Our Drew!

Little Drew & Jenny

Bass Lake

Always dancing the night away ;-)

My bachelorette

If there is one thing that I have learned since my dear cousin Drew has been diagnosed with Leukemia, it would have to be that life isn't fair. It often seems that the most undeserving people are put in the most difficult positions. Drew has been a fighter his whole life and I'm confident that this situation is no different. I keep telling myself that God must have known that he was one of the few (I certainly don't know many) who can persevere through anything and come out of all of this with a smile on his face and a whole new perspective on life. Given the circumstances, I figured that now is as good as time as any to let Drew, and everyone else, know how much he truly means to me. If nothing else Drew, I hope this puts a smile on your face ;-)

My happiest childhood memories, without out a shadow of a doubt, were the summers spent with my cousins at the beach house in Newport (with Dad's side of the family) and at Bass Lake (with Mom's side). Paloma was my idol and Drew my first crush (inappropriate, I know). We only saw each other twice a year (during the holidays and for a week every summer at Bass Lake) but we were as close as cousins could possibly be. Drew was an extremely fun & wild child and, to this day, is quite possibly the most outgoing person I know. We have always had a special bond but, I can honestly say, that I think everyone who knows Drew feels that way. We had our first fight in the early nineties when he proposed to Katie in front of our whole family at Bass Lake. I was devastated it wasn't me. It took me years to get over it, but I totally understood given my unfortunate "awkward" phase. We have the most amazing stories and I cherish these years more than anything!

During high school, Drew started visiting California regularly and spent many holidays with my family. It was during one of these visits that Drew introduced me to the world of designer labels and showed me how to apply for a credit card (Luke will forever thank you for that one!). He was the first person who ever said to me, "It would be a sin to leave this store without that outfit. It's not your fault it looks amazing!" To say that Drew has comedic timing would be an understatement :-) During our junior year of college, Drew decided to make the move to Los Angeles from Portland (where he was currently in school). I convinced Luke that having him live with us would be the best decision we ever made, and it definitely was. We had more fun that year than I ever thought possible. It just so happened that Luke's agency wanted him in Australia for two months so Drew and I spent our nights watching Strangers with Candy and dancing to Kelly Clarkson. I can't even begin to tell you how many night clubs he dragged me to, but he made me enjoy LA and was the first person to keep me out until 2am.

I love Drew more than words could ever express. I truly see him as another brother. He's the guy that will be there for you when know else is. He's the only person who can make you feel comfortable in a room full of strangers. He is also the only person I know who always puts someone else's feelings before his own. He is the event planner in our family and keeps us all close. Drew, I admire all that you are and all that I know you will be. I'm anxious for you to fight this fight and to see the man you become afterwards. You are my hero. I love you.