“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity”  Simone Weil

Steve looked at the familiar faces gathered around the table in the private dining room of Chandlers, one of Boise’s popular local restaurants.  His tennis buddies had reunited to celebrate their countless battles on the courts.  But no – these were more than tennis buddies – “tennis buddies” might suggest the friendships were all about tennis.  While it’s true they had connected through the sport, these friendships had lasted for over 20 years, well beyond the end of those daily six A.M. sessions at the Boise Racquet and Swim Club.

Thinking of each of these men brought to mind so many wonderful memories.  Steve was known to be a fierce competitor, someone who never backed down from a challenge.  But it wasn’t just the spirit of competition that energized him.  The friendships and camaraderie also lifted him up and encouraged him to practice, focus on the goal, and believe.

This was a truth he had learned long before these tennis friendships had formed: supportive relationships were important.  It was a truth that was deeply rooted in his childhood.  In 1971, at the age of 10, and at the very Racquet and Swim Club that had brought him together with the men who were joined together this evening, he’d had one of the most memorable competitions of his life.  In that battle, it was his childhood friend Joel whose support and friendship had, against all odds, urged him forward.  Over the years, the story of that tournament had become one of his Mom’s favorites, one that she still tells:

“After living in Boise for about a year, we joined the Boise Racquet and Swim Club. The date of the upcoming table tennis tournament was posted on the board, and ten year old Steve decided to enter.  His neighborhood friend, Joel was his cheering section and score keeper.  Steve won his first and second games, and then on to the final game against a high school senior who worked at the club.  Poor Steve, when he saw who his opponent would be, his shoulders slumped and his head drooped.  

   The finals… the game began…it was very, very close…Joel at the scoreboard…excitedly waiting for the next point to post.  In the end, David slew Goliath…translation, ten year old Steve won!!!! Oh, Happy Day!  What a magnificent day it was for our boy!”

That early event had been a window into many loves in Steve’s life: the Racquet and Swim Club, ping-pong, competition, challenge, and friends to share in the experiences.  And each of the friends at the reunion dinner had, at one time or another, been part of the athletic adventures that Steve so dearly treasured.  Some were still the same avid tennis players that they were many years before, and others, like Steve, had found new passions.  But they would forever share a connection through their memories of exhilarating competition.

The group had come together this evening to show Steve just how much they cared and supported him in his fight against cancer.  But, in typical Steve style, he turned the attention away from himself and put the spotlight on his friends.  In anticipation of the evening, Steve had spent time thinking about each individual person who would be joining him at this dinner.  He had colorful stories about each, and before the meals were served, he took the opportunity to go around the table and tell about a memorable time he had shared with each friend present.

From his home in Utah, Craig had organized the reunion and traveled to Boise for the event.  Although geography had separated them for several years, and neither played as much tennis anymore, his friendship with Steve had done more than just endure, the bond had grown even stronger.  Steve’s stories took Craig back to those early days, and his mind drifted to the time when he had first met this exceptional man.

It was the early ‘90s and Craig had just moved to Boise.  Shortly after the move, he had realized that marathon training, which was an important part of his life, had lost its appeal.  He needed to find a new activity and friends to train with.  His wife had recently joined the Boise Racquet and Swim Club and suggested that he do the same.  She’d reminded him that he’d always enjoyed the game of tennis, and maybe he should try taking it up again.

It was a good suggestion, so Craig joined the club, and started playing quite regularly.  It wasn’t long before he knew who Steve Andrews was.  With a 5.0 rating, Steve was one of the top players at the club.  Plus, he was always upbeat and friendly and had a big, genuine smile.  He was a fun player to watch and everyone at the club knew who he was.

For the most part, top rated players only practiced against players with similar ratings.  It wasn’t an elitist or snobbish thing, it was all about the game.  The thinking was that if you played down, your game would suffer.  But Steve, who was known to be an exception to the rule, would play 4.5, and sometimes even 4.0, rated opponents.  He enjoyed the opportunity to help others improve their game, and to him, that was just as important as developing his own.

