A year ago, my son Andrew took his life, drowning himself off Stearns Wharf. To say that he blindsided his family, friends, teachers, and community would be an understatement, but he made a decision to end his inner pain and silent suffering. Many questions go unanswered, especially the “why” of his decision. A deep pain and hurt lingers in our hearts for our child, who truly enjoyed making other people feel acknowledged and cared for. And we have come to know that everyone who was a part of Andrew’s life gave that caring back to him. The stories, pictures, posts, videos, and tributes shared at his remembrance website help us remember his smile, his spirit, and his joy.
Andrew Uriel Hernandez was born on July 18, 2000, in Garden Grove, California. He was born with the last name Solis, but he became a Hernandez in 2006 when he joined our family through adoption, along with his older siblings, Brenda and Marco. My husband, Oscar, and I also had a birth son, Erick.
Andrew was the tallest of all of us. In fact, he was the tallest Mexican American we have ever known; he was 6’5″ tall. His goal had been to be at least 6’7″; he loved being tall. He had an amazing ability to get along with all ages; he would let little kids hang on him and play with him for hours on end. He was just as caring and patient with his older siblings as with his younger brother, Erick.