Andrea

Warning: this is not a happy post.

Life is so hard and for some of us it is too hard. We don't know why things happen the way they do. Only God knows that!

Andi and her son

 Within minutes of posting my post yesterday my sister called and gave me the horrible news that my dear, sweet cousin, Andrea, took her life. She is 28 years old, a mother of two (5 and 4), a wife of an amazing man, who just buried his father on Saturday. My heart goes out to them during this tragic time.

Andi and I

Andi and I

My earliest memory of Andi was on the front porch of our grandmother's house. I was trying to get in to use the bathroom, I think, and she was guarding the door, ready to bite me if I came any closer. Though most of my earliest memories were similar to that one, we apparently had fun together as well, sometimes getting into trouble.

In the photo we are jumping off the bed onto the mattress thing on the floor, doing it again and again, I think we were suppose to be sleeping. I've also been told of a time we were caught in my grandparents bathroom with the entire floor covered in toilet-paper.

Salt, Pepper, and Brown Sugar

My favorite memories were the Steiner reunions, when Salt (me), Pepper (Cherese) and Brown Sugar (Andi) would share a tent (later the younger girl cousin joined us) and stay up late talking about anything and everything. Of course this would normally lead to the subject of boys at some point. I remember how freaked out she was about the thought of sex. She thought it was gross. It was gross that her parents did that and she would say she was never going to do "that" with her husband.

Cherese, Bryan, Andi, and I

A few other random memories are that she didn't like mayo or mustard. Everyone who knows her knows she loved bears. They decorated her room growing up and her house when she was older.

She seemed to have it all put together, such an easy going person. So caring, She always wanted a job where she would be able to help people. I am sure there are many people who are better due to her help. I've always admired her drive and desire to do this.

I miss you and Love you Andi! This world is not as sweet as it use to be, without our Brown Sugar!