tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74916184217768205282024-03-13T21:59:04.831-07:00Andrew's JourneyElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-42261491869939289282012-11-27T19:44:00.001-08:002012-11-27T21:27:52.125-08:00Anniversary #1Yesterday we remembered Andrew on the 1 year anniversary of his death. We took his favorite cookies to the nurses to thank them for their care, we gathered at his grave and laid down flowers and spoke heartfelt words about how much we love and miss him. We toasted Andrew over lunch as a family and then opened our home to family and a few friends so we could be together, share and laugh. We watched the slideshow from his memorial service and we were again reminded of Andrew's incredible smile, his many accomplishments and mostly his warm and loving persona. He had many friends and many whom loved him. He inspired people to be their best. He did all this in just 33 years of life. We were honored to call him brother, son and friend. We miss him in a deep and painful way. I'm not quite sure that feeling will ever go away. As my mom said yesterday at his grave, it might not get easier or better, it will just be different and we will learn to live with our grief. Of course we will all carry on and keep living life, but we are learning to make room for that pit in our stomach and that aching hole in our heart. <br />
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We miss you Andrew. I kept imagining how happy you would have been to be with us yesterday - smiling, laughing, talking and telling jokes. Those were your favorite moments in life. I ache for all those times, the simple moments when we were just doing life together. Thank you for being the coolest person I know.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who loved and cared for Andrew. </div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-76126054099436427382012-11-22T10:35:00.000-08:002012-11-25T19:43:18.031-08:00Happy Thanksgiving All of us want to wish you a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving. Today we are deeply saddened that Andrew is gone. Our hearts overflow with thankfulness for getting to be Andrews sisters, mother and friend. He is in us and will always be a part of us. As we remember last thanksgiving on 12 East, we are thankful for Siobhans family who provided us with our meal and allowed us to have our last holiday with Andrew. I will never forget the peace that was in the room or looking over at Andrew and watching him look around the room. He was content and was surrounded by his crew. The love that filled that room was a gift from the heavens.<br />
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May you find peace and joy from being with those whom you love.<br />
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The Moritz girlsElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-43068487678760798332012-11-19T20:02:00.000-08:002012-11-19T20:02:28.256-08:00In one weekHi All!<br />
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In just one week from today we will be remembering and honoring the 1 year anniversary of Andrew's death. It is so cliche to say - but it is really hard to believe it has been a year. This week leading up to his death last year was spent in the hospital. One of the most surreal and amazing weeks of my life. I say amazing because - to be surrounded by such an intense amount of love during that week is hard to describe. It is a time in life that you will never forget and one that shapes and scars you forever. And the roller coaster of emotions we all went through that week...we went from not being sure if he'd make it through the night, to him waking up Sunday morning bright eyed and telling me he had to read his blog to know what was going on. He said he was raised from the dead! And then you were filled with hope once again, because Andrew never lost hope. But then we watched him slowly decline over the rest of the week and finally stood next to him that Saturday night after Thanksgiving and watched him exhale one last time. And in that moment when he was no longer there, a part of you breathed a sigh of relief, because all the pain and suffering and sadness for him was gone. Watching him suffer was excruciating For those of you who were there, you know what I mean. But then the rest of you, the bigger part, knew that in that exact second that he stopped breathing, you were no longer the same and you had to walk out of that room and that hospital to face the world as a brand new person. And it was scary. More scared than I've ever been in my life. We call upon strength and courage and hope every day, because as all of us are new people, living in a world where Andrew is physically no longer, we slowly learn how to put one foot in front of the other.<br />
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For our family, this week is very sacred and we are in a state of deep reflection and preparation for the actual anniversary. It feels significant to finally reach one year. By this time next Monday, we will know what it feels like to go through birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and all the other special events that make up life - without Andrew. There will be many more that come - perhaps weddings, babies and even the everyday small moments when you just want to tell Andrew, "This is so funny right now and I just have to tell you!" But reaching this one year mark, maybe we can all feel a tiny glimmer of sunshine and hope, that yes, we did survive and we will continue to survive. And my bigger hope is that we just not get through the days and years, but that we allow ourselves to become the best person we can be, for Andrew. Because we all know he would be (and is!) rooting us on.<br />
