Friday, February 24, 2023

Remembering Sandy

 



Life is strange. Life is also short. But once in a while we find ourselves crossing paths with another person that changes our lives in so many ways that when we look back, we seem to be unable to fathom what it once used to be. 

For many people who frequent Twitch live streams and more specifically Twitch music, that person was Sandy. 

SandyRay as he was known, passed away on February 6th, 2023. His absence is felt so strongly these past few days as Twitch communities far and wide only learned of his passing on February 22nd. As they say, "the shock waves are being felt around the world." 

Sandy was a very well-known person and very well loved and adored by so many within the Twitch community. 

He was an extremely supportive person. He was there for so many Twitch streamers when they were just getting started. He was there when he came across someone that was new to him. His encouragement, support, and love were unwavering and loyal towards all whom he met. He knew many by their first names, he reached out to those who were in their hour of need. 

He particularly gave the exact words that people needed to hear in their lives at the right moment so that others could gain the strength to endure in whatever trials and tribulations that they faced.

When Sandy began to stream personally, it surprised many people of his musical talents that he had not yet shared publicly with the world on the platform of Twitch. Everyone was struck in awe. 

And then the moment happened in which I personally believe began his legacy in this world. He opened up to his own community, sharing bits and pieces of his personal life. I remember being there watching his stream when he began to talk about a few things that were personal to him. I remember how his own community began to show their own support for Sandy. The response was overwhelming. 

And through his heartfelt actions, he performed a song that he wrote on his stream. That song is called "Silver Linings." 

I recall everyone saying that they were in tears. Sandy himself was even in tears. The powerful message within his song was something that nobody could avoid. 



When you feel so out of place, and the smile on your face has turned into endless worry Don't lose your hope, the battle is far from over Just reach out your hand, I will be with you 'til the end [Chorus] You're not alone, I'll help you fight, and break away the walls so you can see the light So then you'll know, which way to go, there are better days just around the corner.



This was very serious. And everyone could sense it. Every person that ever visited his stream could feel it in their soul. And they all found their very own personal connection to the song. 

I have very many fond memories of Sandy with interactions with him on Twitch. To the point where I called him a "rockstar" and he called me "brother." Those who know me personally know that if I am calling you by a nickname that I came up with, it is really a term of endearment. 

Sandy's reach and influence is quite vast. There are countless communities that he was a part of. So many different families along the way, all shared through a common bond of a live streaming platform. The sad news of Sandy's passing has trickled down through countless people. 

I cannot help but feel that Sandy not only wrote "Silver Linings" for himself, but also for all of us! 

The lyrics are very telling. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 

I hope that we can remember that throughout our various Twitch communities and families that we have, that we can realize that we are not alone, that we have one another. And we can get through this together. 

Let us remember that Sandy was there for all of us. Let us remember that he is forever with us in our hearts and in our minds, and the memory of him - his strength, encouragement, love, and respect will remain within us for the rest of our own lives. 

Do not be afraid to call upon each other when you are finding yourself in your own time of need, in your loneliest hours. We are here for each other. We do not have to bear our loads alone. Sandy told all of this in his song. 

Sandy, my brother, I love you. And I told you that so many times while you were still here with us.

Now that you are no longer here in our presence, our hearts are heavy. Thank you for the most precious gift that was you. Eternally we will be grateful for you and all that you had done for us. 




1 comment:

  1. This is absolutely beautiful and presented perfectly. Thank you for this, sending you love and peace 💜

    ReplyDelete