With a 3.5 ranking, Craig was an average player with a ways to go before he had any hope of sharing the same court with a player of Steve’s abilities.   Steve always gave Craig a friendly wave and smile, just as he did everyone at the club, but they were no more than casual acquaintances.  So Craig was more than a little confused when, one day after a practice session, Steve paused as they passed in the locker room, pulled a little notebook out of his pocket, and said “I’ve got some free time on my calendar.”  Craig quickly checked over each shoulder, to see who Steve could possibly be talking to.  They were alone. Speechless, Craig just looked at Steve in disbelief.  Steve shot him a big grin, knowing exactly why Craig was stammering, and assured him that, yes, he was asking if Craig wanted to play a few games.  Craig did want to take on Steve, so the date was set.

The outcome of that first court battle was pretty much as expected, Steve trounced Craig.  Craig did, however, manage to win a couple of points and even got one very good shot on Steve.  And that one shot led to the start of something that would characterize their play for years to come.  Incessant banter. In that first game, Steve hit a high lob that Craig was able to return with an overhead smash – and as Craig’s return shot whizzed past Steve, Craig hollered “Put that in your pipe and smoke it!”  For years to come, the two would frequently hurl those words at each other.

The chatter from any tennis court is always a little bizarre: love-love, fifteen-all, thirty-up, deuce, game-forty, and on it goes.  But over the years, the two friends added to that with their own special lingo.  Along with the phrase that carried over from their first court meeting, one of their favorite terms was a “Richard”.  Called out whenever the server hit an ace – a serve that’s untouched by the opponent – a “Richard” was in honor of one of the world’s top acers, Richard Krajicek.  Their constant banter, which developed over the years and through many shared experiences, was strange and lively. Not everyone enjoyed playing on a court next to these two good friends.

In addition to their own special tennis lingo, they also had a little inside joke.  Steve talked of the day in the future when Craig would take a set off him.  He promised Craig that, when that day came, he’d treat him to a beer at the Crescent Bar.  A dive bar, the Crescent was well-known in Boise for its marquis that warned “No Lawyers”.  Steve immediately prepared for that inevitable day by making a special trip and buying a Crescent Bar gift certificate in Craig’s name.

They played frequently and Craig’s game slowly improved.   And, with Steve’s encouragement and occasional pointers, the foretold day did eventually arrive.  Craig took a set off Steve.  It hadn’t been easy, and six long years had passed since Steve had made his prediction and promise.  Yet, always true to his word, Steve was ready.  When the set was over and Craig was proclaimed the victor, Steve immediately dug in his bag for his wallet, opened it up, and pulled out an old, tattered piece of paper.  With a huge smile and just a bit of melodrama, he handed the long-ago promised Crescent Bar gift certificate to his friend and worthy opponent.  Steve always enjoyed a win, and sometimes a loss could feel like one of the biggest wins of all.

Given the opportunity, each of Steve’s friends gathered around the table for the tennis buddies reunion in Chandler’s private dining room that evening could probably tell a personal Steve-O story.  A story about the way in which Steve’s enthusiastic support and optimism and never-ending belief in the potential of others had touched their own life.  Instead, Steve shared about how each of these friends had enriched his life.

CaringBridge Posts

Steve Update – 12/1/12
By Steve Andrews — Dec 1, 2012 12:34pm

Today is December 1, 2012 and I wanted to give all of you an update.

I had good news on Tuesday when the doctors said I had a gene called HER2+. Why was this good news? Because now I can use a chemo drug called Herceptin, which has been more effective than other drugs in my type of cancer. Only 25% of the population has this gene, so I’m thankful to have this opportunity to use it. I got my first Herceptin dosage on Tuesday.

This past week had its ups and downs. The hardest part for me has been trying to get a handle on all the pain medications. You take a too little and you really hurt. You take too much and all you want to do is sleep your day away. Yesterday I got a pain patch which sticks to my back. This way I’ll be getting a constant stream of pain meds throughout the day and night. I’m hoping this will help.

I’ve had two chemo treatments so far. It’s too early to know if it’s working as intended. I’ll be getting a CAT scan in a few weeks to get our first look. My current schedule is that I’ll have chemo every Tuesday. It will alternate between a heavy dosage one week, followed by a lighter dosage the following week. The MSTI nurses, doctors, and employees are great people and are taking good care of me.

I continue to be touched by everyone’s encouragement and good wishes. I’ve even been contacted by people I don’t know. Amazing! I’d like to pass along a few stories. My friend Norb was riding his bike a few weeks ago out in the country near Emmett. He saw several old signs which had a distinguished X in the middle. He wondered what this was. Later that night he read about my X Factor on CaringBridge.