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I hope you take this week to think about how you'd like to remember and honor Andrew. However grand or small it may be. And please feel free to leave comments here about good memories of Andrew. Or how you are choosing to celebrate him on his anniversary.<br />
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Hugs to you.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-24305232014716436742012-04-11T13:36:00.001-07:002012-04-11T13:37:36.610-07:00Happy 34th Andrew Phillip<span ><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=DSCF0544-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/DSCF0544-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span><div><span ><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=Moritz2010-5-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/Moritz2010-5-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></div><div><span ><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMG_8085-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMG_8085-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></div><div><span ><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMG_4695.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMG_4695.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Happy Birthday to our dear Andrew, who would have turned 34 today. Please remember and honor him today. Gather with friends and celebrate and tell stories about him. Allow his soul to seep into yours so you can be a better person and have a more fulfilling life. Andrew was indeed larger than life. May he continue to be an inspiration to you.</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-87315336188803181832012-03-06T14:05:00.002-08:002012-03-06T14:17:07.506-08:00Bits of InformationI don't think I've mentioned before where Andrew is buried. His grave is located in the Calvary Cemetery in Seattle. Click <a href="http://www.acc-seattle.com/cemeteries/calvary.html" style="font-style: normal; ">HERE </a>for the cemetery's website, which includes the address and any other information you may need. And no, we are not Catholic! You don't have to be in order to be buried there. We chose this cemetery because of the location. It is just a few miles from our mother's house and sits on top of the hill overlooking UW. It is a beautiful spot and we are so grateful we were able to bury Andrew here. He is located in the St. Matthews section. When you enter off 35th, you take a left then follow the road around. You will see the white St. Matthew's sign. You can park right next to it and head down to his grave. You will see his headstone, the flowers my mother planted as well as the UW flag. <div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div>I also wanted to mention something about the memorial fund we set up in Andrew's name. If you want to make a donation, you can do so at any US Bank branch. The account name is titled The Andrew Moritz Memorial Scholarship Fund. HOWEVER, you may need to mention my mother's name <i>Marilynn Savage Moritz </i>as she is the account holder. We heard of a few people having trouble finding the account at the bank, so if this happens, please give the teller my mother's name and they should easily find it.</div><div><br /></div><div>That being said, we are extremely grateful for the people who have donated already. As always, we are constantly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. Thank you. If you know of a child in need of a scholarship for education or sports, please pass along the information. We are excited to see these monies used to make a difference in children's lives. Something Andrew would have wanted.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-56153626746233769032012-02-09T21:49:00.000-08:002012-02-09T22:19:50.938-08:00Andrew's Headstone<div><span ><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=photo2-2-1-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/photo2-2-1-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=photo3-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/photo3-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><div><span><br /></span></div>Andrew's headstone went in last week. We are very pleased with how it turned out. It seems as with each little moment and milestone we are yet again reminded that Andrew is truly gone. Of course this is hard to accept and I'm not sure how long it will take until my mind will wrap itself around this reality. We are grateful we have a place to go to, to be near him and to pray and beg him to send us his wisdom and guidance. We are planning to put a bench at his grave as well. We are finalizing the design and hope it will serve as a place of reflection and healing.</span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-59896689164030465512012-01-10T20:31:00.000-08:002012-01-10T20:44:46.370-08:00Pictures from the Husky Game<span>I wanted to post a few pictures from the Husky game a few weeks back. My friend Kim took them on her phone from the stands (thank you!), so the quality is not that great, but I thought you would like to see them. It was a really amazing experience. The Husky staff and coaches were wonderful to us and went out of their way to make the night touching and honoring. We were treated to the Tyee club before the game and during half time - a nice, comfortable lounge with a fully catered dinner and bar. Before the game started we walked onto the court with Coach Romar and the announcer said a lot of nice things about Andrew, then the Coach presented my mom with a framed #11 jersey. When the whole stadium stood up and clapped to honor Andrew, I was completely overwhelmed and stood in the middle of the court with an ugly cry face! The game was fun and exciting and the Huskies were able to take home a win. </span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Thank you to everyone who came to the game and watched from home - it truly was a memorable night for our family.