“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily…” Colossians 3:23
The two families first met in August of 1999, when Robert and Suzanne and their two sons moved to Boise. Their homes were in the same friendly cul-de-sac, and Steve and Julene were the first neighbors to introduce themselves to the newcomers. The families had many similarities; children the same age, a love of family, a deep and abiding belief in God, and a passion to volunteer and make the community a better place. It was the Andrews family who warmly welcomed the new neighbors by recommending a pediatrician, helping navigate the school system, offering rides, pet sitting, or anything else that might make life in a new city easier for a young family.
Later, when the Andrews moved to a new home a few miles from the neighborhood, both families vowed that, even if the geography changed a bit, they would stay close. They kept that promise. Throughout the year, they talked and visited often, and two occasions soon became tradition. In the summer they would all gather for a barbecue and swim, and in the winter they would gather for a dinner and ping-pong.
In August, they’d find a time that worked for both families, and Steve would fire up his barbecue. No matter how busy his workday may have been, he would be there to greet the guests at the door. He would cook, visit, swim, and then cook, visit and swim some more. At one of the first barbecues, Steve shared the fact that he loved to “work hard, play hard.” This motto foreshadowed what Robert and Suzanne eventually came to deeply understand about him.
Then, in December, between Christmas and New Year’s, everyone would check their schedules again and find a night to eat and play ping-pong at Robert and Suzanne’s home, where the Padilla’s would prepare a traditional New Mexican fare: a pork and hominy stew called posole, red chile sauce, and homemade tamales. The hum of the conversation around the dinner table was the sound of the sweetest fellowship between true friends. After dishes were cleared, the ping-pong games would begin.
With great focus and enthusiasm, Steve put 100% into those games. He could frequently be heard coaching himself “Come on Steve-O!” between each shot. And after the games and festivities finished up for the evening, Robert, Suzanne, and their boys would talk about how great it was to be with the Andrews family. The evening never ended without someone saying, “Steve is one of the most enthusiastic people I have ever met – about everything in life!”
As the years passed and the two families’ relationships deepened, Robert and Suzanne realized that Steve’s motto “Work hard, play hard” actually reflected an even deeper truth for him. What he was truly doing was living the principle that he knew and embraced from the Bible.
Colossians 3:23 and 24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
In everything that Steve did, he put his entire heart, soul, mind, and strength into it. He had true enthusiasm for life, and every situation that he was in became infused with that enthusiasm. It was contagious, and it made him a sheer joy to be with.
CaringBridge Posts
Happy Holidays to All!!
By Steve Andrews — Dec 26, 2012 10:57pm
I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas! We spent Christmas with family at our Garden Valley cabin. It was great to have everyone together. We had snow which made it special. We went for walks every day and snow shoed one afternoon. It was a great time.
Before Christmas my entire family had fun participating in the YMCA Christmas Run. The Y Triathlon Club organized a team for the race called “Team Ironman Steve”. We had over 50 people signup for the team. I have attached a few photos from the event.
Nothing has changed on my chemo treatments. I’m still getting these every Tuesday. I get the “fully loaded” version every other week. I still experience some negative side effects, but not nearly as bad as the first few sessions. I’ve got my pain management and nutrition dialed in now. I have a CAT scan scheduled in mid-January which will give me some feedback on my progress.
I can really feel the X Factor working on my behalf. One example is a picture my son Michael took in San Jose. He was on a 13 mile run and took a picture of his wrist with the “No One Fights Alone” wrist band. There are so many other stories and photos out there. I’d like to respond to each of these individually but there are so many! It’s because of all of you I keep my head up and continue to move forward every day. There are no guarantees with life on earth. But eternal life is forever. And it’s because of this and my faith that I get up every day with a smile on my face.
I wish all of you a Happy New Year and God Bless you.
Steve
Happy New Year!
By Julene Andrews — Jan 1, 2013 11:19am
HAPPY NEW YEAR to this community of truly amazing people! Thanks to each of you for the many ways you have blessed our lives. Wishing you all the best…JOY, HOPE, LOVE, HEALTH, HAPPINESS and PEACE in 2013!
Good News!
By Steve Andrews — Jan 15, 2013 8:26pm
I have good news to share with everyone. My CT Scan results showed the tumors have been reduced by 50% to 75%! This indicates that (1) the chemotherapy is doing it’s job, and (2) that everyone’s prayers and positive thoughts are working as well. The combination of medical science and God’s help is doing some amazing things to my body! I’m very excited about today’s results! I will continue my Tuesday chemo treatments for the next eight weeks with another CT Scan to follow afterwards. The doctors tell us that the tumors will grow back at some point, but this was the best possible news we could have gotten today. Today’s results far exceeded the doctors expectations and they were thrilled!
Last Saturday the Boise Aeros Triathlon Club held a fundraiser on my behalf. They rode their indoor bikes at the “House of Pain” in McU’s Sports from 6am to 6pm. Close to 100 people participated! And then we had a big pizza party afterwards. Julene and I will be using the money raised for plane tickets in April to Kona, Hawaii, the home of the Hawaiian Ironman! We want to swim, bike, and run the actual Ironman course. This trip has been a lifelong dream for me and now it will come true! Thank you, Boise Aeros!
My support group – all of you – continues to amaze me. Your cards, messages, and emails lift up my spirits every day. I feed off your love and support. Please keep them coming!
Love, Steve
