Sunday, August 1, 2010

Andrew Revels

Five years ago I met a young and talented writer, Andrew Revels. He is one of those people who can crank out a novel in a few weeks, and his first draft is nearly perfect without editing. He has such a knack for story telling that his characters jump off the page.

Andrew has a ready, slow smile with a twinkle in his eye. He is always up for a gag and usually one of the instigators. He has a very strong sense of family, and community. He gave aspiring artists a boost with his online interviews.

He loves Halloween and planned to marry this October with the guests in costume. I still haven't sorted my costume.

He is just a year or two older than my oldest kid, so one day I wrote to him that he would understand when he was older. Within minutes he sent me a poem, "I Know What It's Like." I realized that he was right, he was old beyond his years.



This morning I woke to an email from Andrew's mom.

I am so sorry to inform you that my son, Andrew Revels died unexpectedly today, Saturday July 31, 2010. He was out on a boat with some friends and was being pulled on a wakeboard and fell off. He tried swimming back to the boat and was pulled underneath a barge on the river here in Wisconsin. I wanted to thank you for all your input and help mentoring Andy and just know that he thought the world of you. Thank you again and I am so sorry to have to deliver such tragic news. Laura Revels Stedman (his mom)

Andrew died like he lived, swimming with all his might. Please take a moment to follow the links and meet this incredible young man, my friend, Andrew Revels.

Andrew at the blog party: http://nadinelaman.blogspot.com/2009/08/party-with-andrew-revels.html

From Andrew's website: http://www.planet-revels.com/id41.html

Andrew talking about his books: http://www.planet-revels.com/id38.html

Here is the link that was added to the comments: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_185b35aa-9d29-11df-9c15-001cc4c002e0.html

Andrew left a gentle footprint on my heart.


A note from Andrew's mom.
I just want to say again what an influence you had in my son's short life. He truly admired you. Without your help and support he wouldn't have gotten as far as he had in his career. He definitely would have made it on his own, but knowing you speeded things up.

He surely touched a lot of people. At his celebration of life on Thursday we had to end the receiving line because of time constraints. The funeral parlor was completely packed full with people crammed into every nook and cranny and the whole front lawn outside. Even though they couldn't hear anything out there they wouldn't leave. The funeral director told us he wouldn't be surprised if 700 people didn't attend. Amazing, huh?

I have just started to go through some of Andy's things and these two quotes of yours were in the first box.
There are 24 hours in a day. What we do with each hour ....defines us.
It isn't how long one lives, it is how wide that really matters. How true.


Have you checked out his facebook page or planet-revels lately? Or anything associated with him. I am getting so many e-mails and facebook messages that my computer can't keep up.

There are many benefits and concerts and fundraiser's in the works coming up, all either in his memory, in his name or for his benefit. It's mind boggling.

On Aug. 28th, there is a concert with a lot of the bands he interview and some he hadn't got to yet. So far there's 7 of them and more offers keep coming in. They are all donating their time. They will be selling t-shirts, live long, live strong wristbands, a silent auction and much more.

The proceeds for that will go to Juvenile Diabetes. Another benefit will be for the family to help out with costs. Another one will donate a scholarship to a young author. (He so would approve of that one)

We are going to keep Hoops for Hope alive and already have had so many volunteers. I really don't know how he kept up with all he was involved in. It's very comforting to know that he will never be forgotten.

Once again Nadine, I want to thank you for all you did for my son. He truly loved you.
His very proud mom,
Laura Stedman

47 comments:

  1. Oh my God. I only knew OF Andrew through you, but I know how much he meant to you as a friend and writer. This is so sad. He was much too young to go, but there must be some really special assignment for him in Heaven. Shocking. ~joyce~

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  2. Thank you. I'm going to forward all the comments to Laura later. I'm so glad Andrew and I met when he was in Phoenix.

    I'm totally certain that he is livening up things in heaven. He was a very special person and a good friend.

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  3. OMG! I saw his work and thought he was an inspiration.

    We have a saying in India... the good die young. God wants them, too.

