Sandi was one of a kind. She and Don would be out on their porch most nights, ready to share a kind word or a joke with anyone who happened to be walking by. They were the Mom and Dad of Chestnut street. The best neighbors you could hope for. Sandi was the reason my husband fell in love with Muscatine. She's the reason we packed up our life and our 9 year old and twin babies to try it out. She showed my family how good-natured and welcoming the people of Iowa really were. I know Sandi didn’t have children of her own, but it seemed like anyone who knew her felt like she had the comforting nature of a mother. We all wanted Sandi to be our mom. We had some of our biggest laughs on Sandi’s porch. We moved to Iowa knowing only Sandi and Don. We built a life there, found our people. Even when we left Iowa a few years later, we fully intended on coming back yearly to see that wonderful couple. The dynamic duo that was Sandi and Don was worth keeping around as much as you could. Ahh, Sandi. The world is a darker place knowing you no longer are in your chair on your porch. Surrounded by your adorable themed by the season decorations and knickknacks. You will be remembered by us Byrne’s. I want to be in Iowa as soon as I can, pouring out some Milwaukee’s best light in your honor.

Oh Sandi,
Meeting you that summer Cory and I moved in upstairs from you on Chestnut, was the greatest surprise Muscatine had for me. I will never forget how quickly hanging out on the porch would become a nightly event, and some of the best times of my life. I never told you the day I found out my time in Muscatine would be cut short, and I would be headed back home. My heart sank to the bottom of my belly over the thought of not seeing you again. I knew that I couldn’t let that happen. You stole my heart the first time you called me a Goofy Fu#%er,and asked how AC/DC I was. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d be back for years to come, ready to make you laugh. My heart broke when I found out I would actually never see you again. The tears come at random, and I can’t control them. The tears are always come with the memories of the time we had together. From me passing out on your sisters lawn, to dancing at a Salt Lake Abby’s street concert, to talking about log cabins, in Colorado till the sun came up. Even with tears, these memories will always bring a smile to my face. I know they are the remedy I need to stitch my heart back together. I will be thinking of you till the end of time, and the love that has grown in my heart for you will continue to grow for even longer.
I’ll love you forever Sandi!
Lance