I still remember what it felt like to receive pure love. And I miss her so much. Rest in peace, Sandy. You made a difference.
Born the day after my parents divorced, I was eventually raised by my mom and stepdad. He was an alcoholic biker, carrying the trauma of his service in the Vietnam War. One time, he held our family hostage when my mom threatened to leave him. It ended when he passed out drunk, but not before he broke Mom’s collarbone with the butt of a shotgun. She went back to him three days later. Hurt people hurt people, and she proved this by abusing us five kids, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The only bright spot I remember from childhood was getting a golden retriever puppy for my seventh birthday. Sandy was the best girl. She quickly became my only friend in the entire world. When I was beaten, Sandy would literally seek me out to comfort me. So many times, I wrapped my arms tightly around her and bawled my tiny eyes out. She never flinched. just let me hold her until my tears soaked into her yellow fur. All too soon, she got sick and passed away. I lost the best friend I ever knew. She was only in my life for a year, but I’ll always cherish her memory. Forty-five years later, I still remember what it felt like to receive pure love. And I miss her so much. Rest in peace, Sandy. You made a difference.
