Sandra Scheerer

My Cousin Sandy

Of all the qualities I believe a parent would hope for in their child, I´ve got to imagine that intelligence, sense of humor, good looks and compassion would be at the top of anyone´s list. Of all the souls I´ve met in my 50 years on this planet, none have had such an abundance of all four as my cousin Sandy. When I was just a boy, I idolized her, because she was like the Fonzi of our family, completely cool. Even the adults seemed to think Sandy was cool, despite that she was just a kid. Being the de facto leader of "the cousins," in a large Irish Catholic family, Sandy treated us all as equals. Even though Sandy was older, nicer, funnier, smarter and way cooler than I was, she never once treated me as anything less than she was. Wouldn´t it be nice to have great leaders in this country who treated us all as equals?
As we got older, I saw much less of her, but every time we did get together at family gatherings, she was still that kind, funny, personable Sandy who had been lighting up rooms since she was a toddler. Even as a 50 year old man (the last time I saw her), I still felt cool when I hung out with Sandy. I was not, but she made me feel so. I believe she had the same effect on all those who had the privilege of knowing her. It´s unfortunate, but you often don´t realize just how important it is to have someone like Sandy in your life, until they´re gone. She was taken from us too soon, and I don´t know if she ever realized what an impact she had on our entire family. Her presence alone made the family gatherings a pleasure for all. She was our leader, our heart and our inspiration.
I never got the chance to say goodbye to you, Sandy, so this is the best I could do. Going back to my childhood, you lifted up my confidence and my spirit, every time I saw you. I feel like I never gave you anything nearly as great in return. Because you were so cool, I don´t think that ever crossed your mind.
It´s strange that we rarely tell people all the great things we think about them when they´re still alive, only to inevitably regret it when it´s too late. I wish I could have told Sandy that she was the coolest person I have ever known. Somehow, wherever she is now, I think she knows that I felt that way. If there is a heaven (and I truly hope there is), I know Sandy is up there now, making that world a better place for everyone, the same way she did for us in this one.