He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak
Isaiah 40:29
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Testimonials of Sandi's Impact on You
Sandi was always wanting to have an impact on her world. The family invites you to comment on how Sandi made a difference in your life. The family would love to read how she did that for you. Ron
I knew Sandi for over 24 years, during those years we were brought together several times to do Gods work. The first time was at Harvard Church when Andy and I were youth leaders and Justin and Kevin were part of our youth group. Sandi was such an encouragement; she offered their home to us for youth meetings and provided great snacks! She and Ron eventually took over the youth group and continued to love many teens to Christ. The second time, was when we were being called to go to Japan as missionaries. We had a teenage Eritrean boy (Michael) living with us. We were very concerned for Michael and we wouldn’t leave until a suitable family was found to care for him. Sandi (and Ron) lovingly took Michael in and loved him as one of their own sons. Michael is a man today and I can say that Sandi had a lot of influence in his upbringing. The third time, was several years ago when I was looking for an ESL teacher to teach for us at Pierce College. Out of the blue, I thought about Sandi and gave her a call. She accepted my offer and taught ESL at Sumner High School in the evenings. Soon, she moved on campus and taught classes there. Then, Sandi left to teach in a school district. Occasionally, we would run into each other at a wedding or another function. Then again, last March I had another opening at Pierce College for an ESL reading teacher and sure enough I called Sandi. She was thrilled to come back. Her last quarter with us was a good one. She felt good about her teaching and she knew that God was using her in the lives of her students. Often, she would drop by my office to chat and to share yet another story about her students; their growth, their struggles and their goals. I believe she had found her niche. In August, I chatted with Sandi about her illness, she assured me that God was in control but that she couldn’t return to teaching. I assured her that I would always have a place for her. There are several students who will be coming with me to her memorial; they are Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, but they all have one thing in common - they loved teacher Sandi! Goodnight Friend Marie Kyllo
I have known Sandi for just the last few years through Pierce College. I used to go to her class in Sumner to proctor tests and we would often chat while the students were testing. She was a wonderful teacher and you could tell she took a genuine interest in all her students. Randomly last year, I ran into Sandi at jury duty in Tacoma. This was my first time at jury duty and I was so happy to see a familiar face in the crowd! We spent the day chatting and laughing- talking about her husband's business, what it's like to get on a Jury, how she would like to return to teaching at Pierce, her sons and grandchildren, and last but not least we talked about business ideas. I confided in her that I have always wanted to start my own business or invent something and get out of the 8-5. So we started thinking of off-the-wall ideas and I wrote them down in the back of my planner. I need to dig out that planner as I don't remember all the ideas but one we came up with sticks out in my mind....it was to make what I called "pimped-out honey buckets!":) The idea was to rent out nicer portable bathrooms that were decked out for weddings, parties, etc. She suggested draping fabric on the entrance and I suggested a disco ball on the ceiling. I don't know how we got to that one but it was hilarious and we had a good time talking about it. I didn't know Sandi that well but this small moment is one I will never forget. She was a genuine, kind, life-loving person and I cannot believe that she is gone. This memory reminds me that we have dreams and that we should enjoy life and treasure every moment, even when we are stuck at Jury Duty! Thanks Sandi....we will miss you. :)
Life was very good to me when you reached out your hand to a nine year old at a new school and her name was Cassy. You also allowed me to be a very small part of your family by allowing me to come over for sleepovers. The next years brought us East Jr Hign & PHS. I do remember you meeting Ron Olson because it was the day before my 18th birthday and you were so very happy about this new guy. The following years brought marriage, kids, and grandkids. We may have not spoken every day, week, or month but I knew all I had to do was pick up the phone and we would be the friends we always were.So my friend when I talked to again it well be the same as yesterday. Love, Cassy
