Today marks 8 months since my dear friend AndyS died.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

It is also the day that the moon is in first quarter. I took the photo you see here in his honor. He taught me so much about life, love and photography. It is a debt that can never be repaid, nor would I want to.

8 months seems like 8 years. Memories are slippery things; some days they're bright and vivid; other days they hardly register. Some days I can laugh and some days I am so down that it seems as though I'll always be there.

But very slowly, I am getting used to the fact that he's gone and I must cope without his wisdom.

[MontanaMama]

1. What a beautiful way to remember him.

Where does time go? 8 months.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Thank you so much, my dear MontanaMama . . .

I wonder too where the time goes. And it never returns.

[blm]

2. 💫

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Thank you, my dear blm . . . for your empathy and understanding. ♥

[Permanut]

3. Wonderful tribute!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. Thanks so much, my dear Permanut . . .

It came from the heart, where my best writing lives.

[wendyb-NC]

5. That moon shot is a beautiful tribute to AndyS

I am so sorry for your loss, he made a difference in your life, and I venture a guess to others. He sounds like someone who's light will continue to shine onward, in who he was and the gifts he shared. Peace be with you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Thank you so much, my dear wendyb-NC . . .

He always told me how much he loved my moon shots. For a long time, he wouldn't post his own in the Photo Group, because he felt that was my bailiwick! Amazing guy.

He made a huge difference to me and to the Photo Group as a whole. I hope that his light will shine on. He had many gifts!

I appreciate your lovely thoughts so much!

[MLAA]

9. Sending you hugs, dear CalPeg.

You are continuing his legacy!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

10. Awwww .... Thank you so much for your kindness, my dear MLAA!

He was so far advanced in so many fields that require vast knowledge that I could never hope to even come close to helping continue his legacy.

All I can really do is remind people that he lived and loved and always worked to increase our awareness of life.

[LoisB]

11. Wonderful tribute to AndyS.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Thank you so much, my dear LoisB . . . He meant a lot to DU. He was magical. ♥

[LoisB]

13. I agree.

[young_at_heart]

14. I can feel your sadness and melancoly....so sorry for you!

I think when we reach our "golden years" life becomes deeper and more precious. Your statement about feeling so down that you'll always be there spoke to me tonight. I'm at that place now, trying to figure out the best way to manage my husband's cancer. I'm struggling to cope and I take inspiration from you and others here at DU. I joined when I felt outrage with George W and the GOP (under a different name), but I mostly just read what everyone is saying. As a fellow Californian, I have always enjoyed your interesting posts and especially your great photographs!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

16. I thank you so much, my dear young_at_heart . . .

Glad I can inspire you. I'm not always down, of course, but when the date rolls around when I lost him, then I can't help it.

I am glad you enjoy my photos! Knowing that the things Andy taught me and that made me a better photographer helps me cope with the loss.

[Doodley]

15. An amazing photo and an enduring testament to amazing friend.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. Thank you so much, my dear Doodley . . .

Your lovely words make me feel less alone. Andy was truly magical in photography, writing and in life!

[Doodley]

26. We are very lucky if we have somebody in our lives who can have an impact on us like Andy did to you. I spent a long

time looking at your photo and saw things I have never seen before and felt things I hadn't before. I am very sorry for your loss.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

27. Thank you, my dear Doodley, for your wisdom.

Sorry I didn't see your response till today, when I was on my phone.

He sure did have a huge impact in my life, and for that I will always be grateful. He saw things in me that I'd never seen.

And I appreciate your telling me that you spent a long time looking at my photo, where you saw and felt things you hadn't before. Those are remarkable responses! You've got great sensitivity and I hope it will always help you.

Thank you again for your wisdom and your insight.

[proud patriot]

18. hugs my friend

[CaliforniaPeggy]

21. Thank you for your beautiful hugs, my dear proud patriot . . .

[Rubyshoo]

19. Beautiful Photo/Beautiful Words CP

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. Thank you, my dear Rubyshoo . . .

[Grumpy Old Guy]

20. This place isn't the same without him.

We could always count on his wisdom, experience and kindness. He left us way too soon.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. Thank you so much, my dear Grumpy . . .

He brought so much clarity and joy and meaning to all of us. I feel the loss very keenly.

I'm so glad you came by tonight.

[Bundbuster]

24. Hugs for you and your loss, Peggy

and thoughts & remembrances for AndyS.

.... ....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

25. Thank you so much, my dear Bundbuster . . .

I know Andy would want me to be happy . . . but how can I be when he was so much a part of that?

Thank you for understanding! It really helps. His life was truly worth remembering . . .

[electric_blue68]

28. {hug} I think our society doesn't always get the loss of a dear friend...

It's been about 15 yrs now for one of my longer friendships about 30+ years.

We had a lot of similar interests. Besides hanging out at many, many rock concerts w others good friends; we shared love for art, crafts, Indian food, science fiction, and 👍 liberal politics, and more.

I think of her alot, bc there's much to remind me about her. You're just 8 months in. It's a big absence.
Bit by bit.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

29. Thanks for your good thoughts, my dear electric_blue68!

I think you're onto something when you talk about society doesn't get the loss of a dear friend. I didn't lose a spouse or a sibling.

He was just a friend.

And he was central to my life! We hit it off from the start. How do you explain that? I never could. As you said, it's a big absence.

Thanks so much!

[electric_blue68]

30. You're very welcome it's People magic : )

{hug}