Another story comes from a beautiful lady named Kathleen. I don’t know Kathleen but she heard about me and Julene through our friend Jodi. Kathleen prepared us a Prayer Blanket because each knot on the blanket is a prayer for and about the two of us. Thank you Kathleen!

And my friend Margi has started a 140.6 (Ironman miles distance) challenge in my honor. You have to complete 140.6 miles of activity during the month of December. You can get the details for this on my Facebook page.

I pray every night for Jesus to help me through this illness. Psalm 103 says: “He forgives your sins — every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell – saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness – beauty eternal. He renews your youth –you’re always young in his presence.”

I love you all,
Steve

X Factor Update
By Julene Andrews — Dec 9, 2012 11:20pm

There have been so many amazing X Factor stories… where do we even begin?! Attached is a picture of our X Factor Christmas tree – thanks to Simplot coworker Diane for the ornament, which reminds us daily of our absolutely AWESOME X Factor Team support!

Steve’s heart is still in his work at Simplot. He continues to go in as often as he can although he lacks the energy to put in a full day. His Simplot family has been truly amazing. From his wonderful boss, Joel, to coworkers in distant locations that he has never even met, their support has been incredible.

Steve has spent the past year and a half participating in the Executive MBA Program. He was able to attend a good portion of the December classes this past week. He appreciates his team members for helping to pull him through these last few months. His team members, classmates and instructors have become close friends and have been so very supportive. He hopes to finish the program and graduate in May.

The support of our friends has been overwhelming. Our friend Craig came from Park City to visit and organized a fun dinner with dear tennis friends. A group of staff from Cynthia Mann Elementary put together a duffle bag full of goodies, movies, games, blanket, etc. for Steve to take to his treatments. Our friend Laurie and family have made homemade soup every Sunday. Our friend Margi put together a Facebook group where over 170 people (!) are posting their workouts on a daily basis in honor of Steve with inspiring messages and pictures. The Y Tri Club has put together a team for the YMCA Christmas Run called Ironman Steve. Others have baked goodies, made meals, visited, brought milkshakes, sent cards, gifts, etc. We appreciate each and every one of your kind gestures so VERY, VERY, VERY much!

And where would we be without family??? My sister Jen has been to every single doctor visit, has done weekly grocery shopping, has cleaned out the fridge, you name it! My brother Rob has helped with household duties and run errands. Our parents have been there for every single need. My cousins have been unbelievable… they have spent MANY hours doing research on various medical treatment options and clinical trials, made phone calls to doctors all over the country, have brought meals, baked goodies, and cleaned our garage! WE ARE SO BLESSED to have such wonderful family!!!!!

Steve has chemo treatment every Tuesday – one week a heavy duty treatment, the next week an easier treatment. While the treatments are taking a toll on the body, he remains upbeat and positive, all of the time. We are working hard to keep up the calories and get out for a walk whenever we can. We have been forced to slow down a bit and enjoy the little things in life!

YOU, our incredible X Factor Team, have inspired us, amazed us, brought us smiles, laughs and comfort. We love you all so very much!!!

Julene and Steve

Steve Update
By Steve Andrews — Dec 16, 2012 10:49pm

I had a great week! My energy level was up and I was able to go to work everyday. I have figured out my nutrition and this has been a big win for me!

Our cousins Nikki and George visited us from Seattle this weekend. We got together with the other Boise cousins and had some good times!

Karlie came home on Thursday for Christmas break and will be home for a month. Michael will be home Friday for ten days. It will be great to have them home. We are looking forward to having some quality family time together.

I wanted to share another great story. My friend Bill had his parents and niece light a candle for me at the Grotto of University of Notre Dame. I posted a couple of pictures on the photo album. I’ve also been told I’m on various prayer chains in Boise and throughout the country. I greatly appreciate all of your prayers.

I’ve had a few people ask about donations made to CaringBridge. 100% of these donations go to this non-profit organization and not to me. While I appreciate your donations in my honor to CaringBridge, please do not feel obligated to make a donation. I appreciate CaringBridge because it provides a tool to keep all of you informed.

Happy Holidays to all of you!  Steve