    My heart-felt wishes for the family and friends. May his soul find what it was seeking in this life.

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  4. Nidhi, I will pass on your thoughts to his mum. I forget what his name was, but he was also on MyWritersCircle, perhaps before you arrived.

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  5. article:

    http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_185b35aa-9d29-11df-9c15-001cc4c002e0.html

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  6. My heart hurts. I was so thrilled he loved Halloween (my birthday) and was going to marry on it. His beautiful poem touched me, I loved it. Then you shared the sad news of his death, Nadine and I felt loss.

    I cry for a stranger who touched my heart. My condolences to all his family and friends.

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  7. Thank you for the link, I've added it to the post.

    Glynis, finally Heaven is a place worth visiting, with Andrew there.

    I miss him terribly.

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  8. Oh dear...how had. When I saw his photo I was struck by how much he looked like my brother who also died too young. I hope they are together now and having lots of fun because I think they would enjoy each other's company.

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  9. One of my book quotes is: Chase life like a nine year old chasing an ice cream truck. That was certainly Andy. He had an exceptional writing talent. He took life in big bites and didn't miss a crumb.

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  10. This is so sad. I'm so sorry, Nadine. My prayers to his family and you and all who knew him and will miss him.

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  11. Thank you, Joy. I know things aren't easy for you without John. I'm hoping that these notes from the writing community confort Andrew's family in the months ahead.

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  12. May God bless his soul and keep it close to His light. Amen.

    I am so sorry.

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  13. Hello Irving. Remeber back in the day when all of us linked up? It is hard to believe Andy is 27 now. I'll pass your blessing to his family. Thank you.

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  14. I really find it difficult to put feelings into words. I am so very sorry to hear this news. He is obviously going to be a great loss to the world of writing.

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  15. Yes, and to French Island where he lived.

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  17. Hi Nadine,

    Please pass on, that my thoughts are with all.

    Andy Kemp

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  18. I did like his poetry, old beyond his years indeed. Such sad news, Nadine. Please pass the love of many strangers on to his family, he touched so many in a small but very meaningful way.

    Carrie

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  19. My sympathies...I know he was a good friend and a superb writer. Mary

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  20. Please pass along my condolences to his family. God must have needed his spirit with Him too much to leave Andrew here. Any other explanation just doesn't make sense for one so young. M.A.E.

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  21. Oh my. It is obvious his work here was done. He touched many lives and many have learned from him. I feel your sadness.
    Irene

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  22. The heart is hard to break, but some times it does when we least expect it and only gods love can repair it.It seems he has touched many hearts and the lords as well so only time will heal the pain.

    Ray

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  23. Oh no. Thsnks to you and our book blog we all did, I won his book. Remember? And then Andrew and I kept in touch through email and I enjoyed listening to his radio interviews on line. I am just so saddened by this. We talked about how he loved life and how he had settled down so much even though he still had the humor and drive for fun. He sure lived life to the fullest and he had found love. I am so sorry also to his fiance. My sorrow goes out to his family. He was such a big spirited soul. I am just so sad. thanks for letting us all know. The world will miss this man with a gentle soul, fondness for his exciting life and his powerful words he wrote so well.

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  24. It sounds like he had a generous heart and spread love - the highest pursuit there is, I believe. Thank you for sharing with us about Andrew, Nadine. His gifts are enduring even beyond his (much too short) lifetime.
    Anne

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  25. Sorry to hear about all this. Although I did not know him, it is obvious from his poetry that he did understand life in a unique way. I am truly sorry that you and his family are hurting so badly. I will pray for all. And, when I get to Heaven, he'll be one of the first ones I'll look up!

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  26. Thank you for the comments, please continue to add to them for Andrew's family.

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  27. There were 286 visitors to Andrew's post. Family, friends, and writers from all over the world paid their respects to one of the most talented young writers I've known.

    (Argentina, Croatia, France, Cyprus, The Netherlands, Canada, Spain, India, Scotland, Greece, England, Philippines, Malaysia, and the US.)

