About Sandy: I am Sandra, the YOUNGEST of five children born to Gladys and Charlie Mixon Sr. in El Paso, Texas. I was the quiet, shy one who inherited the darker skin and exotic Hawaiian features. When I was young, my siblings would sometimes kid me about being adopted... but even then I knew that it was their way of acknowledging that it was I who looked most like our beloved mother.
As the baby of the family, I was way down on the pecking order. The good part was that I always knew I would be well taken care of. Four older siblings were enough to scare any potential bully away. The bad part was that I sometimes felt like I would get left behind by my older accomplished siblings. One thing that stands out in my mind was my father's method of making sure my development did not suffer. Dad believed in the power of "Teamwork!" Because I had difficulty learning to tie my shoes, my father decided to enlist the help of my brother and sisters by announcing that no one would be allowed to go to the Officer's Pool on Base until "WE" successfully accomplished "OUR" goal. As I remember ... that was my Dad's M.O. for many other tasks ... like learning my abc's as well as my multiplication tables. Needless to say, that did not make for a stressless atmosphere filled with sibling love. However the bottom line was that I survived the pressure brought to bear by four frustrated siblings...and "WE" found SUCCESS learning that together we could accomplish anything............(we won't mention the importance of being allowed a COOL dip in the pool as their reward!)
I married young, in 1968 and divorced in 1980. In essence, I grew up along side my two fantastic children, Michael and Sarah. They have since blessed me with 5 AWESOME grandchildren. Kyle, Jake, Shawn, Jessica, and Megan. I married the LOVE of my life on January 9,1981... Emmett Lee Jr. He was a well known figure in Jacksonville, serving on the police force as a career veteran officer for 40 years. We shared countless adventures together that are now cherished memories. I was widowed way too young on February 17, 2004. I now share my life with my two wonderful entertaining cats, Ms. Cali and Mr. Magoo in my beautiful home on the beach at "Ormond by the Sea, Florida. I am fulfilling the dreams that Emmett and I shared ... traveling in my motor home and entertaining family and friends here in my little piece of paradise. I am living life to the fullest in Gods service...with God's direction... "One Day at a Time!"
