This story was excerpted from an interview in September 2026 with Sam and Sandy.

Sam It was like being 16 again. I think we’re soulmates. I think that, I really think that we’re meant to be together. 

Alli Crandell Absolutely. If I can ask you the same question, what was it like seeing him for the first time after you’ve been separated? 

Sandy Yeah, I don’t even remember. When did I see you the first time? When you came up from Florida and brought me a dozen roses, and I’m not a roses girl.

Alli Crandell Okay,

Sandy I said, buy me something and plant in the ground. Don’t ever buy me cut roses again. He never has, because I like my plants outside where I can see ’em grow, and he never did. I appreciated the roses, but because I didn’t get roses very much.