Posted on March 13, 2009 - by Andy McMahon

A Long Lost….. Friend?

I was going to write about Perry Noble today, but, wouldn’t that make me a jack-ass? (just kidding) I do have some thoughts, (Not specifically about Perry Noble but he did help trigger them…) I am going to pray about them, and then write about them in private, and then, in public, if I don’t sound too much like an idiot.

Yesterday, I remembered my mom and my aunt telling me all about their best friend Andrew Aylett. I’m not quite sure how or where they met, but, essentially, the ‘fake name’ my mom gave me, Andrew James, was after this guy. I even remember them telling me he changed my diapers. I looked up some guys and based on what i knew about Andrew, I e-mailed one person whom I was almost positive was him. I also sent the website to my Aunt. Last night I got an E-mail from him. It’s actually pretty cool to hear. He will also be able to shine the light on my mother as a person without addictions. That is just AWESOME! Anyway, here is the E-mail he sent.. it’s pretty cool.

Andy,
I just got off the phone with your aunt Amy.

I am devastated to hear about your mom and sister. I don’t quite know what to say or where to start. Although it has been many years since I was in regular contact with your mom, both she and your aunt Amy have played a major role in my life. They, and you, have been in my thoughts over the years and the memories that I have going back to our childhood in the Middle East are many and priceless. Your mom was an amazing lady. I adored her. It’s difficult to describe what our relationship was or the connection we had but it was very deep. It was like a sister / brother thing but not quite. Not even remotely sexual but extremely caring. I think we were each others biggest fans. It’s just difficult to describe.

I remember taking to Helen about her life after Kuwait and although I don’t recall specific details, I know the years after arriving back in the US were filled with struggles including drugs. As a parent, I can’t imagine coping with the loss of a child. I am just so sorry that you have suffered such great losses with your sister and mom.

Amy told me that you are married and involved in a church. I am thrilled on both accounts. I became a Christian as a teenager. God has blessed me far beyond that which I could have imagined 16 years ago when I moved to the US. I know for sure that without my faith I would not be where I am today. He has provided stability and a great foundation for my family. Speaking of family, I have 4 kids. My wife is fantastic. She is the level headed one in the relationship. I’m the dreamer. If you are on facebook look for _NameHERE_. That’s us. Ask to be a friend and then you will be able to see pictures of us all.

Of course I need to see you and your wife! Last time I saw you, as I’m sure you know, was when you were 2. I even changed your diapers! You were a cute little blond kid with a great smile. I remember you didn’t cry much. I have so often wondered what you grew up to be. I think Amy said you did something with computers?

I hope this doesn’t sound too weird, a grown man prodding around with all these personal questions but I really want to hear all about your life. It feels like I’ve found a long lost relative!
I have actually tried to find you several times. I located your house on Signal Rd and a couple of phone numbers but they didn’t work. I also think I found your brother Chris on My Space. I sent an e mail about a year ago to a cryptic e mail address that I deciphered from his page but got no response. He looked like Helen to me so I felt confident it was the right Chris Dennis. All the Andrew Dennis’s that I found were black. I’d complete forgotten that Gerry was your stepdad and your last name would be McMahon.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your losses. I can’t begin to understand what you have been through. I hope and pray that God will give you the strength, wisdom and grace to be the best husband you can be.

I would love to get to know you and look forward to hearing from you

Your namesake,

Andrew