</span><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMAG0363.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMAG0363.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMAG03641.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMAG03641.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMAG0365.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMAG0365.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMAG0366.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMAG0366.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMAG0378.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMAG0378.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMAG0380.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMAG0380.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-16600013016502039772011-12-29T10:38:00.000-08:002011-12-29T10:40:24.720-08:00Game on TV!The game tonight will be televised on ROOT sports and broadcast over the radio on KKNW 1150 AM.<div><br /></div><div>Go Huskies!</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-8117695239444326222011-12-28T17:43:00.000-08:002011-12-28T17:54:12.135-08:00Husky game Thursday!Here is the release regarding the Husky game tomorrow night and their plans to honor Andrew. Click <a href="http://http://www.gohuskies.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122811aac.html">here</a> to read it. We are really looking forward to this game and are so thankful for everything the UW Men's Basketball team has done to remember Andrew. We hope you can be there tomorrow! Coach Romar will say something about Andrew right after the national anthem, so get to the game on time so you don't miss it!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-73861469371617739632011-12-25T19:10:00.000-08:002011-12-26T09:33:13.477-08:00Merry ChristmasWe hope everyone has had a wonderful and happy Christmas. Ours has certainly been different. We are still so thankful for our wonderful family and friends, and of course for all the memories we have with Andrew. Some of us stood by his grave today, and the sun broke out through the clouds. It was so windy that it nearly knocked us over. It felt good to be there, near him, although desperately longing for him to be with us still. <div><br /></div><div>This Thursday December 29 our family will attend the husky men's basketball game. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Husky's</span> will wear a patch again in honor of Andrew. I believe they may say something as well during the game. If tickets are still available we'd love to see you there! The game is here locally at the Alaska arena and starts at 6pm versus Oregon State.</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Christmas</span> to all!</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-22649710172239855542011-12-05T22:06:00.000-08:002011-12-05T22:47:12.697-08:00A big Thank You<span class="Apple-style-span" >Thank you to each and every person who participated in Andrew's service, as well as the hundreds who attended. We have heard from so many of you that the service deeply impacted you. We hope you continue to honor Andrew with a positive outlook on life and a smile on your face. It was really wonderful to see everyone, especially those who flew in from all around the country!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Who had fun at The Garage Saturday night? I know I did! We had a great turnout and it was a great way to end a day full of honoring and remembering Andrew.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >A staff member of the UW Husky Men's Basketball team contacted me last week to let me know they will be honoring Andrew tomorrow night during their game against Marquette at the Jimmy V Classic, held in Madison Square Garden in NYC. The UW players will wear a patch with Andrew's initials. Our family is very honored and touched the team is doing this for Andrew. Watch the game tomorrow night if you can! You can read a brief blog post about it <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskymensbasketballblog/2016939856_tribute_for_for.html">here</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I'm not sure exactly which direction this blog will head. But definitely keep it in your reader, (or check back here for updates if you simply check the blog address the old fashioned way!) as we will certainly keep you informed and updated of anything that we may be doing in Andrew's name. I may continue to post pictures as well. Especially ones that did not make it into the slide show. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Again, thank you for helping us remember Andrew's life in a truly remarkable way.</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-84525906667821335762011-12-01T21:45:00.000-08:002011-12-01T21:48:17.664-08:00More Information for you...<span class="Apple-style-span" >~ On Saturday you will be able to park in either the North Parking lot on 47th & 15th, the West Parking lot on 15th across from the church or the Parking Garage on 15th.