Slot Canyons & Life Lessons

The mother of one of Keileigh's BFF's passed away this week. Sandy was one of those 'real' nice Moms who quietly went about doing tons of things to support her children and her children's friends. She was a dedicated seamstress who made costumes for many events and helped with numerous school and church activities so that the world would be a better, happier place. The following is my contribution in her memory. To read more go to the Deseret News Obituary Guest Book.

Sandra Lee Needham Nelson Memory

My favorite Sandy memory also encapsulates the essence of Sandy’s character. It was April 2004 and several Moms & Daughters decided to go to Mesquite for Spring Break. Sandy was so excited to share a hidden slot canyon she knew about in St George. After leading us to the entrance she stepped back and some adventurous souls squeezed through the narrow opening and edged their way along several hundred claustrophobic yards to the end. Sandy knew that once we made our way up and through the narrow rock canyon we would have to figure out how to get back to the parking lot. She scrambled up and over the mountains so that she could meet us at the exit point of the canyon to guide us back to the cars. She greeted us with smiles and congrats on braving the journey and we reveled in the beauty of the vistas around us as she pointed out familiar landmarks. As we scrambled back down the mountain Sandy innocently jumped off a ledge and landed badly. She shook off the pain, thinking she could 'walk it off' but it proceeded to get worse. When we got to the hotel we arranged for a wheel chair and had grand adventures running her around for the rest of our trip. Despite the pain, she never complained and lasting memories were created to share with the GNO girls (Girls Night Out) and their Moms. When Sandy got back to Salt Lake the x-rays confirmed she had broken the ankle.

I'm grateful for Sandy's example and kind spirit. As she did years ago, Sandy has gone ahead and will meet us as we exit from the slot canyon we call life. I think there will be as much fun and adventure in that reunion as there was so many years ago on a mountain ledge in St George.