I know most of you have heard me mention the Author Andrew Britton. I won his book, "The American" in a raffle a couple of years ago and it sat on my self for a long time until one day I decided to read it and I am sure glad I did. I absolutely loved it. I was shocked that someone so young could write a book that was so compelling and intelligent. This guy had AMAZING talent. I would later find out that Andrew was the son of Lennie and mine's good friend, Annie.

Andrew's 3^rd book came out at the end of Feb. and I ran out and bought a copy. Annie told me that he would be signing copies of his book at the pub on March 9^th. I headed down there and had him sign a few books and we chatted a bit. I never imagined that that would be the last time I would ever see him.

When I got home this evening my friend Maria called me to ask me if I had heard the news. I told her that I had been in Clarksville all day. She then told me of an email circulating from Annie this morning stating that Andrew had been found dead in his apartment. I don't know the cause but I think it had something to do with his heart. I was so shocked. I just saw him two weeks ago and other than looking tired, he seemed healthy and happy. When the shock of his death finally subsided, I suddenly had this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach…Oh my god Annie…I can't even imagine what she must be going through. I called and left her a message but I just didn't know what to say. I said the standard, I'm sorry, please let me know what I can do to help. But really is any of that comforting? I just can't fathom what it must be like to lose a child. My heart breaks for her and her family.

I unfortunately didn't get to know Andrew that well. We exchanged emails sometimes. Talking about the book and how upset I was that he killed off a certain character. He would ask me questions about being a ranger and seemed interested in my bald eagles. I went back and read the emails I have gotten from him and I had forgotten that he had sent me one just last week. Thanking me for coming to the book signing and how he wish we could have talked more and maybe we could get together when Lennie gets home. I just don't understand the way the world works sometimes. I spent all day in a class learning about gangs and the horrible things they do. I get home to find out that instead of taking one of this worthless thugs who only degrade society…God decides instead to take someone like Andrew.

Even though I don't know his well this is what I do know about him. He was kind. You could see that even in his pictures. He always answered my emails even if it took awhile. He was intelligent. Anyone who has read his books knows that. He was shy. He admitted to me once that he didn't like all these public appearances because he just didn't know what to say to people. He was a gentle soul who loved is family very much. And last but not least he was an amazing writer. I was shocked to learn that he has never visited some of the places in his book but when you read what he writes you get the feeling that he has actually stood on that street corner or had his feet in that hot sand. It takes a true writer to do that.

Andrew…You will be missed. Not just by your family and friends but by all of us who have fallen in love with your books.

To Annie, Roxanne, Chris and Valerie...I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that there is nothing I can say or do that can take away the pain but please know that I am here if you need help with anything or just a shoulder to cry on.