Hey Andy,
There is that old saying that you would never treat a friend as harshly as you treat yourself, and I can be pretty harsh in my criticisms of you. I feel like it would be easier to make a list of things I don’t love about you. They would just roll off the tongue and I’m not sure why that is. So I’m going to talk to you like a good friend. I know its going to be awkward but I need you to hear a few of the things I love about you. Here goes. I love your heart, its sincere. It is often greeted with skepticism and cynicism but it hasn’t stopped you yet. I love your commitment to making beautiful things that are of service to others. I love your persistence and willingness to look stupid in the name of making this art, you have been knocked down so many times now that getting back up is kind of your MO. I love that. I love the way you show up in your marriage. She is a damn queen and you are consistently rising to her level to keep up. I love the way you have grown into being a father, especially the songs you make up to get them to eat their vegetables. I love the way that you honor your mother in your music and how that gives an invitation for others to grieve their own losses. I love that you are always questioning the purpose of being here on earth and adjusting to try to align with the important things in life. I love that at your worst you try to be vulnerable with your failures and at your best you are generous with your successes. I love the way you have made it a consistent practice in life to encourage others, calling friends weekly and checking in on their projects and being giving of your spirit. I love that while you are never perfect your intentions almost always are. I love you. I don’t say it enough but I do. I love you.

Andy