The best summer weekends always involve throwing on a pair of hiking boots and trudging up a mountain with Andre. Which doesn't sound appealing to everyone, I know, but there is nothing as satisfying as hiking up mountain passes and summits with someone who is in perfect harmony with you. Here is why I call Andre my favourite hiking buddy and a close friend:
1) The Car Ride Before and After the Hike
Andre came into my life during a time when I was struggling and hesitant to be vulnerable with anyone. While driving to and from our hikes, I slowly opened up due to his kind, caring, and connective nature. The car became a safe space to discuss everything and anything. Andre is not afraid to show his friends and family unconditional love. It is one of the main reasons that his community is so strong and plentiful.
2) Rolling With the Punches
During one of our hikes we spent 2.5 hours looking for the trailhead in a maze of logging roads. When we (finally) found the trail, it started pouring rain, leaving us no option but to find shelter and wait it out. This should have been a miserable experience. However, Andre's eternal optimism, humour, and love of adventure made this one of my favourite hiking trips to date. It has become a story of legends. After the storm we hiked to the summit and Andre took beautiful photos of the summit. Andre can make every situation a positive experience.
3) Bringing the Adventure to Our Day-to-Day Lives
Andre makes sure that the people in his life know he is thinking about them. From texts to spontaneous phone calls to coffee hangouts to bike rides, he soon brought the spirit of our hiking adventures to the city. Even to this day in a wheelchair, Andre is always up for anything. Our recent adventures involve a waitress at Swans proposing to Andre (and was serious about it), meeting all the dogs Andre is friends within the neighbourhood and planning a fundraiser for the SPCA. This all goes to show that nothing takes down the fearless Andre.
This message is not a goodbye to Andre. He is there every time I put my hiking boots on. In every car ride. In every summit and trail I hike. His zest for life encourages me to live my life with a sense of adventure. He reminds me to be kind, fearless, and connective with every person I meet (and of course, dogs). To show unconditional love to friends and family. The gift of knowing Andre has made me a better person and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
Cheers, Andre. I love you my dear hiking buddy
Hanging out after a hike
