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To find the stone, follow the path to the right to the far end of the Cemetary, it’s a long walk. When you see a tree line cutting across to your right, the stone is about 3 rows back from the tree line.

As I’m writing this I’m wearing an old sweatter that used to belong him that’s way too big for me. It’s probably long past its use by date, but I still keep it hanging around. He’d probably laugh at me and tell me to through it away if he ever saw it. But it reminds me of him.

6 years ago was one of the biggest tragedies our lives. It’s hard to see any good in remembering a day like today. But the family can always rest after this date, knowing he would no longer be in pain. My mother still relives everthing that happend over and over. Now the hospital has admitted fault in his death and hopefully we can put some of those memories behind us.

Anyhow, I hope that you can all raise a glass to him today, the 17th, and remember him for how he was and not how he went. Cheers mate and rest in peace.

Five years and nine month later, Leicester University Hospitals Trust have finally  admitted causing Andrew’s death by their negligence.

Sadly they did everything they could to deny it and to delay and frustrate us. However, in the end, the reports of seven specialist consultants commissioned by us have been so overwhelmingly critical, they had no option. Frankly if it had gone to the high court they would have been faced with a major national scandal and the press would have had a field day.

A letter of apology was requested and was duly received. Although dictated by the Chief Executive Officer of the trust, it got the dates three years out, still referred to their efforts to save him (which were pathetic) and believe it or not, was actually signed by someone else in his absence!

We are now persuing the Doctors concerned through the General Medical Council and we have also asked the ministry of Justice to advise how Andrew’s death certificate can be changed from Accidental Death to a more suitable and accurate verdict.

Watch the press for developments.

There was one song that always made me cry and I haven’t been able to listen to until recently. It accidentally came on a CD in the car and had much the same effect. It’s quite an unusual tune, as I doubt he even gave it a second thought. It’s from the movie Toy Story and is when Buzz Lightyear learns that he is just a toy and will never be able to fly.

out among the stars I sail,
way beyond the moon
in my silver ship i sail
a dream that ended to soon
now I know exactly who I am,
and what im here for
and I will go sailing no more

all the things I thought I’d be,
all the brave things i’d done
vanished like a snowflake,
with the rising of the sun
never more to sail my ship,
where no man has gone before
and I will go sailing no more

no it can’t be true
I could fly if I wanted to
like a bird in the sky,
I believe I can fly
why I’d fly

clearly now, I will go sailing, no more

]]> http://www.andyarniesmith.com/archives/26/feed 0 http://www.andyarniesmith.com/archives/21 http://www.andyarniesmith.com/archives/21#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:58:34 +0000 Jimmy http://www.andyarniesmith.com/?p=21 Hello everyone. Just a short update to say thank you for everyone showing up for internment of Andys Ashes.

As you can see we found a nice place to finally lay him to rest. If you weren’t able to make it you contact my parents if you want to find where about the stone is. Just leave me a note on this website and I’ll try and make it happen.

It’s been a long time coming. Thanks again to everyone. All my love James.

Tonight I sit here in Canada thinking about what he might be doing if he were here. Andy never even flew aboard, so feel privileged to be where I am today. I would certainly loved to have him come and stay, but sadly I will have to settle with photographs and memories.

I hope everyone raises a glass to Andy and wishes him a happy birthday. I know if he were with us he’d want us too.

R.I.P. mate, we miss you.

He and I planned to buy a ticket for Mum to go to Australia; she had grown up there and had never been back. We decided to put some money away and surprise her. After he was gone, I kept my promise and surprised her with the ticket that very Christmas. I placed the ticket in a pocket guide to Australia which I signed from us both. I know he would have approved.

I have since moved to Canada and as a result I don’t see my folks very often. Maybe once or twice a year. We speak on the phone however all the time. My Dad tells me that on the exact anniversary, 2pm English time, they have a hug and a cry thinking of him. Being 9 hours behind I’m generally spared that horrible time, but always think of him. Personally I find it hard to think of the anniversary in positive light, but always raise a glass to him and say a few words to myself. I hope he would approve.

I miss his endless enthusiasm, his infectious likability and big heart. I miss his wise words of advise to me and our little journeys in his car… Ahh his car. His favorite thing in the whole world! I know if he was about today he’s have some flash car to impress the girls.

If I could ever be 10% as loved as he was, I will have done well. A truly awesome person and I had the great privilege of knowing him for such his short life.

R.I.P Andrew, we all miss you.

It’s taken so long (5 years) because of all sorts of legal issues with the hospital, but finally we have his ashes put somewhere were people can come and see him.

Hopefully as many of you can make it as possible.

Please leave some comments and let me know what you all think.

RIP buddy.