Our Swedish friend Andy who died recently, first came to Holy Trinity about a decade ago. Being a warm, friendly, kind and humble person he quickly made many friends at Holy Trinity and became a valued member of our community, attending Eucharist every Sunday and participating regularly in community events. Andy had experienced much adversity in his life that eventually brought him to living on the streets of Nice, but he was always cheerful and polite and indeed generous, giving small gifts to his friends. Here are a few fond memories from some of us who knew him ............
"Andy would always sit on the same pew at the back of the church in a corner. Every Sunday over the years we would wave a hello and when I'd mention that there would be a meal for him in the hall after the service he always looked delightedly surprised as if this was the first time ever!"
"Andy would often sit in the entrance to a parking garage hoping someone would bring him some food or a couple of coins, but he never asked for money. A man who used the garage daily greeted him each time he passed by and said he was happy it was Andy sitting there because Andy was clean and never left trash there. That man gave him a pair of designer sunglasses just a week before he died which Andy showed us at the presbytery garden party: he was so tickled to have them."
"Although Andy was homeless and had lived on the streets for the last nine years, he remained faithful to the church. The fact that he was discreet and never asked for help, drew people to him. We felt privileged to have such a person as a friend; he always had something interesting to tell and had a fine sense of humour."
"What often impressed me was his knowledge of the human body. He had been a trained physiotherapist, and whenever I spoke to him about my knee problem or muscular tension he always offered knowledgeable observations, explanations and suggestions and knew exactly where my most tight shoulder muscle was without me telling him and then, with his practiced grip, he'd go right for it!"
"The road accident that he suffered a couple of years ago was a setback for Andy, but it also was the catalyst for change and led to him finally leaving the streets. Andy will be greatly missed by us all, and it is comforting to know in this time of sadness that in his last months he was happy and safe in his hostel and receiving much needed medical treatment."
"To see Andy's sense of humor blossom over the past few months has been a joy. He never complained about not having enough money to buy food and never asked for money. His biggest concern was to find a fix for his poor sense of balance. Occasionally there would be an outburst "But my balance!!! We have to do something about my balance!" And I would say "Are we not working towards that with all these therapies? Step-by-step Andy! Patience!" And after a few times, it would be him who would say "step-by-step!" with his impish grin."
"Life is tough on the streets; he would tell me “Don’t’ do it ! ”
Apart from that he never complained.
We really do miss him."
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