Saturday, January 15, 2022
Sandy was a gracious, attractive lady with a big, beautiful smile. Her eyes sparkled when she said a definitive and enthusiastic, “Yes! She also said “Yes!” to life and was quite youthful for her age. She dressed in fashionable clothes and her hair was always nicely styled.
Although Sandy didn’t have any siblings, she spoke fondly of her uncle, his wife, cousins, and nieces and nephews. She also spoke fondly of 2 friends who were sisters and the fun times they spent together down the shore and of the support she received from their friendship.
Meticulously planning ahead was one of Sandy’s fortes evidenced by this memorial service and her obituary which she wrote herself.
Sandy liked it when I called her Sandra Dee. We shared the love of the arts, especially dance. I remember her proudly showing me a photo of her as a ballet student. What fond memories she shared about her wonderful times ballroom dancing.
On December 4 Sandy attended our concert/tree lighting ceremony at my church in town. As I was singing in the chorus, it was so nice to see Sandy waving to me from the audience. During the tree lighting ceremony outside, I introduced her to my sister and friends. The next morning, I called Sandy to thank her for attending and we talked about getting together soon to have some tea. She also spoke about joining my church.
It was surreal to find out Sandy passed away early the next morning. It saddens me to realize how true it is that someone can really be here with you today and gone tomorrow. It reaffirms the fact that tomorrow is promised to no one and reminds me to be grateful for all that I have today and to be truly present and value the time I spend with family and friends.
Memories are like the stars in the dark night of sorrow.
May time soften the pain until all that remains
Is the beauty of the memories
And the love, always the love.
May Sandy’s essence live on inside our hearts.
