The family enjoying drinks at the JW Marriott in Arizona April 29th, 2011 

Just 5 weeks before she left us. 

Sheri shared a story with me the other day about her Mom that I found interesting.  Apparently, Sheri was "acting up" at NIU and Sandy sent her a letter letting her know of her disapproval. I forgot that Sandy could at times be a spit-fire and although usually quiet and reserved she was not afraid to be a Mom when needed.
Sheri kept the letter and recently found it in the attic as it brought back memories for both of us. 

I mostly knew Sandy as a warm and loving Mother-n-law who was always kind to me and Ashley. There were those "moments" when she had enough and would muster the words stifle to Gerry and occassionally Sheri. It's memories like this, both good and bad, that remind us all that she was a women much more wonderfully complex than most knew.   

"San", as I called her, was the real deal.  Genuine.  Honest,  Loyal.  Quitely devout.  We shared many things in common:  Mah Jong, crafts, shopping, golf (?!) and each other's company.  We had a lot of the same interests:  politics, kids, grandkids..  She truly loved her family, each and every one of them..  She loved having company, was a gracious Hostess, excellent cook, and fussed over everyone and every thing!!

Through her battles with cancer, she said little about being afraid.  Her Faith was unwavering and this, I think, sustained her and always gave her hope.

Our favorite thing to do was walk the Fort Myers Beach together.  Sometimes we would just absorb the comfortable silence between us and listen to the wind, and the waves, while feeling the sand between our toes.  It seemed to be a time of rejuventation...  Perhaps it was the warmth of the sun or the soothing sounds...  But we always felt relaxed and calmed afterwards.  I cherish these special times.

San would do anything for you.  it was often quite a chore to find something YOU could do for her.  She didn't just remember your birthday, she made you a beautiful card.  Her talents for crafting were legendary...  I've kept all of the things she made me.  They were all very personal and beautifully made.

She wasn't much for the limelight and often downplayed her style.  But I knew inside was a vibrant soul with much to offer.  You need only ask.  I remember when she took me for a fitting for her dress for Sheri's wedding.  She wouldn't tell me anything about it, or let me help her try it on.  She made me wait for the "whole effect."  It blew me away.  I told her then and there that I'd never seen her look so elegant, so beautiful.  She just radiated and glowed and I knew she was looking forward to seeing Sheri as a bride....  It was her dream for her little girl....  She knew then of her breast cancer, but chose not to tell the family until after the wedding.  It's just who she was.

She lived a purposeful life and held fast to her family, faith and friends.  She never spoke harshly about anyone.  If I could sum up her philosophy on life it would be:  to live simply, love wholeheartedly, care deeply and have faith that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

I miss her every day, especially at Christmas.  She loved everything Christmas...I collected angels and she liked snowmen.  We often exchanged gifts adding to our collections.

I wish she were still here, I wish I could see her again....  and one day hopefully, we will walk the beach of eternity together one day.

Taken at Ashley & Rob's wedding in 2010.