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >~ Please be advised that The Garage Billiards is a 21 and over establishment. The manager wanted to make sure everyone knew that, even though they have bowling. So leave your kids and young friends at home!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >~ Andrew's obituary will appear in The Seattle Times tomorrow December 2, both online and in the paper. In lieu of flowers, we ask that all donations be made to The Andrew Moritz Memorial Scholarship Fund. You can donate at your local US Bank branch. The monies will be used to help kids in need of athletic or academic assistance. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >~ Thank you for all the emails and messages that you have been sending us. I have not been able to respond to everyone yet, so I want you to know that we've read and re-read everything you're said and written about Andrew. Your kind words and stories about Andrew are small nuggets of comfort that we can carry with us during this sorrowful time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >~ We look forward to seeing you on Saturday. It will truly be a celebration we will never forget.</span> </div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-5669300293752311672011-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:002011-11-30T12:21:07.463-08:00Group Hotel RateWe have secured a group rate at Hotel Deca for anyone needing a place to stay on Friday or Saturday night. This hotel is very close to University Pres Church and UW. The group rate is listed under Moritz and will be $99/night plus tax for a deluxe room with complimentary parking. Click <a href="http://www.hoteldeca.com/">here </a>for more information on the hotel. Call to book your reservation and tell them you are with the Moritz Group.<div><br /></div><div>Hotel Deca</div><div>4507 Brooklyn Ave</div><div>Seattle, WA 98105</div><div>(206) 634-2000</div><div><a href="http://www.hoteldeca.com/">http://www.hoteldeca.com/</a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-86466307678486666672011-11-29T15:53:00.000-08:002011-11-29T15:55:00.580-08:00Andrew's Memorial Service<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Saturday, December 3rd 2011</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>1:00pm</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>University Presbyterian Church</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>4540 15th Avenue NE</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>Seattle, WA 98105</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are having a private family burial prior to the service, as well as a family reception after the service. We hope and encourage you to gather in friend and family groups to celebrate and remember Andrew. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In true Andrew fashion, everyone is invited to celebrate with us on Saturday night at 8:00pm at the <a href="http://www.garagebilliards.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1">Garage</a>. The Garage is on Capitol Hill at 1130 Broadway Ave. You can find directions by clicking <a href="http://www.garagebilliards.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=41">here</a>. We have rented the downstairs level from 8-11pm. Please join us for an evening of bowling, pool, shuffle board and lots of laughs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly, did you see the news last night? We were very honored and pleased with how the story turned out. Thank you to Joe Fryer for telling Andrew's story in a wonderful light. I have links to all the current articles on the sidebar of the blog. <a href="http://www.king5.com/news/local/UW-basketball-player-Andrew-Moritz-dies-at-33-134564103.html">Here</a> is the link to the King 5 news coverage. </div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-90699029937551157772011-11-28T17:17:00.001-08:002011-11-28T17:31:50.376-08:00Some Information: please read!The King 5 reporter called us this evening to let us know the story on Andrew will air <b>tonight at 10 o'clock on Kong and again at 11 o'clock on King 5 News</b>. It did not run last night due to breaking stories the reporters had to cover. We heard there was a family photo and a brief clip that ran last night. The clip tonight will hopefully be a bit longer. Tune in and spread the word!<div><br /></div><div>We have decided to have Andrew's memorial service this <span class="Apple-style-span" >Saturday December 3 at 1:00pm</span>. We are still waiting to hear back on the venue, so <i>please check back here for that information.</i> There will not be a reception after the service, but we are planning an informal gathering for friends later that evening at a bar in Seattle. Again, please check back here for more information.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last item: please email me at ekdenton@gmail.com with a picture or two that you have of yourself and Andrew. We are planning a slide show for the service.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you again for the outpouring of love. It helps to ease the pain and shock that Andrew is truly gone.