My Dear Friend, Sandi, came in to my life while we were at Puyallup High School. I had moved to Puyallup High from a small town and had made very few close friends-then Sandi came along and we had an instant connection and friendship and became inseparable. That ability to connect so quickly and easily with others was there even back then. We had so very many fun times together! Riding together to school every day,going to school ball games and wrestling matches, spending many nights at each others houses. It made my last year at Puyallup High wonderful! Her life changed quickly when she met Ron the spring of our senior year. They soon became inseparable-but we had already made plans to attend Western Wash. State College together-so off we went in the fall. We were roommates-and what an excellent one she was. We shared clothes, laughs, new friends, decorated our room together-but part of Sandi was always in Puyallup with Ron. He was a frequent Bellingham visitor that fall-even piercing my ears on one of his visits! The separation from each other became too much and Sandi left Western after one quarter to be nearer to Ron. Before too long I was a bridesmaid in their wedding, then was attending her baby shower. Sandi and I kept in contact after that-but her life went in a different direction: a husband, house, kids-very different from my college life. But, Sandi has always been one of those friends that you can just pick up a conversation with no matter how much time has past. So, we had many wonderful visits over the years. I was thrilled when Sandi went back to school to become a teacher-and even more thrilled when she did her student teaching in the classroom next door to mine. And then-she was hired and became a teacher in the same building. What fun to be together again after those many years! Sandi was a wonderful teacher-kind, caring and nurturing with her students. She definitely made a difference in each and every one of their lives. It was my pleasure to send as many of my third grade students as possible to Mrs. Olson's 4th grade class. Sandi eventually moved to a differnt building-we no longer saw each other daily. And, as her family grew with the addition of in-laws and grandkids we talked less and less-her life was full with family, friends and her church. I loved the times we did visit-hearing about the exploits of the Olson Clan. I remember how thrilled she was when the grandaughters came along-finally some girls for her to dote upon! I will always hold a special place in my heart for my dear and kind friend. I will miss you, Sandi. Love, Molly
I am so thankful for Sandi who welcomed me to Harvard when I said “Yes, I will go there for church” when our churches merged and became one church on two campuses. I learned so much from her of the habits and traits of a virtuous woman when she and Ron lead our Romans 12 class last year. To sit at her feet was a blessing and an honor. It was a conversation we had at her table earlier this year, along with Kerm and Tricia during our fellowship dinner, which had me starting to read Joel Rosenberg and to pay more attention to what is happening over in Israel. I want to say thank you to Ron for sharing your beautiful wife with us at Harvard. She will be missed by all. Your sister in Christ, Tammy Dolan
I have been thinking that I really didn't know Sandi even though I've known of her and interacted with her for about 5 years. Yet today I realize I knew the best part of her; her love and passion for Jesus. She reflected His grace and compassion to all. We shared a deep desire to know God more intimately and clearly saw our shortcomings yet we were confident in His great love and mercy for us.
I am looking forward to sharing eternity with her praising God together.
Ron thank you for reminding me that our tears are tears of joy even though we are sad Sandi is not here with us.
I knew Sandi for over 24 years, during those years we were brought together several times to do Gods work. The first time was at Harvard Church when Andy and I were youth leaders and Justin and Kevin were part of our youth group. Sandi was such an encouragement; she offered their home to us for youth meetings and provided great snacks! She and Ron eventually took over the youth group and continued to love many teens to Christ. The second time, was when we were being called to go to Japan as missionaries. We had a teenage Eritrean boy (Michael) living with us. We were very concerned for Michael and we wouldn’t leave until a suitable family was found to care for him. Sandi (and Ron) lovingly took Michael in and loved him as one of their own sons. Michael is a man today and I can say that Sandi had a lot of influence in his upbringing. The third time, was several years ago when I was looking for an ESL teacher to teach for us at Pierce College. Out of the blue, I thought about Sandi and gave her a call. She accepted my offer and taught ESL at Sumner High School in the evenings. Soon, she moved on campus and taught classes there. Then, Sandi left to teach in a school district. Occasionally, we would run into each other at a wedding or another function. Then again, last March I had another opening at Pierce College for an ESL reading teacher and sure enough I called Sandi. She was thrilled to come back. Her last quarter with us was a good one. She felt good about her teaching and she knew that God was using her in the lives of her students. Often, she would drop by my office to chat and to share yet another story about her students; their growth, their struggles and their goals. I believe she had found her niche. In August, I chatted with Sandi about her illness, she assured me that God was in control but that she couldn’t return to teaching. I assured her that I would always have a place for her. There are several students who will be coming with me to her memorial; they are Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, but they all have one thing in common - they loved teacher Sandi!
