When you think about people you have known for a long time you expect that they have been a big influence in your life. But when you have only known someone for a short time and they have made an impact on you, you see that they are truly special.

This is the case with Sandy Allen. I met Sandy about a year and a half ago when I became good friends with her daughter Torey. Right away I was touched by her kindness and obvious love for her children and family. Whenever I went to their house I was greeted with a smile and a conversation about how things were going with me. Sandy was always upbeat and happy.

I don’t usually talk to adults, but Sandy was different. She is just really easy to talk to and share with. I remember Torey and I had both read the book the “Virgin Suicides” and we went out to eat and discussed the book and the topic in it for a really long time. Her unjudgmental attitude and openness made her easy to talk to.

I was recently in a car accident and Sandy witnessed it and rushed to help. She was asked to leave the site because I was really scared but she was at the hospital and helped us through it. She helped us in the room and drove us home and got us settled in. She was so open and willing to help us. She is a social worker so I suppose that this is a natural reaction of hers but she really helped my mom and I through a rough and very scary time.

Though I have only known Sandy for a short time, she is an example of a strong kind person and mother. She is a great person who is a strong woman with strong character and love for her family. She is a wonderful woman and a great role model. I will always look to her strength in times that I’m complaining about nothing, and will always remember her smiling face greeting me. She is a great lady that I am glad to have the pleasure to know.