Lynda
In Sandy's memory, I would like to share some of my thoughts about her with you- the same thoughts that I wish I could had said at her service. I know deep down in my heart that she understood-- Sandy never liked to talk in front of crowds either.
Perhaps one of the most notable things about Sandy's character was her ability to make friends. You never got past her in the hallways without a friendly "hello"-- even if she did not really know you. When I first started working with Sandy, I thought to myself "Why does this lady have to talk to everyone? She doesn't even know them!" Over the years, I came to realize that this "friendly air" was about who she was as a person, and I enjoyed watching her make people smile with something as simple and sincere as a passing "hello".
Sandy always had something kind to say and saw the good in everyone. Almost anytime one of us would say something negative about a person; Sandy was always quick to respond with "he/she isn't that bad" or "I don't think they mean to be like that." There were very few people that she could not get along with or just flat out disliked. To her credit, for those few she didn't think too highly of, I strongly believe that she was a good judge of character! Her compassion for people carried on even throughout her illness-- she was always sure to ask about how everyone else was doing.
When I first started working with Sandy, I had just turned 20 and was going to school full-time. She was such a motivator - always encouraging me to work hard in school and knowing just when I needed a boost of confidence to get me through it. She was quick to lend an ear when I needed someone to talk to and always gave good advice. She even tried to help me with my golf swing! I considered her to be one of my "office parents" - she had a very nurturing way about her. Sandy saw me through so many different phases of life- turning 21, finishing college, climbing the career ladder, buying my first house, and getting married. Through it all, she was one of my number one supporters. I hope that in some way, I gave as much back to her as she gave to me.
Sandy's unselfish nature was never more apparent than during this very difficult time in her life. Never once did she feel sorry for herself and her positive attitude provided solace to all of those around her. She approached this disease with the greatest determination and courage and I will always admire her for that. There will never be enough words to express the deep sadness and great loss I feel. Sandy has touched my life and my heart in so many ways. She exemplifies the meaning of a friend and I will truly miss her.
In closing, I would like to share a story about Sandy with you. Last year, Sandy, Kristy, and I took the metro downtown for a training course. The metro stop we got off at happened to have one of the longest and steepest escalators! Needless to say, Sandy's fear of escalators quickly led us to the elevator. On the last day of training, we were going back to the metro stop and Kristy and I talked Sandy into riding on the escalator (or at least we thought we did). An unexplained chain-of-events lead Kristy and I onto the escalator first and when we turned around to reach for Sandy- she was not on the step behind us! We rode down and quickly ran back up -no Sandy. Unbeknownst to us, she had gone to the elevator and while she was going down, we were going up! Sandy kept going after she got down, thinking that we had gone ahead without her. Kristy and I waited for 30 minutes and then decided to go on home. When I got to my house, I immediately called Sandy to make sure she had made it home safely. Not only was she home safely, she already had steak cooking on the grill!
The morale of my story is this- if heaven didn't have an elevator, I am sure it does now. I am confident that the Lord went out of his way to get someone as wonderful as Sandy to where she belongs.
Sandy lived and she died with one of the most wonderful network of friends and family that I have even seen. She was very fortunate to be blessed with a person like you to share her life with and I know that she would be the first to tell anyone that. If there is anything that I or anyone from our staff can do for you, please know that we are only a phone call away.
Fondly,
Lynn
