Celebrating Sandi

We all have people that come in and out of our personal and professional lives. But there are always a few that stand out and really leave an impression.

In the fall of 2007, after doing a search for a local designer who could help me create a prototype for my Katie doll, I happened to call Sandi Wheeler.

Long story short…She agreed to work with me to create Katie only having a rough illustration to go by.  Sandi was a dream to work with and it wasn’t long before I had a fabulous sample doll for the manufacturer to go by. Less than a year later, my first shipment of Katie dolls arrived and they are now in stores and in the arms of hundreds of children.

First Katie Prototype-designed by Sandi Wheeler

Sandi helped make one of my little dreams come true, only I wish I would have taken the time to let her know how much I truly appreciated her and her talent.

You see…on July 8, 2009 Sandi Wheeler passed away.

I don’t know the details of her death. I didn’t know her family well, but I can only imagine how devastated they are. I did have the opportunity to meet her husband, Ben, one afternoon while we met at her home to discuss the design. He was very warm and welcoming and I so appreciate him tolerating the hours she spent working on my “little” project.

I am so grateful to Jean Fox, a friend of Sandi’s and fellow artist who was kind enough to email me and let me know about her passing. Jean got to know Sandi through a the North Central Texas Mixed Media group. Thank you Jean.

It’s still hard to believe she is gone, and  so suddenly. I wish I could have had the chance to see her one more time. But I one thing I do know is that she is in the BEST of hands.

God bless you Sandi, we’ll miss you. And while you are up there … give my father a big hug and my little Katie too.  Please tell them I love them.

Kristine