Remembering Andrew
In support of
The Steinhaus Family
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The Steinhaus Family
After 15 months of bravery and determination, Andrew passed away today after a seizure—a dramatic ending to a dramatic journey. Andrew may have pulled the short stick over and over, but he played a perfect game. He had no regrets.
When he thought he just had some back pain last June, he went to the ER at NYU because it was a good place to get admitted, if it came to that. He intentionally chose to maintain care at NYU because he knew he’d need access to many different specialties and NYU has a deep bench—plus, he had several special doctors he trusted and who cared for him well. He moved mountains to get a spot on a promising clinical trial to give himself the best chance of durable maintenance.
When he thought he just had some back pain last June, he went to the ER at NYU because it was a good place to get admitted, if it came to that. He intentionally chose to maintain care at NYU because he knew he’d need access to many different specialties and NYU has a deep bench—plus, he had several special doctors he trusted and who cared for him well. He moved mountains to get a spot on a promising clinical trial to give himself the best chance of durable maintenance.
Andrew also spent the last 15 months cementing his legacy. He strengthened old relationships, invested in new ones, said yes when people offered to help, and deeply committed to a meaningful relationship with God.
He was most proud of the literally hundreds of letters he wrote to me, Vivian, and Wesley. They range from practical—a list of who to call and what I should do first after he dies—to sentimental to nostalgic to funny in just the way Andrew was. Some of my favorite titles in the folder called “Advice” include: “Don’t talk to the cops,” “Male-dominated careers,” and “Bad financial ideas.”
Andrew had a beautiful way of making me and the kids feel safe and loved, and he made sure that didn't stop when he was gone. The kids and I each have our own folder of letters meant to carry us through many, many birthdays and future milestones. Andrew’s lungs may be out of breath, but he will live on in our love, our memories, and this legacy project he was so proud of.
Andrew's burial will be later this week at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ. There will also be a celebration of life service within the next week or two at Hoboken Grace church in Hoboken. I will update this blog with details as they come together.
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