride just a little bit easier. Now he has the opportunity to sit on the back of the pack and take a break. However i think when given the choice he would gladly be on the front pulling for the entire pack.
I am sorry for your loss
Joshua J. Joaquin
When You are On Purpose You are Not Alone.
Dear Family of Andrew,
You all were constantly in my thoughts as I walked my normal route in the early morning hours. These past days, I have prayed one prayer - that an angel would come and take your sweet Andrew home. This morning, I suddenly envisoned not one but a multitude of angels sweeping down and gently enveloping your sweet Andrew in their arms. Instead of a few angels singing welcome greetings at the entrance to the pearly gates, there were hundred, thousands of angels there to greet one very brave, courageous soul who inspired so many with his courage and zest for life and immense love for his family. AND, not just St. Peter but God himself was there to greet Heaven's newest Guardian Angel "in training". I know through his and Amy's example during his long struggle many will be inspired to LIVESTRONG!
Go well, dear one, go well.
Blessing and hugs to yours.
I love that we shared your last double header at Wrigley, and traded smoky burnouts in the company parking garage. I loved seeing you laugh- at me and at yourself. I loved being on opposite sides of an issue, because I knew that by the time it was over, we would both be sharper.
I get to carry your spirit now- your strength, your wit, your realization of what life is and isn't.
Get some rest, brother- because when we meet again I will be expecting a good debate over some esoteric point of politics, or engine set-up.
Know that you did what you said you would do- and that is what defines a hero.
We will never forget you...
My daughter, Kelsey, is Liam's classmate. We have been praying for your family the last few months and I'm sad to hear about your loss. We will continue to pray for the strength and comfort of your family. In God's Love, Holly Yeagle
Andrew,
I hope you can somehow read this, (I'm sure you can)...there's a lot of people on here missing you already. A little bit of your Livestrong got into everybody you met. We'll never forget you!
Therman Lee
Dear Molenda's
I am sorry about the loss to your family. This is just the beginning for Andrew. Think of all of the wonderful things he accomplished on this earth and just imagine the possibilities of what he will do now. This is another beginning for Andrew. The Bible says you will walk through the Pearly Gates to get into heaven. Andrew will be the first to ride through on his bike.
Love Always,
Matt
This is a true loss.
Amy take hart that he is now watching and protecting you and the kids.
I remember when i met andrew at the very begining of 2002, when he joined the tulsa grand prix club.
Know that not only I but the people he knew in and out of the club will never forget.
May his purpose in and out side of life being a #1 Husband and father. But what he lived for out side of home and trying to spread the awarness of cancer.
Godspeed my friend and "Live Strong."
Chris Mcpeek
Molenda family,
We are sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you, The time we spent with Andrew as Toddie'e soccer coach,and many Saturday's on the field with you and your family have always been wonderfull, We will miss him greatly, Leslie, Todd, Todd Jr., Tiara & Jessica Powell
Molenda's,
I only know of Andrew through a friend of his. Billy talked highly of him. I'm sorry for your loss and may God be with you and all of Andrew's friends at this time. Rest assured that you will see him on the other side. Andrew did a lot of great things and lived a wonderful life, now he will be looking down on you watching over you.
May God be with you,
I don't know the words to write to express my sorry. We all became friends when I started working for you dad and it just continued through our children and grandchildren. I will miss seeing you at the birthday parties and family gatherings. I watched you grow into a young man, a husband a and father. You took on these roles with such dedication.
To Aimee (and kids), Margaret, Frank, Daniel and Julie, may you find solace in knowing that Andrew loved you all and he will forever be with you. God is ever present in every situation. We may not understand it, but He continues to bless us. May His love and comfort surround you and may He give you peace.
Love always, Regina, Kay, Beck and kids
You will be greatly missed. I still remember the first day we meet. You did alot of good things with your life and thats why I deeply respect you. You have done a fine job of leading by example.
Chance
I have been reading Andrew's blog now for some time since I worked with his mom, Margaret at Jenks. I have been inspired by the strength of this young man. Knowing his mom, I would have expecting nothing less. To Margaret and the rest of the family, I will be praying for you to have strength through these tough times.
Andrew was a fighter, a leader and an inspiration.
To his family: I can't begin to know how you feel today, but my thoughts are with you.
Much love to you all,
Jeff Parker
I remember the day Andrew asked us to wear yellow and send along a pictuure :) I wore the shirt and my husband took and posted the piccie. We were so saddened to read today of Andrew's passing. With his passion and joie de vivre --it just wasn't something one expected.
Our prayers are with you wonderful family members.
I don't have words of comfort or words of strength. The part of me that worried about Andrew's health is silent now and that just makes me sadder.
