Andy I want you to meet your two little nephews. Their names are Jayden (James' baby)who is 1 month old and Sayd (James' eldest)who is 1 year old. Aren't they cute? I know that if you were here you would just love them to pieces because Sayd looks like James and Jayden looks a bit like you. What do you think about that coincidence? Now your mom and dad each have a baby they can spoil rotten and they're pretty happy about that. We all miss you so much Andy and I can assure you that Jayden and Sayd will know all about their uncle Andy. I just wish you were here to spoil these precious angels with the rest of us and be with us as we watch them grow. Yet in another sense I feel you knew about the boys before we did, and you are already watching over them.
Anyway Andy, I just wanted you to see what they look like, and to thank you for making sure they arrived safely. I miss you terribly Andy and no matter what happens I will love you forever.
Love and hugs for you my pet,
Grandma T.

Andy’s Legacy

According to Mom and Dad

This is for our unique “Bud”

     In people today there seems to be no respect, no dignity, and no hope. There was once a time when people would hold the door open for you or leave your belongings alone, but today you can’t leave your doors unlocked or expect that the stranger next to you will even acknowledge that you are there. But this was not the case with Andy.

      Andrew Arthur Claude Tessier showed more respect than I think I did.

     Andy learned when he was very young about the feelings of others and this helped him to pay attention to the people around him everyday. He would observe people’s needs, wants, and wishes and try to help out any way he could. At a young age Andy began helping seniors by shoveling their yards, helping them move things or even fix things. He did this because it was his way to show them respect. Sometimes my children would comment that some of the people they knew would say that seniors seemed so frail, old or a nuisance but to Andy they just needed a little help plus they always had great stories to tell. Andy knew that the best way to be treated was through respect, the definition of respect is:

To take notice of; to regard with special attention; to regard as worthy of special consideration; hence, to care for; to heed. And that’s what Andy was all about.

My guy took notice of the elderly and treated them the way he wanted to be treated.

     Andy took care of his families needs even when it meant that he was going to do without. He did this for his friends too. There was a time when a stranger thought his life was in danger and Andy and his brother James escorted him to school and back every day, ultimately they became good friends. There was a time when Andy didn’t care if people made fun of him for doing without or talked down on him for taking the time to spend with his parents. This was Andy’s way of not only caring but also showing us that he really did respect our decisions and us. Today there is very little respect but Andy showed us all what it meant. I have heard people tell me that our son was never rude and always polite. There are people who told us that they could see our children had something that lots of other teenage kids don’t have and that is respect. A good friend of ours told us that they thought our kids were unusual because they wanted to hang out with there parents and their friends in a coffee shop rather than to go out else where. To us it was normal to others unusual. There are lots of stories that I could say about the respect that Andy showed to others like the time his aunt and uncle needed help moving or the time Andy was delivering newspapers or taking the flak for something someone else did but for those who truly know Andy they know what respect he showed to them.

     Dignity 1. The state of being worthy or honorable; elevation of mind or character; true worth; excellence. [1913 Webster]

Simply put this is Andy. At a young age Andy tried to keep up to his older brother, he watched, listened and took a lot of James and put it into his own character. He was very observant and formed a unique character of his own. Andrew always tried to honor what he promised even if he didn’t feel like it at the time. If Andy said he would help you out on a certain day then he would. If our son knew you needed help but never asked he would try to be there to help and not say a word after so that he wouldn’t disrespect you. There were times when Andy would get upset at something or someone for what they said and he would defend you and try to keep the peace. 
    
     At times Andy would be very outspoken when it came to defending his character. A teacher in high school commented to another teacher about Andy’s attire and character, this particular teacher didn’t like Andy’s studded bracelets, earrings, or clothes, eventually these comments got back to Andy. Some say that the actions that followed are just unacceptable but if you look at both sides of the story you will see that Andy was defending his dignity and character. Andy took pride in looking unique but respectable. Andy entered the classroom and in front of his peers and outright asked the teacher what was wrong with the way he looked, at this point Andy waited for an answer. Andy asked a second time and waited for the answer. Now years ago people would say that this was rude, but if we want our children to grow up by the time they reach there teenage years and make proper decisions, then why would it be unacceptable for him when we as adults would defend ourselves the same way. No fighting, yelling or screaming just plain old wait for an answer and discuss the problems.

I guess in a lot of ways Andy took our words literally, we told our children that the more people you know in life the more opportunity you will get. One of Andy’s ways of getting noticed was to be well groomed but a definite stand out in a crowd look. Andy had several hairstyles and even made his own clothes but he always had character. Most of our family and friends would always get laugh at his remarks, styles and comments. It was almost second nature to Andy to make people laugh, and when he did this people would see the true Andy. A definite Unique Individual, he stood out and made people feel comfortable and happy. People knew that they could trust him and ask him for anything and he would try to do his best to help.

     Hope 1. To entertain or indulge hope; to cherish a desire of good,
or of something welcome, with expectation of obtaining it
or belief that it is obtainable; to expect; -- usually
followed by for. "Hope for good success." --Jer. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]

Like a lot of people Andy had his hopes and dreams too. Some of his hopes and dreams were to become a dirt bike driver, snowmobile racer, and even an engineer or welder. Dreaming of doing what he loved to do and what made him happy was his hopes. As parents we loved to hear what our children want in life and we tried to help them obtain those goals. We watched him fix his dirt bike, we helped him fix his skidoos and we even participated in his crazy antics. On a couple of occasions he would get on his snowboard and we would tow him around the field, he would try stunts and tricks all the while being towed behind a snow machine. There were times when his stunts would fail and we would have to seek medical attention but it was a live and learn experience. As parents most time we thought we knew what was best yet other times he knew what was best and we would learn from him. We have learnt that in life as your children grow you teach and learn every minute of the day.

    We feel that the legacy that Andy had should be passed on, that legacy includes compassion, dignity and respect towards others and yourself, and too never give up on your hopes and dreams. Be outspoken but not rude and to be yourself without hurting others.

This candle is lit in memory of Andy
Love always,
Grandma

A Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say
But first of all, to let you, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness;  Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.”

“It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They’ll be here later on.
I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.
There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man”

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you…in the middle of the night. 

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry;  it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. 

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and in pain;
Then you can say to God at night….”My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented…that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.”

So if you meet somebody who is sad and low,
Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;

I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it’s time for you to go…from that body to be free.
Remember you’re not going…you’re coming here with me. 

Author Unknown

Andy's Favorite Fun Song

The Clapping Song

"Three, six, nine
 the goose drank wine,
 the monkey chewed tobbaco on the streetcar line,
 the line broke, the monkey got choked
and they all went to heaven in a little row boat,
clap pat, clap pat."

Andy would say this so fast that no one knew what he was saying. His Dad told him that if he wanted to be the best at saying this verse of a song then he would have to say it that fast backwards, and thats what Andy was practicing to do.