>angel< I honestly do not remember exactly when we first met Andi and her whole family. I remember it was at the Diamond 8 playdays and we were probably around 5-7 years old. Through the years my mom was in the same class as Gene and Diana and I were the same class as Andi, just a couple of months apart in age. She, and her family, were a huge influence on the competitiveness of us both. We did not grow up in a horse/playday/rodeo family so we were really new to all this. What I remember most was the friendships with everyone at the playdays whether it was lewisville, balch springs, diamond 8 or any other arena. While we all completed against each other and wanted to beat everyone else, outside of the arena we were just kids who loved to have fun. I remember Andi always being larger than life and definitely could carry on a full conversation in the middle of a run. LOL!! That's probably where Diana and I learned to holler at each other so well while competing. It made me laugh when I read on another post about her stopping in the middle of a run to talk to someone outside the arena. I think maybe I was guilty of the same thing telling Diana "that's what I am trying to do!" in response to her telling me how to make my run.
As our kids began competing in playdays, it was great to see Andi, Monique and Gene again. That same childlike competiveness and friendship picked up just as it was many years before. I am so grateful for that time together.
My heart is saddened by the loss of Andi. It is a reminder to me to hug my family and friends a little closer, live life fuller and thank God for the many blessings He bestows on us daily. Andi was and will continue to be one of those blessings. My family's prayers go out to Andi's entire family. May her uplifting laughter and "tell it like it is" personality help us to move forward one step at a time. God Bless! (+)
