I was going to write about Perry Noble today, but, wouldn’t that make me a jack-ass? (just kidding) I do have some thoughts, (Not specifically about Perry Noble but he did help trigger them…) I am going to pray about them, and then write about them in private, and then, in public, if I don’t sound too much like an idiot.

Yesterday, I remembered my mom and my aunt telling me all about their best friend Andrew *Last Name*. I’m not quite sure how or where they met, but, essentially, the ‘fake name’ my mom gave me, Andrew James, was after this guy. I even remember them telling me he changed my diapers. I looked up some guys and based on what i knew about Andrew, I e-mailed one person whom I was almost positive was him. I also sent the website to my Aunt. Last night I got an E-mail from him. It’s actually pretty cool to hear. He will also be able to shine the light on my mother as a person without addictions. That is just AWESOME! Anyway, here is the E-mail he sent.. it’s pretty cool.

Andy,
I just got off the phone with your aunt Amy.

I am devastated to hear about your mom and sister. I don’t quite know what to say or where to start. Although it has been many years since I was in regular contact with your mom, both she and your aunt Amy have played a major role in my life. They, and you, have been in my thoughts over the years and the memories that I have going back to our childhood in the Middle East are many and priceless. Your mom was an amazing lady. I adored her. It’s difficult to describe what our relationship was or the connection we had but it was very deep. It was like a sister / brother thing but not quite. Not even remotely sexual but extremely caring. I think we were each others biggest fans. It’s just difficult to describe.

I remember taking to Helen about her life after Kuwait and although I don’t recall specific details, I know the years after arriving back in the US were filled with struggles including drugs. As a parent, I can’t imagine coping with the loss of a child. I am just so sorry that you have suffered such great losses with your sister and mom.

Amy told me that you are married and involved in a church. I am thrilled on both accounts. I became a Christian as a teenager. God has blessed me far beyond that which I could have imagined 16 years ago when I moved to the US. I know for sure that without my faith I would not be where I am today. He has provided stability and a great foundation for my family. Speaking of family, I have 4 kids. My wife is fantastic. She is the level headed one in the relationship. I’m the dreamer. If you are on facebook look for _NameHERE_. That’s us. Ask to be a friend and then you will be able to see pictures of us all.

Of course I need to see you and your wife! Last time I saw you, as I’m sure you know, was when you were 2. I even changed your diapers! You were a cute little blond kid with a great smile. I remember you didn’t cry much. I have so often wondered what you grew up to be. I think Amy said you did something with computers?

I hope this doesn’t sound too weird, a grown man prodding around with all these personal questions but I really want to hear all about your life. It feels like I’ve found a long lost relative!
I have actually tried to find you several times. I located your house on Signal Rd and a couple of phone numbers but they didn’t work. I also think I found your brother Chris on My Space. I sent an e mail about a year ago to a cryptic e mail address that I deciphered from his page but got no response. He looked like Helen to me so I felt confident it was the right Chris. All the Andrew Dennis’s that I found were black. I’d complete forgotten that Gerry was your stepdad and your last name would be *Last Name Here*.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your losses. I can’t begin to understand what you have been through. I hope and pray that God will give you the strength, wisdom and grace to be the best husband you can be.

I would love to get to know you and look forward to hearing from you

Your namesake,

Andrew