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-58910660806127270482011-11-27T16:33:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:19:27.547-08:00Remembering<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/?action=view&current=IMG_5174-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/lifeupnorth/blog/IMG_5174-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Elizabeth, Sarah, Andrew, Rachel & Martha ~ Forever the Fab 5</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Today we are filled with an indescribable amount of grief. We are blessed that Andrew was a part of our life, but as we sit as a family, a vast and empty canyon sits in the middle of us. Thank you thank you thank you for all the love and kind words. It means so much. I can't stop reading all your blog comments and facebook posts to Andrew. They make us smile and remember Andrew for the great person that he was.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are already a few short articles about Andrew. You can find the King5.com article <a href="http://www.king5.com/sports/college/huskies/UW-basketball-player-Andrew-Moritz-dies-at-33-134564103.html">here</a> and the online Seattle Times article <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskymensbasketballblog/2016871702_former_uw_playe.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tune in tonight at 10 o'clock on Kong to watch a brief clip honoring Andrew. The same story will run at 11 o'clock on King 5 News.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are in the preliminary process of planning a service for Andrew. Please check back here for all the details.</div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-55154070697547251502011-11-26T23:44:00.000-08:002011-11-26T23:49:41.055-08:00Andrew Phillip MoritzWith peace in his heart and love in the room, our beloved Andrew took his last breath tonight. He was surrounded by his family and a few close friends. It was peaceful and so beautiful.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-59111230343968829152011-11-24T17:09:00.000-08:002011-11-24T17:27:00.153-08:00Thanksgiving<div>Today, on thanksgiving, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. We are blessed to have an amazing family and incredible friends. Our thanksgiving on 12 east has been one we will never forget. Thank you to our special friends who made it happen for us. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-47490977358602976462011-11-21T22:40:00.000-08:002011-11-21T23:21:49.485-08:00Change of floorsAndrew was deemed stable enough today to be moved out of the ICU. They gave Andrew a big double room with a view of the city. Sweet! He is completely off his antibiotics and blood pressure medicine and is on a very low dose of steroids and pain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">meds</span>. The doctor thought that he did not in fact have an infection but instead was extremely dehydrated. <div><br /></div><div>Hope everyone is having a great start to their week.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-1759906037428759882011-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:002011-11-21T13:18:21.724-08:00MondayAndrew was fairly uncomfortable through the night and has been mostly sleeping today. He said yesterday that he had a good day, so thank you to everyone who was there visiting, watching the game and bringing us good food. Thank you Aunt Ingrid for all the goodies!<div><br /></div><div>I am struggling to find a balance between respecting Andrews privacy and wanting to provide everyone with all the details of how he is doing. So if I am vague or brief, please know that I am trying to respect Andrew and think about what he would want me to say. He has been and always will be my greatest coach and boss (my sisters and I always joke that we are all his assistants), so I am trying to lean on the wisdom he's given me during this time where we are speaking for him. Please know I will post information when it is necessary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, thank you for all the prayers, strength and love. There has been a huge outpouring these past few days.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-48577999438619077622011-11-20T15:12:00.000-08:002011-11-20T15:37:35.677-08:00Andrew todayAndrew has been awake most of the day. He's more chatty and even got a fresh cut from Isaiah the barber. He's on high dose antibiotics just in case he has an infection, and it seems like the antibiotics have been working. He is also on steroids to help his lungs and levophed to keep his blood pressure up. The doctor saw him this morning and said he can start eating again and also said he'll have to be in the ICU for another few days to slowly wean him off of the meds. <div><br /></div><div>That's all I know! He is enjoying watching football today and also trying to get some more rest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Sunday!</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-33996499254771003292011-11-19T19:47:00.000-08:002011-11-19T20:03:10.948-08:00I am here in the ICU with Andrew and our family and a few close friends. Andrew was awake when Tyler and I arrived but has mostly been sleeping since. He is not too coherent and is wondering why we are all here. Our sisters Rachel and Sarah fly in tonight. Andrews blood pressure is still very low, even after upping his blood pressure medicine. <div><br /></div><div>I want to convey that Andrew is in a critical state. At this point we are hoping and praying that Andrew is comfortable and that peace flows through his body and heart. His condition changes hour by hour so I will update when I'm able.