I met both Sandy and Vivian when I started attending New Life Family Church about four years ago. My husband Jeff and I usually sat in the row in front of Sandy and Vivian each Sunday. From the very beginning, they both greeted us with such love and were so welcoming. Over time, I came to expect what I would lovingly call "my Sandy Hug" every Sunday. He always had a way of loving people and genuinely connecting with them even when he didn't feel well himself. Vivian was always there by his side loving and caring for others as well. I do not know exactly when it happened but I began to think of Sandy and Vivian as parents in "Kansas City" as my parents live so far away in Texas. I am sad that the first time that I told Sandy the way I felt was when I went to visit him in the hospital. I am thankful to God for bringing Sandy into my life and I will truly miss him. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to talk with him while he was in the hospital and we spoke about God and suffering. I am so grateful that God blessed me by preparing me to share words of wisdom from God through my mouth to Sandy's ears. What a blessing it was to share a word of knowledge with such a wise man. The night I learned of Sandy's passing, I prayed to God to let me just see Sandy just for one moment...then I fell asleep and I began to dream. In my dream, I first saw a beautiful field with carefree children running, playing and releasing balloons into the air. Then I saw Sandy walking with his hands in the pockets of his jeans. He was smiling as he walked toward a group of men who were smiling and welcoming him to join them. It seemed as though they knew each other. What a blessing that dream was for me!! I will forever remember Sandy and celebrate his life and the way that God used him to touch the lives of so many!!! I love You Vivian, and I am praying for you and all of your family. God Bless You All, Laura Linkinhoker