Sandy Crimmins, R.I.P.
I just bumped my last post about Tori turning 13 months. I'm sorry--it will publish tomorrow.
I just found out that a dear, dear friend died of unknown causes on July 2. In the fifteen or so years I've known Sandy I've watched her help run a writer's group, publish a local anthology of writers, switch from writing fiction to writing poetry, and eat fire.
Yes, she performed her poetry with a fire eater and ate fire herself.
Sandy was brilliant, crude, funny as hell, warm, and just lovely. She was the kind of person you wanted as a best friend or a big sister. I didn't see her often enough, but I loved her deeply.
For the last couple of years she and I have served together on the editorial board of Philadelphia Stories, a local literary journal. She brought much to our editorial discussions, and I will miss her presence there heartily. I hate this getting old shit. People should not be allowed to drop dead with unknown causes. EVER.
If you are interested, check out her book of poetry. You can hear her read a poem here (additional poems can be found here).
Goodbye, Sandy. You were a bright light, and the world is darker without you.
I am so sorry. You make her sound so wonderful -- what a terrible loss.
Posted by: Ericka | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 02:43 PM
she sounded like a wonderful person and friend. i'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Z | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 03:17 PM
Oh, wow, such sad news. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
Posted by: Sylvie | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Cec, IU am sorry for your loss. It sounds like she really impacted your life.
Posted by: Rachel | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 04:44 PM
I just can't believe this has happened.
I keep thinking about different memories of her and crying.
Posted by: Sarah | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 05:15 PM
I'm sorry for your loss Cecily. She sounds lovely.
Posted by: Elena | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 06:49 PM
Hugs Cecily - while her body may have passed, obviously her spirit in the tribute you have paid here will continue.
Posted by: jeanie | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 07:10 PM
I'm so sorry, Cecily.
Posted by: Toni | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 07:29 PM
:(
Posted by: Jon | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 07:38 PM
What a beautiful woman. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.
Posted by: Kim | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 08:13 PM
I'm sorry about your friend, Cecily. One of my best friends is a poet and they are a rare and beautiful breed.
Posted by: AmyinMotown | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 08:57 PM
I'm so sorry Cecily. My thoughts are with you and all who knew her. (((HUGS)))
Posted by: Nikki | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 10:45 PM
So sorry to read Cecily. Yes, getting older and having more and more friends die SUCKS.
Posted by: amy | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 10:50 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your friend Sandy. I woke up and checked my phone and I was in a half deluded state when I got your tear filled message. I know she meant alot to you.
I will see you on Sun.
Jo-Ann
Posted by: Jo-Ann | Friday, July 06, 2007 at 11:21 PM
I am so sorry for your loss.
God Bless.
Posted by: Heather | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 12:45 AM
I am so sorry for the loss of your spirit-filled friend.
(As an aside: when I lived in Philadelphia many moons ago, I worked on the editorial staff of the Painted Bride Quarterly when it was still in a print edition. I adored my time spent in contact with the vibrant arts community. Your friend's impact on that community will never fade.)
Posted by: shaynee | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 01:11 AM
Oh, I'm so sorry. The world needs strong, awesome women like her.
Posted by: R | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 01:12 AM
I am sorry. So terribly sorry.
Posted by: Janice | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 02:25 AM
I'm sorry Cecily. She sounds like a wonderful, vibrant woman and a real loss to your local community.
Posted by: labia lady | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 07:04 AM
A beautiful post, Cecily. I'm so sorry to hear this news.
Thank you for posting the links to her work.
Posted by: Meg | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 08:28 AM
I am posting on behalf of Nancy, who is computer-less and just received the tragic news. She will miss Sandy dearly.
Posted by: Nancy | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 09:32 AM
I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing your friend with us. The world is poorer for the loss of her.
Posted by: Kathleen | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 12:16 PM
I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Ally | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 04:09 PM
I wanted to send you a copy of the eulogy from Sandy's funeral, but I am not sure how to figure out your email address from your blog. I'm at DoraRose@aol.com.
Posted by: Dora | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 06:56 PM
Okay -- I figured it out and sent it to you as an attachment to an email.
Posted by: Dora | Saturday, July 07, 2007 at 07:17 PM
Sandy was my little sister. You're exactly right, she was the kind woman one would want as a sister. There's a very big hole in my life now.
Margaret Crimmins
Posted by: Margaret Crimmins | Sunday, July 08, 2007 at 03:27 PM
I second everything the others have said about Sandy. She was my dear friend for over 14 years and I am heartbroken at her loss. Dora, your eulogy was wonderful -- Can I get a copy too?
Posted by: Faith | Sunday, July 08, 2007 at 07:45 PM
Cecily, I am so sorry for your loss.
Death seems terrible to me in any form, but perhaps more so when it appears unexpectedly.
Posted by: ALG | Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 01:14 AM
Sandy was my sister. She was a huge part of my life, always giving unconditional support, always ready with an ear. I am left feeling unbalanced, I will miss her dearly.
Phil Crimmins
Posted by: Phil Crimmins | Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 10:50 PM