Blog Entry #1: Andrews Passing

By Joe Miller

It’s been one whole week since Andrew died, and seven full days of reevaluating my actions over the past months. As soon as I heard the news of his death, I was immediately overcome with guilt. I’ve been unable to think of any of the pleasant conversations we’ve shared. Every time I run them back in my mind all I can think about was how I first treated him. As soon as he walked in the room I looked at him as if he was a ghost. It wasn’t just how I treated him, but also the people of their community in general. The other day a man tried to come onto me at the pharmacy, and I called him a word that I have vowed never to speak again. I know deep down that I was able to make things right, after all we did win his case. I just wish I could have been better. I know that I can’t let Andrew’s case die with him. I have to be able to ensure that this case is referenced in courthouses around the country, in order to make sure that Andrews newly awarded rights will be the new standard for the people of the gay community.

I am incredibly grateful for what my time with Andrew has taught me. I learned so much about acceptance. I don’t know why I was so afraid of these people for so long. They are truly no different than you and I. It’s because of Andrew that I was able to become a better person. Andrew’s devotion to fight for himself and stand up for what’s right is something that I am now able to emulate onto my children. I know from this point on my home, my practice, and my heart will be a place of inclusion. I will use my practice to represent the individuals who feel as if they are being persecuted because of who they are and not because of what they have done. The reason why I am writing this Journal is to not only hold myself accountable for the goals that I have set for myself, but to also share how I will continue to strive to help shine Andrews light onto the world, and hopefully inspire other people to do the same.