Tribute to Drew

               

  On August 29th, 2016 life of a teenager ended tragically in a road accident in New Jersey. A young life cut short, an aspiring mind erased in a flash and big dreams coming to a crushing end.As the news spread through my town, everyone was gripped with sadness beyond words. Drew as he was affectionately called, was a person full of humor, energy, talent and most importantly the love for life. I sat with my son to get know about this incredible youngster whom I had only met briefly at his school play. Drew, as I came to know was the "Gaston" in beauty and the Beast, the handsome and adorable villain who with his natural boyish mannerism had the audience raving his acting skills. I also came to know that this kid had a great sense of humor in addition to his amazing talent. Drew was also a caring brother, a loving son....and a wonderful human.
On September 1st when all the kids were getting ready for the first day of school, Franklin township kids were preparing themselves to say good bye to their dear friend. Excitement of the new school year was replaced by the overwhelming sadness at the loss of their popular classmate. Fear and anxiety ran high in the minds of the parents on how to possibly prepare their children for the funeral. I could not even comprehend what Drew's family was going through. That solemn ceremony attended by hundreds of people left me with many unanswered questions....Why this kid? How and where his parents will find strength to move on? How many 12 year old would have attended the funeral of their friend? Is it fair for his siblings and friends to experience such a devastating loss at this young age? I found the answers after two months...
 The community came together again two months later to celebrate Drew's life and cherish his memories. Singers, dancers, poets and orators took to the stage with one message
 "Andrew forever".The evening started with Franklin High school choir singing melodious tune to soothe our hurting heart, followed by Franklin Middle school drama club dancing to a peppy number from "Shrek" to lift up our sinking spirits.The children brought out the portrait of a smiling Drew and placed it on a chair on the stage from where he observed everything that evening.The event went on with singers singing their heart out, dancers dancing to shake off their blues.Tributes poured in from friends, teachers and family members.There was his sister reciting his poem on "French Fries", his best friend who emotionally narrated how they were an inseparable duo and read the last text message from Drew one hour before the accident.Finally the most heart breaking part was the poignant speech by his mom. She depicted strength, emotion and courage.There was not a dry eye in that auditorium on hearing her heart wrenching speech.
 That day made me reflect on many things in life. We all come to this world with a finite time card and it is quality of the life that matters and not the length of it.This boy who hardy lived up to the age of 14 touched the hearts of many in my community.The arm sock that he wore as a mockery was proudly worn by all the kids to show their solidarity.The card " # Be Like Andrew" that was passed around to keep his legacy alive showed his kindness to others. The oak tree that is going to stand tall in his school is going to tell stories about his exceptional character. The white bike that stands on that traffic intersection symbolizes his soul resting in peace.
      I was particularly moved to see the support from the Franklin fraternity. I saw God in every single soul assembled there.Looking around me and into the world, my faith in humanity has been fading lately but that evening sparked a new hope in me. I found an altruistic angle in every single kid who readily gave up their Halloween parties to gather in that auditorium to cherish the memories of their dear friend. The unparalleled team work by Franklin Township public school teachers and staff was equally impressive. In today's world filled with materialistic needs and egoistic interaction it is very refreshing to see such genuine warmth in people. That finally came to this lively soul in heaven who made me feel that this world is still a good place to live after all. Thank you Drew !