Remembering a friend Andy Reed!

Sometimes things happen in life when we least expect it, or even if we suspect it is coming we are selfish and angry that it had to happen at that moment. I remember when I lost my Dad nearly 12 years ago. The feelings that I had. Very mixed emotions and so many questions as to why he had to go when he did, so young and without answers. I was very young to when he passed away. Some people in my life don't get it when they lose a loved one a Parent, Grandparent, or Friend how I can say I understand. But for the most part I do understand just I have my own ways since I have lost a Parent, Grandparent, and friends in time to. I have been blessed to be friends with The Reed family for many years. They welcomed me into there lives practically since the year I moved to Palmdale,CA back in 1988. This week Brother Andy Reed passed away in Las Vegas, NV. I am blessed to have called him my friend, somewhat at times like a Dad. He took me in as a member of that family. I was fortunate to spend MANY years of holidays with The Reeds and enjoyed every bit of it. Andy had a way about him, he was a man of wisdom, extreme knowledge, a heart of gold, and definitely knew almost everything about sports and Politics. We agreed on one thing for sure, we both enjoyed being Democrats. Every time I saw Andy he welcomed me always with his same greeting " ERIKA.....it is soooo good to see you...come here give me a hug." Who wouldn't love a guy like that. I have known for quite awhile that Andy's health had been declining. I was blessed to have had him at my wedding in September 2008 and he was able to meet my husband Michael.

MY WEDDING SEPTEMBER 20, 2008 Las Vegas, NV

After that my last visit with him was in April 2009 at the wedding of one of my other girlfriends Leslie Evans.

LESLIE EVANS WEDDING APRIL 2009 Agoura Hills, CA

Although again his health was down, I was still able to enjoy hanging out with Andy, having some good laughs and all of us going down memory lane. What an enjoyable day that was. I wanted to post this blog today to just share a bit of what joys it was for me to be able to call Andy my friend and be apart of his life. I look forward to continuing my on going friendship and relationship with The Reed family. I have had so many conversations with both Mary and Laura his daughters talking about what is easier in losing a Dad. Having them pass suddenly with no answers like my Dad did. Or seeing them sick and slowly declining in health. I don't think any are easy because no matter what the end result is our Dad's passed away, but I would say THE REED family has such STRENGTH because I think that seeing there Husband, Dad, PAPA declining physically may be worse. I know that Andy is resting now in peace with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I do believe GOD has a plan in store for all of us and that one day we will reunite again. To Virginia: You are one amazing Woman...You have such strength that I cannot even describe. You have been through so much and have given so much. ...A message from my mom if you ever need someone to talk to just give her a call. To Mary and Laura...throughout many of our conversations, i now say... if you guys ever need someone to talk to or just listen or just want to know if what you are feeling is normal I to am just a phone call away....And Dave....well I am sure if you want to talk you will do it by text message or a Facebook status but I to will be that Reply back to in a heartbeat..lol. Remember that the one thing we are all blessed with is memories in our hearts that no one can take away from us. So hang on to those Fun memories and be strong. God will keep your family at peace, and bless you all throughout the years to come. I love you guys very much!