ReplyDeleteGoodnight Friend
Marie Kyllo
I have known Sandi for just the last few years through Pierce College. I used to go to her class in Sumner to proctor tests and we would often chat while the students were testing. She was a wonderful teacher and you could tell she took a genuine interest in all her students. Randomly last year, I ran into Sandi at jury duty in Tacoma. This was my first time at jury duty and I was so happy to see a familiar face in the crowd! We spent the day chatting and laughing- talking about her husband's business, what it's like to get on a Jury, how she would like to return to teaching at Pierce, her sons and grandchildren, and last but not least we talked about business ideas. I confided in her that I have always wanted to start my own business or invent something and get out of the 8-5. So we started thinking of off-the-wall ideas and I wrote them down in the back of my planner. I need to dig out that planner as I don't remember all the ideas but one we came up with sticks out in my mind....it was to make what I called "pimped-out honey buckets!":) The idea was to rent out nicer portable bathrooms that were decked out for weddings, parties, etc. She suggested draping fabric on the entrance and I suggested a disco ball on the ceiling. I don't know how we got to that one but it was hilarious and we had a good time talking about it. I didn't know Sandi that well but this small moment is one I will never forget. She was a genuine, kind, life-loving person and I cannot believe that she is gone. This memory reminds me that we have dreams and that we should enjoy life and treasure every moment, even when we are stuck at Jury Duty! Thanks Sandi....we will miss you. :)
ReplyDeleteSandi my Friend,
ReplyDeleteLife was very good to me when you reached out your hand to a nine year old at a new school and her name was Cassy. You also allowed me to be a very small part of your family by allowing me to come over for sleepovers. The next years brought us East Jr Hign & PHS. I do remember you meeting Ron Olson because it was the day before my 18th birthday and you were so very happy about this new guy. The following years brought marriage, kids, and grandkids. We may have not spoken every day, week, or month but I knew all I had to do was pick up the phone and we would be the friends we always were.So my friend when I talked to again it well be the same as yesterday. Love, Cassy
My Dear Friend, Sandi, came in to my life while we were at Puyallup High School. I had moved to Puyallup High from a small town and had made very few close friends-then Sandi came along and we had an instant connection and friendship and became inseparable. That ability to connect so quickly and easily with others was there even back then. We had so very many fun times together! Riding together to school every day,going to school ball games and wrestling matches, spending many nights at each others houses. It made my last year at Puyallup High wonderful! Her life changed quickly when she met Ron the spring of our senior year. They soon became inseparable-but we had already made plans to attend Western Wash. State College together-so off we went in the fall. We were roommates-and what an excellent one she was. We shared clothes, laughs, new friends, decorated our room together-but part of Sandi was always in Puyallup with Ron. He was a frequent Bellingham visitor that fall-even piercing my ears on one of his visits! The separation from each other became too much and Sandi left Western after one quarter to be nearer to Ron. Before too long I was a bridesmaid in their wedding, then was attending her baby shower. Sandi and I kept in contact after that-but her life went in a different direction: a husband, house, kids-very different from my college life. But, Sandi has always been one of those friends that you can just pick up a conversation with no matter how much time has past. So, we had many wonderful visits over the years. I was thrilled when Sandi went back to school to become a teacher-and even more thrilled when she did her student teaching in the classroom next door to mine. And then-she was hired and became a teacher in the same building. What fun to be together again after those many years! Sandi was a wonderful teacher-kind, caring and nurturing with her students. She definitely made a difference in each and every one of their lives. It was my pleasure to send as many of my third grade students as possible to Mrs. Olson's 4th grade class. Sandi eventually moved to a differnt building-we no longer saw each other daily. And, as her family grew with the addition of in-laws and grandkids we talked less and less-her life was full with family, friends and her church. I loved the times we did visit-hearing about the exploits of the Olson Clan. I remember how thrilled she was when the grandaughters came along-finally some girls for her to dote upon! I will always hold a special place in my heart for my dear and kind friend. I will miss you, Sandi.
ReplyDeleteLove, Molly
I am so thankful for Sandi who welcomed me to Harvard when I said “Yes, I will go there for church” when our churches merged and became one church on two campuses. I learned so much from her of the habits and traits of a virtuous woman when she and Ron lead our Romans 12 class last year. To sit at her feet was a blessing and an honor. It was a conversation we had at her table earlier this year, along with Kerm and Tricia during our fellowship dinner, which had me starting to read Joel Rosenberg and to pay more attention to what is happening over in Israel. I want to say thank you to Ron for sharing your beautiful wife with us at Harvard. She will be missed by all. Your sister in Christ, Tammy Dolan
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking that I really didn't know Sandi even though I've known of her and interacted with her for about 5 years. Yet today I realize I knew the best part of her; her love and passion for Jesus. She reflected His grace and compassion to all. We shared a deep desire to know God more intimately and clearly saw our shortcomings yet we were confident in His great love and mercy for us.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to sharing eternity with her praising God together.
Ron thank you for reminding me that our tears are tears of joy even though we are sad Sandi is not here with us.