My name is Len Leatherwood and I am Sandra’s sister-in-law. My nieces requested I say a few words about their mother today.
Sandra had a quality that is undeniable: she never gave up.
She never gave up when she was a little girl in Korea and she picked up coal from the ground that American serviceman tossed down from trains to help keep the people warm through a cold winter.
She never gave up when her mother had to take her to an orphanage and leave her there so she wouldn’t starve to death.
She never gave up when she arrived in little Bonham, Texas, with her new brother, Jimmy, and joined the Adams family, Jesse, Ethelmore and her new big brother, Mike.
She never gave up when she headed off to college, became an RN and set out on a lifetime of service to veterans, some of whom could have been those very men who helped save her life in Korea.
She never gave up once she married my brother George, whom she stood steadfastly by through his battle with alcoholism and then twenty years of sobriety before they faced his ultimate challenge: his own fight and premature death from cancer, a disease that had begun to plague her, as well.
She never gave up on her three beloved daughters, Leslie, Katie, and Mahlon, who she has guided, stood by and supported throughout their lives.
And she never gave up on her own very long fight with cancer, from which she bounced back time after time to the point that most of us wonder if she won’t be walking in that door in just a minute, saying, “No, I’m still here.”
The truth is that Sandra is still here and will be forever for those of us who have had the privilege of knowing her well.
A woman who three weeks before her death insisted on going to CVS to use all of her coupons.
A woman who two weeks before her death was still planning a trip to Florida because she couldn’t take those airline points with her.
A woman on the day of her death who knew she was loved and could die in peace.
Sandra’s life is a testament to enduring the toughest of challenges and still living each day with presence and grace, with a twist of humor tossed in for good measure.
We are all better people for having known her and can strive to live our lives as she has taught us: Never give up!
Thank you.
20 Minutes a Day 
Len- What precious words to honor Sandra, and what a lovely gift for her daughters. You have set the bar high for aunties everywhere. Thanks for sharing– Cynthia
Thank you so much, Cynthia. It was an honor to be asked by my sweet nieces to speak at their mother’s memorial service.
Dear Len: What a beautiful tribute to Sandra, whose strength and essense you so aptly captured. I know how important your description of Sandra’s indomitable spirit was to her daughters, her larger circle of family, and to her dear friends. Your tribute was exceedingly well done. I am very sorry to not have been able to attend…….
What a great reunion in Heaven is being held! Your mother was so very, very fond of Sandra…Sandra was a such a unique, strong person that she did have a special spot in the hearts of many. You captured her so well, Len, that I can imagine how terrible gratified all present were to hear your beautiful tribute. I was very regretful to not have been with all. Having made the commitment to do so, long ago, I was assisting in hosting the “Uncle Alex” Waugh home on Church Street, as part of the Bastrop County Historical Society’s Tour of Homes. The current owner, Mrs. Chris Cartwright, had it decked out in resplendent glory. It seemed important to have a ‘family member’ there, and I enjoyed it, but my heart was really elsewhere that day, in Leonard with all of you. Once again, a well done job to your credit, Len, on Sandra’s Memorial – Blessings from Suzanne
Thank you so much, Suzanne. We missed seeing you, but certainly understand why you couldn’t make the trek. It was a wonderful event. Lots of heartfelt words and beautiful original music. Sandra was pleased, I am certain! Love to you.