I can't believe he's actually gone. He won't be seen around campus anymore, smiling despite everything. He wasn't one of my best friends, but he was a friend. Always willing to help others even though he probably had bigger problems than any of us ever did. Even after he lost his leg above the knee to the cancer, he refused to give up. He was at school as often as he was able, persevering though it had to be hard for him. He was a source of inspiration for all who knew him, putting our petty little problems into perspective. No one remained unaffected by Andy. Our chorus teacher would be in tears whenever she talked about his progress while he was in the hospital at different times. That was probably one of the hardest things for us. She is always so happy, jumping around and singing. It was hard to see her so subdued.

It's probably best for him now. He fought this for so long, three and a half years in and out of remission. At least he's no longer in pain. It's hard to grasp right now, but his death was the best thing for him at this point. Our lives, now, are better because he was in them.