Lunch with Sandy
I’ve known Sandy Martinez-Pino for some 35 years. While covering boxing for the Albuquerque Journal, I came to rely on Sandy — a devoted steward of the sport on many different levels — for her knowledge, expertise and counsel.
Sandy, suffering from heart problems, died on Sept. 28 at age 65. Her funeral service today (Oct. 10) at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church was attended by family, friends, Albuquerque Police Department co-workers and people from the boxing community.
I talked with Sandy frequently over the years, exchanging information and opinions. Usually, we talked on the phone, or at events that she was working and I was covering. Occasionally, though, we’d meet for lunch.
The last time we’d done lunch was about a year ago at a West Side Italian restaurant. That day, I arrived before her, and — as I got out of my car — realized I had no money. I’d left home without my money clip.
“Sandy, I’m sorry,” I said when she arrived, “but I’m broke.” Of course, she said, “No problem, I’ve got it.” And, of course, I said, “Thanks, I’ll get the next one.”
But, then, there wasn’t a next one.
I’d seen Sandy at boxing or MMA events at least a couple of times since that lunch last fall, but it never occurred to me to say, “Hey, let’s do lunch. It’s my turn.”
I’m not sure I believe in ESP, but in recent days my lousy manners had been on my mind. One day soon, I told myself, I needed to make that call.
Then, when my wife and I were on vacation in Phoenix, I got word that Sandy had passed away.
Maybe, Sandy, this apology is too little, too late.
But when my time comes and if I manage to join you in The Good Place — and I have no doubt there are some terrific restaurants up there — lunch is on me.
Sandy, suffering from heart problems, died on Sept. 28 at age 65. Her funeral service today (Oct. 10) at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church was attended by family, friends, Albuquerque Police Department co-workers and people from the boxing community.
I talked with Sandy frequently over the years, exchanging information and opinions. Usually, we talked on the phone, or at events that she was working and I was covering. Occasionally, though, we’d meet for lunch.
The last time we’d done lunch was about a year ago at a West Side Italian restaurant. That day, I arrived before her, and — as I got out of my car — realized I had no money. I’d left home without my money clip.
“Sandy, I’m sorry,” I said when she arrived, “but I’m broke.” Of course, she said, “No problem, I’ve got it.” And, of course, I said, “Thanks, I’ll get the next one.”
But, then, there wasn’t a next one.
I’d seen Sandy at boxing or MMA events at least a couple of times since that lunch last fall, but it never occurred to me to say, “Hey, let’s do lunch. It’s my turn.”
I’m not sure I believe in ESP, but in recent days my lousy manners had been on my mind. One day soon, I told myself, I needed to make that call.
Then, when my wife and I were on vacation in Phoenix, I got word that Sandy had passed away.
Maybe, Sandy, this apology is too little, too late.
But when my time comes and if I manage to join you in The Good Place — and I have no doubt there are some terrific restaurants up there — lunch is on me.
That is nice. She was an amazing person. Accomplished, and knowledgeable. She is remembered fondly.
ReplyDeleteSandy will be deeply remembered. She was a great person in the Albuquerque community who contributed a lot to so many.
ReplyDelete