On the 18th November 2020 we said our final goodbye to Sandy, our beautiful daughter-in-law of almost 29 years, after what had probably been, the saddest week of our lives, which was, and continues to be, interspersed with great thankfulness on so many levels.
Ten days before, Sandy had risen early to bake scones for the people at "The Barn" where she volunteered. She had introduced this American family to the Aussie treat of scones with jam and cream. She loved to bless and bring joy to others. She posted a picture of her scones on Instagram with a few words underneath which ended with a simple 'thanks'. I knew that her thanks were directed to her God whom she served simply, lovingly and faithfully. Soon after she arrived at the barn she suffered a brain bleed and never regained consciousness. Sandy, her medical staff, and prayer warriors battled for 8 days to save her life but it was not to be.
God in his great love and mercy put an amazing support network around Paul, guarding him, feeding him, communicating to our families and prayer warriors, and making hurried arrangements for Daniel and Leah to fly from Australia to Arizona at short notice. The strength that God gave to Paul as he walked this journey that none of us want to walk, was amazing. His communication with our and Sandy's family was precious and often, as he video called us from Sandy's bedside. We got to speak our words and prayers to her, we spoke with her nurses and got to thank them for their wonderful dedication to saving Sandy's life, so that we really felt like we were 'there' with them. Our thankfulness to God for his mercy and love covers so many areas. Let me share some with you.
- Thankfulness that this didn't happen when she and Paul were tramping in the mountains as they did most weekends, or that she wasn't home alone, or driving the freeway as she had been minutes before, but she was in a place where the ambulance reached her in 6 minutes.
- Thankfulness, that amidst the COVID situation in the USA, Paul's military family surrounded him with support, and Sandy's long time friend from Hawaii flew in to be with the family. That they were able to be in the hospital together with Sandy.
- Thankfulness that Dan and Leah were able to spend time with their Dad at Sandy's bedside 24 hours before she 'moved to heaven'.
- Thankfulness that Paul's faith was strong for this ordeal, and that he included us all so well in the journey.
- Thankfulness for the wonderful doctors and nurses who surrounded her with care and prayers.
- Thankfulness for Sandy's gift of life as an organ donor; that 4 women have a new chance of life because of her thought for others. (She had signed up as an organ donor 20 years previously.)
- Thankfulness that we couldn't have asked for a better or more supportive wife for our son.
- Thankfulness that she was a beautiful Mum and a godly example to her children.
- Thankfulness for the loving and kind member of our family that she was.
- Thankfulness that she loved and befriended so many people along the way.
- Thankfulness for the wonderful memories she has left us through her 'photo a day' journey over many years, and her wonderful art that cheers the heart.
- Thankfulness for a life so well-lived that it leaves a challenge to all of us to do likewise.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for the life of Sandy Simmons, a woman whose life honoured you in so many ways. Thank you for the joy we have in our memories of her, and I pray, that all who need comfort in their troubles may be able to find you, the God of all comfort who waits to comfort all those who come to Him. Amen
