Remembering Sandy

My good friend, Sandy (September 20, 1943 - June 5, 2026), passed away on Friday. She and her husband, Jim, were among our first married-couple friends. As I sat in church today, memories of Sandy and all our good times just washed over me, and I had to share them.

Here are some of the memories that came up in my thoughts:

• We met in 1982 right after Don and I were married. Sandy’s husband Jim was actually my husband’s college math teacher. When we got together, we all hit it off right away.
• We started meeting for dinner on Saturday nights (alternating between our houses) and then playing the card game Rook for the rest of the evening. Sandy and I were always partners, and we played against our husbands. We had such a great time, and we did this for years.
• I remember that we usually talked on the phone with each other at least once a week. She was always willing to give me wonderful advice when I asked for it.
• Sandy tried to teach me how to make homemade egg noodles, but mine never came out as good as hers.
• I remember going on several boat rides when Jim bought a new boat. One time he ran it aground and ruined the propeller, but Sandy was always calm about everything. 
• When Jim got sick, I tried to call her at least once a week in case she needed anything.
• Sandy and I would meet for lunch in the summers when I wasn’t teaching. I would go pick her up from the law firm, and we would go out to lunch about once a month.
• One year, when I was on Christmas vacation, Sandy went hiking with me at Raven Cliff Falls when it was snowing. We hiked to the bridge over the waterfalls. It was a beautiful hike!
• When the school threw all retirees a luncheon, we were allowed to invite our closest friends, and Sandy came to my retirement party. It meant a lot to me since she has known me for most of my career.
• I remember when her family threw her a surprise birthday party and invited us. It was a great party for such a wonderful person.
• After I retired, I started teaching courses for Furman, and I taught one of my courses every July. Sandy would come meet me for lunch after class ended.
• When Sandy was moving out of her last house, I went over to help her pack up some stuff. We spent a lot of time sharing memories of good times.
• The last time I saw Sandy was at her son’s house. I’m so thankful that she has had such a loving family that was there for her. She always talked about her children, and you could tell how much they loved her back. 

I will miss you, Sandy!

Original photo of Sandy and Pat