I understand from Americana in Parigi that Andrew, our 2009 hero, lost his brother in the earthquake in Haiti. Members have read about this in the Gold Star forums, but I think that many others who have valued Andrew's presence here and all the help he has offered so many of us over the years should know about this tragedy and have the chance to express their sadness at Andrew's loss. As AinP emailed me, "You know in moments like this, the grieving person can't have too much consolation." As someone who lost her only brother nearly five years, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you, Andrew -- my heart goes out to you and your family.
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Aloha, Ann
Posts: 1606 | Location: Sunset Beach (Haleiwa), Hawaii, USA | Registered: 16 September 2001
Andrew, my thoughts are with you and your family. I am so sorry to hear this news. It is devastating. I remember reading about Flo, in your blog. Take care and know that your ST friends are thinking about you and supporting the earthquake victims in Haiti. chiaro
I recall Andrew's great trip report from his Haiti visit, and his appreciation for his brother was so apparent. Very sorry that Andrew has lost a loved one in this horrible tragedy.
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No one deserves to contend with such a sudden and tragic loss, but least of all someone who has been as helpful to so many others as you, Andrew. Please accept my condolences. Allen
Posts: 120 | Location: Chicago | Registered: 06 September 2002
Thank you all. I had said on the Group Blog last night that we were dealing with possible extortion in getting Flo's remains out; now we have the good news that U.N. people are taking charge, and getting Sue and the remains out.
Andrew, that is great news, thank you for letting us know. I was horrified to read of the possible extortion on the Group Blog last night. It is hard to fathom how such a cruel tragedy could be made even more cruel through greed.
Thank you for sharing Flo with me/us, Andrew. He was guite the giving person and even from the youngest age seemed to be in the center of things. Flo did tremendous things for so many people and clearly will be remembered.
You, your mother, father, and Flo are in my thoughts.
Posts: 3854 | Location: Monterey Peninsula, California, USA | Registered: 07 September 2003
Andrew, I too was moved to tears by your loving tribute and all that I have read about Flo over the past few days. I am so sorry for your family's loss but also for Hati and the art world's loss in his passing. So happy to read that Sue isable to bring his remains home. God bless.
Is there any kind of memorial fund or donations that would allow Flo's work to continue? I'm sure the mods wouldn't mind your posting a link so we can all contribute to the memory of a wonderful young life well lived.
RA - there is some information available here. As Andrew was quoted there:
quote:
What I get from my family is that either Mercy Corps or Doctors Without Borders is acceptable, in a fund earmarked for Haiti. Something may be set up in Flo's name in the future.
TourMama
Posts: 3899 | Location: Berkeley, CA | Registered: 22 March 2005
Thank you for the links, Colleen and Roz. I have enjoyed, in the most bittersweet way, reading about Flo and his work. Andrew's link to the 'goingwithflo' blogspot is also poignant. As sad as it is to finally know Andrew's family in this way, and knowing what our community of travelers has meant to Andrew, it has been a wonderful look at the life and the art that so defined Flo.
Thinking so much of Andrew and his parents this week as they attend the memorial services for Flo,
Having lost a younger brother myself 2 years ago, I know what it feels to lose a sibling. I am so sorry for your loss. In time, the pain will dull and all you'll remember are the great memories and only the best qualities about your brother.
What moving tributes on the blog and in the other articles, Andrew! The degree of love and admiration expressed there surely must help to ease some of your pain.
Re contributions: Another very good organization, with a long history in Haiti, is Partners in Health. I wondered on the Group Blog, though, whether or not a special fund might be established in Flo's memory. Andrew suggested that this may be possibile later.
If this doesn't happen, there very well might be a fund specifically devoted to Haitian art, as many of Haiti's most significant cultural treasures have been destroyed or damaged. I've just joined a listserv dedicated to the past and future of Haitian art. If something comes up on there, I'll post it here.
Thank you for all the support and comforting words. The memorial blog reports developments for those who are interested, but I will report here that we have word that Flo's remains were flown to Dover AFB during the night. I joined my parents for the Baltimore memorial service this week; now I plan to join them in Vermont and be at the Montpelier, Vt., memorial on Saturday.
Andrew, I'm so glad that Flo is finally coming home. What an ordeal for you and your family!
For those of you in the New York area, I've just received a message from the listserv mentioned above, that next month's Outsider Art Fair, "will involve Haitian relief fund-raising efforts with proceeds going to Doctors without Borders."
In addition, "..many dealers plan to devote sections of their booths to Haitian artists with a percentage of sales to be contributed to the relief efforts."
Ann
P.S. You might want to take look at this slideshow from a NY Times website which shows works created by Haitian artists about the earthquake.
Andrew, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I had read your Haiti trip report about Flo and his work and now so sad to read that he is among the deceased. Thank you for the links to the blogs and memorials. What an exceptional, brave and caring brother. Jeanne
Posts: 492 | Location: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: 07 March 2003
David and I sent our most heartfelt condolences to you, Andrew, and your entire family. May the sweet memories of past days comfort you all. We will continue to remember Flo, and all the other victims of the earthquake, realizing that in brotherly love, it happened to us all...
I've just received this information in an e-mail from the listserv on Haitian art that I joined recently. You might want to contribute to the fund in honor of Flo also.
"Through its Fund for Displaced Artists, the Vermont Studio Center will fund two month-long residencies for Haitian artists and writers in 2010. These awards honor Flo McGarrell, son of longtime VSC Visiting Artist and friend James McGarrell, who was killed in Haiti’s recent earthquake while in the art center where he worked.
"The Vermont Studio Center community is saddened by this loss, and by the loss of so many others who have died in the quake."
I thought all of you might want to see this article from the Toronto Globe and Mail. It was a link on a site mentioned in a new e-mail I just received from my Haitian art listserv.