We are as always praying for all of y'all. Of course that goes without saying. I dreamed last night that Andrew told me to pick on Dan for him. ;) I'll be sure to do that.
I love you all. We all do. If there is anything we can do (however small), it would give us such a blessing to bless you even a small amount as your whole family has taken us in and loved us. We are forever grateful.
Always holding y'all in the light.
Love, Jodi, Benny, boys, and baby ?
Andrew's continurs on his journey at peace with the Lord. You have been on his journey with him and he leaves you all with strenght, courage and love. Andrew's lasting legacy is all of you.
Peace
Lori
Andrew,
You were the best boss I ever had, and ended up being an incredible friend. Above all, you are and will always be an inspiration to me in all that I do. Your battle has taught me so much...like what is reallÿ important in life: Family and friends, love and togetherness, knowing what it means to LiveStrong.
I hope only the best for you in your new reality...have fun, my friend. Thanks for everything.
Andrew, Amy and family -
We only knew you through CCC. Our hearts are breaking at the news. Please let us know if there is anything we can do or anything you need.
Susan and Chuck Binzel
Andrew-
It was such a pleasure working with you, and you will be missed. It was amazing to watch you grow after you got your diagnosis. You showed more strength and character than anyone I have ever known.
See you again some day Andrew.
Andrew sent me some c related goodies a year or so ago and it gave me one of my funniest moments in my police career to date!
I had sent Andrew some "blue boy" tie pins which were launched by cancer research UK a while back. In return, Andrew had sent me some T shirts from
www.cancersucks.com. What he forgot to tell me was that they were "glow in the dark" jobs! I went to work wearing one of them one night in plain clothes and was skulking about trying to sneak up on a drug dealers house in Glasgow, Scotland when I got a message over my radio from a colleague of mine...... he wasn't to impressed with my surveillance technique of wearing a florescent t shirt in the pitch dark!
I got home, switched on the laptop to find an e mail from Andrew with a PS message at the bottom pointing out the T shirts qualities!!!
Andrew was the type of guy to humble others with his approach to c. He was
always up, always fighting, never giving up. Keep looking over your
shoulder Big A, I'm going to sneak up on you one day in my day glo t
shirt!!!
C
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out,
shouting"...holy shit...what a ride!"
Molenda family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Reading the "Andrew's Ride" post comments of Andrew's wisecracks during his final hours reminded me of what Will Rogers said of death, "If you live life right, death is a joke as far as fear is concerned." Andrew you lived life right my friend. You are a hero and an inspiration to us all.
ETTSN
Preston
Andrew, Amy, and Family,
We are so devastated to hear this terrible news. Please know that you are in our constant thoughts and prayers.
Andrew was a rare soul, and we were all lucky to have known him. Amy, you are a true example of what a wife should be. Your strength is nothing short of amazing. Andrew left such a profound impression on this world, and I'm sure that his unique spirit will continue to emerge through his beautiful children.
Thanks, Andrew, for giving us a glimpse of what it is to Livestrong.
With tears and lots of love,
Bilal, Amy, and Kaden Muhammad
Molendas family,
I just heard about Andrew's passing and I am, sorry to hear of your loss. Andrew was a good man and fellow co-worker. I had the pleasure of working with him in Oklahoma. I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Felipe Borges
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Amy, Liam, Lannie, Evan, & Family:
Sending our love and support to you. Please know are in our thoughts and constant prayers. My heart truly aches for you. May God be with you to hold you and wrap his arms around you.
With Love,
The Sanders (Meredith, Adam, Zachary, and Gabe)
Andrew,
I am glad for your weblog and I think it has done a lot to give visibility to TC; especially the human side of it. God's peace be with you always.
Chris Johnson
To all who this can help,
I remember Andrew well. It is hard to forget a man like him. His sense of humor, his strong will, his sense of duty and most of all his loyalty to friends and family are things that are hard to forget and many can only hope to attain.
I am so sad to hear of his parting and the struggle he had to face since I last spoke with him years ago, but I happy happy to see in reading this blog he moved on as he lived, a fighter and a person who sucked the joy out of life.
He will be in my thoughts always and you can be sure I will be there at his services in spirit,
Matthew Dean Bryant
I had hoped to have the chance to ride with Andrew at the Ride for the Roses this year and to watch him dance that jig he promised. Every training ride I take, he'll be there, pulling me along.
So many years since I've seen Andrew - we worked together briefly at WilTel - but memories of him are still vivid in my mind. He's the kind of person you just can't forget. Funny, kind, sincere, caring, smart. I know he touched so many people's lives, and definitely made a difference in this world.
Post a Comment
<< Home