When we welcomed Sandra, 76, to ABODE in late August, she told us that she barely slept the night before because she was so excited to join us – and to hold her daughter, Joy, in her arms for the first time in six long weeks. The facility where Sandra had been did not allow in-person visits.

When the two reunited, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. They were so happy to see each other that Joy crawled into her mama’s bed and held her tight.

Sandra’s career included modeling, owning a modeling agency and then working as a sign language interpreter. The numerous flowers, cards, calls, videos and visits she received reflected how much she was loved by so many.

Sandra told us that she was ready to go meet Jesus and a dear friend of hers. And then one morning, her beloved son-in-law arrived for a visit. He sat down next to her, took her hand in his – and at that moment, she took her last breath. They were very close friends of 36 years.

Heaven is even more beautiful now with Sandra in it.