I don’t remember exactly when we met, but I can’t remember any part of my childhood that does not include her. My father owned the local A&W Drive In and her dad delivered the hot dog and hamburger buns. Sandy Cureton is the original “Jessie’s Girl.” Sandy was obsessed with rock ‘n’ roll. We were probably a bit young to listen to the music we did, but it didn’t stop us. She loved Rick Springfield, Van Halen, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks and Pat Benatar. We hung out almost every day, especially on Saturdays. We’d meet up at her house to listen to Casey Casem’s Top 40 Countdown. We thought we were so cool because we’d cut out the Top 10 Songs listed in the paper a few days before it aired on the radio. We collected albums and 45s like some kids collected baseball cards.
Sandy was cute, but she was tough. Not in a bad girl kind of way, but in the way that she knew who she was and what she wanted and she never took any sh*t from anyone. Looking back, I can honestly say she was far more mature than me. She was more mature than most people our age. She got along well with adults and her teachers always liked her a lot. She was smart too. I guess you could say she was the compete package. A small town girl with a heart of gold.
When we were in junior high school, she had a brief fling with local bad boy Jessie Medina. I don’t remember it lasting very long, but she liked him a lot. I used to sing “Jessie’s Girl” to her all the time. So did his friends. I was never in love with Sandy, but I was definitely in awe of her. I’m not sure what she saw in me, but I’m so glad she was my best friend. I wish we had stayed closer over the years. Even though we lost touch in the early 90’s, she’s never been far from my mind or my heart.
She turned me onto Stevie Nicks. We loved Stevie because she was an Arizona girl. Somehow I managed to become this huge Stevie Nicks fan with the “Bella Donna” album, but not know she was in Fleetwood Mac. I am somewhat famous for being completely oblivious at times. Anyway, one day I was watching MTV (back when they played music videos) and the video for Fleetwood Mac’s “Hold Me” came on. I flipped out when I saw Stevie Nicks on the lounge chair in the middle of the desert. I ran to the phone and called Sandy. “Turn on MTV now! You won’t believe this!!! Stevie Nicks is in a Fleetwood Mac video!!” I was greeted with complete silence. I assumed she was as shocked as I was. “Are you there??” Finally, she spoke. “Billy, Stevie Nicks is in a Fleetwood Mac video because she’s IN Fleetwood Mac. How could you not know this?” I had to go to her house and and look at her Fleetwood Mac albums to be convinced.
In June of 1986, just after I graduated from high school, Sandy and I went to the Compton Terrace outdoor concert venue, which was owned by Stevie’s father, to see Stevie’s first post-rehab show. We got there early so we could be right up front. It was amazing. Stevie was magical. She was in her prime. I’m still a big fan of her, but her voice is nothing like it used to be. I haven’t liked any of her music in the last 10 years or so, but the stuff she put out in the 80’s was some of the best music ever made!
For my birthday one year, Sandy gave me a gift. She was working at a print shop at the time and had the lyrics to the song “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You” framed for me. Stevie had closed her concert with this song and it was one of our favorite’s. I believe it to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Sandy has been married to Eric for many years and they have two sons Wyatt and Jacob. I have no doubt that she is a great wife and mother. Unfortunately for her and her family, Sandy is battling cancer. The doctors don’t think she will live for too much longer. She’s survived it this long, so they could be wrong, but nevertheless she is preparing her family for her passing. As many of you know, my own mother is battling cancer right now, as is my Aunt Dottie and my friend Rose. Even with all these women in my life battling this horrific disease, it isn’t about me. It’s why I don’t talk about it much. I don’t really know how to feel or how to react. Last night, I cried myself to sleep thinking about Sandy, Eric, Jacob and Wyatt. I’m sure they are all being strong in the face of all this adversity, but I’m sure it is heartbreaking for them on a level I cannot comprehend. I don’t understand cancer and I don’t understand death. I’m sure Sandy’s soul will go to a most glorious and beautiful place. If there is a heaven, Sandy has certainly earned her place there.
I know that many people have had cancer rob them of loved ones. I know that it’s a tough situation to deal with and we all deal with it in our own way. All I ask is that you take a moment to say a prayer for Sandy and her family. Send good thoughts her way. Play a Stevie Nicks song today and think of her. If you smile at someone today, think of Sandy. If you open a door for someone today, do it for Sandy. Any little gesture of kindness you make on her behalf will be greatly appreciated. Her husband Eric asked me to write letters to Wyatt and Jacob and tell them about Sandy as a kid. It will be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I’m glad to do it. Our friend Wyly is going to deliver those letters to her on Friday when she goes to see her.
The song asks, “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?” Well Sandy, I have. I have written this for you, and if it’s all I ever do. This is your song. I am just a poet, a priest of nothing. I love you with all my heart and all my soul and you were the best friend this little boy could have ever had. I am a better man for having known you. You are so much a part of the man I grew into. Thank you. I wish I could take away all of your pain and replace it with love, laughter and light. Even though it’s been 17 years since I’ve seen you, I will miss you more than mere words could ever say.
Forever your best friend,
William B. Whalen
December 18, 2007
Has anyone ever written anything for you
In all your darkest hours
Have you ever heard me sing
Listen to me now
You know I'd rather be alone
Than be without you
Don't you know
Has anyone ever given anything to you
In your darkest hours
Did you ever give it back
Well, I have
I have given that to you
If it's all I ever do
This is your song
And the rain comes down
There's no pain and there's no doubt
It was easy to say
I believed in you everyday
If not for me
Then do it for the world
Has anyone ever written anything for you
In your darkest sorrow
Did you ever hear me sing
Listen to me now
You know I'd rather be alone
Than be without you
Don't you know
So, if not for me, then
Do it for yourself
If not for me then
Do it for the world
Poet...priest of nothing
Poet...priest of nothing
