The Man in Blue

Submitted by Gulogulo37 on

When my brother was in high school, he wrote for the school paper under the pseudonym "The Man in Blue" because of his love for Michigan sports. Everyone who has met Andy talks about his remarkable memory, especially for times and dates. He could take you almost play-by-play through every Michigan game of the last 30 years. Yet, this season he hadn't watched a single game. I thought part of that was due to how terribly the team has played, and the fact that my brother lived in Prague, which makes it more difficult to watch, and more difficult to watch night games in particular. But there was a much bigger problem. On October 16th, my brother tried to take his own life, and on the 22nd had finally succumbed to his injuries. Andy was never one for a suit and tie, and our mother would like to lay him to rest in one of his Michigan sweaters.

Today, there will be a gathering to celebrate his life from 3 to 6 p.m. at his favorite sports bar in Prague, Jama, where he has watched almost every Michigan game for the last 14 years. But many of us will stay for the game at 9:30 p.m. For some of those watching, it might be their first American football game. But we'll be there, cheering our asses off for Michigan and for Andy. It will be a miracle if they win, but miracles do happen.

Go blue and rest in peace, Andy. We love you.

the man in blue

October 25th, 2014 at 3:50 AM ^

Thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this tough time from this man in blue. Out of respect for you and your family I wouldn't care retiring my name. Just say the words or pm me and it would be done, but more importantly know that we as a community will be thinking about your family and your man in blue during this trying time.

Ray

October 25th, 2014 at 3:15 AM ^

What sad news. You and your family will be in my prayers.

If the online translator I checked is reliable, the Czech expression would be jit modra--go blue.

DrewGOBLUE

October 25th, 2014 at 3:25 AM ^

Losing a family member at a young age like this is so tragic; my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.



I hate so very much the stigma against mental illness in our society. Psychiatric complications are diseases in every way that diabetes and cancer also are. And it has been well proven that there are pathological components to them. However, it's often frowned upon when someone has a sickness like Depression or Bipolar Disorder, making those individuals less inclined to admit to others their problem or get help. It's very tragic and there really needs to be more awareness on such matters to put an end to the persistent stigma.

Danwillhor

October 25th, 2014 at 9:13 AM ^

I'm sorry to hear of this occurrence and hope comfort and solace come to everyone involved as soon as possible. With regard to depression, I have had major bouts with it and have had moments where I didn't even care about the team (easily my most beloved external enjoyment). I'm in a bit if that now but I'm not "there" as he was. I just want to include that anyone that says he was selfish, a coward, etc should be ignored. Nobody is inside the body and mind of another human being. I'm sad for everyone involved that he would find that to be the only option to relieve whatever he was going through. I've been very near there and it's heartbreaking, especially when you don't know what's wrong and you know you are loved. It's sadly, as posted, so taboo and stigmatized that the fear of talking to anyone about it for fear of "man up" speeches genuinely outweighs the fear of taking your own life. Again, I've been there and know he wasn't a coward or selfish. He was deeply troubled. I'm sorry for the loss.

SalvatoreQuattro

October 25th, 2014 at 10:37 AM ^

have also had to deal with it. Lincoln called it his "melancolia" and for Churchill  it was his "black dog". Neither man was a coward or whimp. 

I went through a bout of depression about ten years back as well as anxiety. It sucks. You cannot just "rub some dirt on it" and expect it to go away.You need therapy.

julesh

October 25th, 2014 at 7:07 AM ^

I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost my brother, also a huge Michigan fan (though one who made me leave the Orange Bowl when overtime started to beat the traffic), almost two years ago. His memorial was the day of the Ohio State game. Mixing real life crap with sports fandom frustrations made for a very difficult game to watch.

LSAClassOf2000

October 25th, 2014 at 8:13 AM ^

Very tragic news. Very sorry for your loss and I shall keep you and your family in my thoughts during this difficult time.

As other have said, let's hope Andy would be able to celebrate around 7 PM EDT this evening.

Austin Blue

October 25th, 2014 at 1:24 PM ^

I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss, but I want to thank you for your post.  I can only imagine the tears you shed while writing about Andy, and I cannot even begin to imagine the tears you will shed today, but I do want to thank you for sharing with us all and letting us grieve with you.  While Michigan football is important to most (if not all) of those who read this blog, your post reminds us of things infinitely more important.

My thoughts and prayers go with you and your family today. 

Pax

You Only Live Twice

October 25th, 2014 at 11:42 AM ^

to share this and remind us all what matters. 

For people out there struggling under the weight of so much pain.. please talk to someone