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  28. My name is John, and I am Andy's uncle. Please know that your thoughts, prayers, condolences and messages are greatly appreciated. We knew Andy touched many people here in Wisconsin, but had no idea the impact he has apparently made on so many people the world over. He wrote the way he lived and he lived the way he wrote. He had the greatest respect for Nadine, and it was obvious to all of us that her mentoring played a key role in where he was as a writer. Thank you again for your kind words, and know that his mother, Laura will use these words to get her through all this.

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  29. What can one say? I know how you feel as I recently supported some dear friends in the same situation. I say no more.

    My heart goes to you.

    Lin Treadgold - The Netherlands. Member of www.mywriterscircle.com

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  30. This all breaks my heart. I went to school with Andy and know how much he will be missed.

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  31. Words can't express my feelings for the passing of your friend, Nadine. My prayers are with Andrew's family. Please, take solace in the fact that he's now with God. ...russ waterman

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  32. Thanks for visiting, John, Russ, and Lin. To those of you from My Writer's Circle writing forum, I think that might be where Andrew and I met. Being a writer is being part of a great community.

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  33. To Connie and the others from the Blog Party, family, thanks for stopping by too.

    I'm off to work now, but please leave notes to Andrew's family.

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  34. Hi Nadine,



    I’m really sorry to read of this news. While I will admit that I’m not familiar with Andrew’s work, I do understand your sense of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and, of course, Andrew’s family during this tragic time.
    Aneeta

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  35. I would like to offer my sympathy regarding the passing of your friend.
    Kevin

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  36. Nadine,

    So sorry to hear of your friends accident. How sad that must be for his parents and friends.

    Yes, I do read your blog. LOL

    Judith

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  37. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I am praying for you and his family.
    Kathleen

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  38. I never met Andrew, but it sounds as if he touched the heart of everyone he knew. I'm very sorry.

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  39. Oh my.. I'm praying for you, his family and every life he touched.

    I'm so very sorry.

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  40. Andy was an amazing man, son, fiance, and friend...it's amazing how he impacted the lives of so many is just 27 years. We miss you Andy...and always will. Rest in Pease and SMILE!

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  41. So sorry to hear such a fine young talented man had to go so soon. I'm glad God put people like you out there to mentor. You have always inspired me and it's cool to know I'm not the only one. Miss you.
    De

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  42. Hi DeDe,

    I believe you carrie a bit with you of each person you meet, and leave a bit of you with them. That way we are always together in our hearts.

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  43. Andy was my cousin, but raised like my brother. I miss him beyond words, and it truly touches my heart to see the way all these people, virtual strangers, have responded to him. Andy was truly an amazing person, with an unending heart, and a spirit like no other. I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words, it really does mean so much to his mom and his family to see his impact on others. Thank you, Nadine, for helping Andy in all the ways that you did! He looked up to you so much. I will end with a quote that I found randomly that embodied Andy to the core. "LIVE every moment, LAUGH every day, and LOVE beyond words." We miss you Andrew James, so terribly.
    Thank you again Nadine, for everything.

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  44. Andrew will never be forgotten. We all have memories of our times together with him and have his books to read and reread. He also left us a wealth of YouTube memories. Thanks for posting.

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  45. Hi Nadine.....I am Andy's uncle and just wanted to share that on August 28th Live Long, Live Strong, a celebration of Andy Revels took place and was a great success. 10 bands played until the wee hours, the local news was on hand, we were able to videotape the final episode of Andy's PRTV, and 100's of people shared Andy's memory. It will take a month to edit the final PRTV but I will let you know when it gets posted. I am sending a youtube link to a slideshow from the event and from PRTV....it will be in the final PRTV, but I decided to share a sneak peek. Enjoy and I will keep you informed on the release of the full episode in about a month. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXd17uwpnGA

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  46. I added a new post about Andrew's band concert. See the post for Sept 6, 2010. http://nadinelaman.blogspot.com/2010/09/andrew-revels-remembered.html

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  47. I had no idea about this until this morning. I am still in shock. Andrew interviewed me when he lived in Houston, TX and I was just starting to do stand up comedy. Great guy and he will always be missed by me and also the people closest to him.

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