Remembering Andrei - Letters from friends and family

Marica Natali Thompson, sister, with her husband Justin Thompson; Vincenzo Natali, brother, with his wife Kana Koido: All sent messages of support and love.

Martin Casado, a cousin on a trip to Japan, promised to drink a cup of Sake and have some sushi with thoughts of Andrei---Japanese cuisine was one of Andrei’s favorites, especially the California-originated cucumber role.

From more cousins and other relatives: Chris Hume, Mary Natali, Sarah Bohl-Pistolesi, Erica Natali, Carmen Casado, Amanda Keidan sent messages that they would be there in spirit and thinking of the family.

Friends of the Family: Kathy Deane, Yoriko Shiraishi, Priya Honeyman Livengood, Dina Dalidd Clapinski, Sara Bernstein Crossen, Joanne Terry, Zitta and Richard Stubsttad, Dilan, Rowan Octavia Frederick and Ingrid Von Sydow,all sent their heartfelt wishes they could have been there.

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Ingrid Sydow wrote a longer letter:

If I'd been there I would have said this:
Andrei was such a beautiful person, inside and out. I met him when he was just a boy (9 yrs old?), he left such an indelible impression on me that while writing this I can still see him so clearly, I can even remember this striped shirt he wore often. I admired him, his intelligence, courage and industriousness and will never forget the wings that he was making the first time I spoke with him...he was convinced they would work, that he could fly, he made me ask myself why I would expect otherwise.

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Rowan Octavia Frederick wrote:

Anyway, if you get this message in time and if I'm not there, I'd like to add a message to Andrei's tree:

I remember when Andrei was born. We were all so excited to see him and hold him when he was a little baby. I remember him later as an deep soul, truly creative and authentic. I remember his artwork that showed his understanding and insight into the human mind, it seemed a more mature understanding than many his age. I also remember his deep connection with the land. He listened to and spoke with nature on a very real level.
When he died it was less than a year after my own brother died, also in Matilija Canyon. I remember at the memorial service, also held at Oak Grove, that it was like reliving what had happened to me. I felt like i was looking in a mirror.
I also remember Nadia's beautiful mourning song. It touched me deeply with it's honesty, vulnerability and freedom
I am thinking of my sister, Francesca, who i have known as long as I remember, and I stand with her on this day remembering our brothers, warriors of light.

All my love,
Rowan

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Dear Ones,...although I am so far away from you,in Geography..in my heart I am right there. I too, remembered Andrei on Memorial Day. I often think of him and so many other beloveds that have gone before me. They shared their beauty freely and it's alive, still.

Irmgard James

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