Remembering Sandy: A Tribute to a Force of Nature”

In life, we often take the presence of our loved ones for granted, assuming they’ll always be there. We forget that time passes, bringing with it the inevitable changes that we may not be fully prepared for. Recently, I experienced this reality with the loss of my cousin Sandy at the age of 79.

Despite her age, Sandy always radiated the vibrant energy of her 40-year-old self whenever we talked or visited. Her outgoing personality and deep love for family defined her essence. One of the things I’ll forever treasure is how she’d randomly call and serenade me and other members of the family with loud Croatian songs, a testament to her lively spirit.hahah she was hilarious

Sandy’s passions were diverse, from her love of fishing watching the Cleveland Browns and traveling to her active participation in Croatian groups. Singing and playing her Bugarija were not just hobbies; they were expressions of her zest for life. Reflecting on our shared memories, I’m reminded of a time when I was 21, and she, at 39, picked me up on a moped for an unforgettable ride through the south side . Then we went back to my Aunt Rosie’s house and Sandy had 2 mopeds so we both went riding.

Family Christmas back in the 1970s and early 80s were great because so many of our family was living then. The elders of the family were tried and true family. They played cards, we played games At Christmas, random anytime games of name that tune, Pictionary, scrabble you name it we played it.

I think I saw many of my cousins on a daily basis, that’s how close all the families were.

Sandy and her brother Bill were my daughters Godparents.

My Cousin Sandy, and Fanny and Aunt Rose threw me a baby shower and it’s was something I will never forget. My mom wanted to help and and Sandy said , nope I’m the Godmother we got it covered Aunt Betty.

They spared no expense.

Our Uncle Steve was killed in WWII and I being a former Woodrow Wilson High Alumni, worked to get his and a few others names added to the Veterans Memorial wall. Well it took a while but when it finally was completed, my cousins Sandy and Fanny attended the dedication and that meant so much to me. Our parents would be so proud. And grandma Briglovich(Brigljevic) would be so happy that her son is being memorialized.

These moments encapsulate some of the joy and fun that Sandy brought into our lives. Losing her serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of those we hold dear. While we can’t fully prepare for such losses, we can honor their memory by celebrating the love, laughter, and adventures they shared with us.

She was a fantastic Godmother to my daughter and every one who met Sandy liked her. Because she had a great outgoing and funny personality.

In the wake of Sandy’s passing, I find solace in recalling the vivacity she brought to every interaction. This blog post serves as a tribute to a remarkable force of nature, reminding us all to cherish the time we have with our loved ones and to hold onto the memories that make life truly meaningful.

How I wish my husband and I could have attended your services today, so I could give my cousins a hug and participate in honoring your life , but both have covid.

So this is my way of honoring you today.

Until we meet again 🌸❤️

There is a Croatian Song called Fala (thank you) there are two versions I am posting them both.

One has words and one is a beautiful instrumental version.

I will post the words in Croatian and English.

Instrumental Version Fala – Thank You and Lyric Version below.

Fala

Za vsaku dobru reč,

Kaj reći si mi znala,

Za vsaki pogled tvoj,

Za vsaki smeh tvoj, fala!

Tak malo dobroga

V živlenju tu se najde,

I če je sunce čas,

Za oblak taki zajde.

A ti si v srce mi

Tak puno sunca dala.

Kaj morem ti neg’ reć:

Od vsega srca fala!

English Translation

Thank you

For each nice word,

That you used to say to me,

For each glance from you,

For each smile from you, thank you!

So little good things

Can be found in living,

And there can be sun one minute,

The next it goes behind the cloud.

And you gave to my heart

So much sunshine.

What can I do but tell you:

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Milli -Singing Fala

https://youtu.be/kQDxboEDo3s?feature=shared

Top My Mom Betty and Sandy at Barbs Wedding- Sandy Tiffany and Celina – Fanny -Me 8 months Pregnant and Sandy at my Baby Shower 1981- Next Row Tiffany and Sandy – Sandy activating glamorous and Cousin Barb and her Mom Sandy.