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-16385803389943389092011-11-19T14:14:00.000-08:002011-11-19T14:26:34.662-08:00The past 24 hoursThere is a lot to report from the last 24 hours. Andrews condition has dramatically declined. Andrew fell in the bathroom yesterday morning due to no strength in his legs and numb feet. We decided he needed to be checked out in Seattle so we brought him to the ER last night around 7. They ran some tests and found his potassium and creatine levels to be high which was causing irregular heart rhythms. He also had low blood pressure and low sodium levels. They admitted him to the ICU last night which is where he is now. I am writing this in the car- we are en route to see him. Please pray for Andrew that he can be comfortable and that his mind can be at rest. He has been very upset with this change of events. <div><br /></div><div>I will post more once we see him. Please direct all communication to myself or Martha. He is not in a place to be responding to texts, etc. And please check back here as I will update when I have more information.</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-23233749082913980492011-11-16T21:42:00.000-08:002011-11-16T22:02:26.741-08:00Chicken Legs<span class="Apple-style-span" >Everyone knows that Andrew is famous for his skinny chicken legs. Well, we are happy to report that in the last few days we can actually <i>SEE </i>those cute chicken legs and even his ankles! This is wonderful news! His legs and feet have been full of fluid for the last month+ so it's nice to be able to see his ankles for the first time in a while. Andrew says the only thing really bothering him are his feet. They are so sore it is hard for him to walk. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Yesterday at the health clinic Dr. Parmar and the staff remarked how wonderful Andrew looked and how much stronger his spirit and chattiness has become. Andrew elected to not do the oxygen therapy the last few days and Dr. Parmar stated he does not want to push Andrew to continue with it because it does cause his legs to swell up and they will continue to swell until he gets his albumin controlled with infusions. He said the Hyperthermia and Ukrain are working well enough and that the proof is in Andrew's physical progression. Andrew was very happy to hear that everyone thought he looked so good. Andrew also kept saying how good he felt and how he has been waiting for this feeling. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >This makes me happy!</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491618421776820528.post-28220990436871513872011-11-14T22:09:00.000-08:002011-11-14T22:35:50.696-08:00Quick Update<span class="Apple-style-span" >Hi All,</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Sorry my posting has been non-existent this last week. My oldest daughter turned 4 on Friday so we've been busy celebrating. I also spent about 24 hours with Andrew last Wed-Thur night. I was happy to see Andrew and spend some time with him. I definitely was not the best caretaker as I had to keep my little one out of everything in sight. I was able to take Andrew to his appointments on Thursday so was glad to meet Dr. Parmar and many of the nurses and staff at the Integrated Health Clinic. I was very impressed by their clinic and their warm and loving personalities. I was extremely impressed with Dr. Parmar. He is just the kind of doctor Andrew needs. He is full of life and very positive. He sat with us for a while and answered questions and reviewed his labs. Since I didn't write anything down, my information is going to be very vague. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dr. Parmar said that a few of Andrew's levels indicated some improvement since the week prior. This is good news and he was very pleased to tell us this. His sodium level, however, is now at a critically low point. Andrew needs to be able to take in more salt to get his levels up. Dr. Parmar has put him on a very strict fluid intake and is requiring Andrew to try and eat as much salt as possible. He also has restricted Andrew to only drain his abdomen every few days. Andrew has been taking shots of soy sauce! You can't fault him for his creativity! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Andrew's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albumin">albumin </a>levels are low, which leads to dehydration and he has been dealing with cracked lips and throat. His feet continue to cause him a lot of pain. This is probably the biggest problem for Andrew. His feet fill with fluid and become extremely swollen and it is hard to walk and even when he is laying down the pain can sometimes be unbearable. Not only have we all entered this medical world, we are also in the spa business now. We all spend countless hours massaging and rubbing his feet, legs, hands, head, etc with every kind of oil and lotion possible. This always helps to relax Andrew and gives him temporary relief. One of Andrew's friends downloaded a bunch of relaxing music on his iPad, so we turn on the music, light the fire and the candles all in hopes he can relax enough to sleep. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Helping and taking care of Andrew is a 24/7 job and I just want to thank each of our family members and friends who have helped out. We are so so grateful. And Andrew is extremely grateful for the help and the love. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Andrew's last scheduled treatment is for next Wednesday November 23. He will be back home in Seattle that night so we can enjoy Thanksgiving together as a family.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >That is all for now, we wish you a wonderful week. I'll be back here when I get a report from Martha!</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12733712505221225494noreply@blogger.com3