sandy richards’

Featured Projects

Podcast: Child Loss, Community & Healing | A Far Cry From Home

What happens after a parent loses a child? In this deeply moving conversation, Sandy Richards shares the unimaginable journey of losing her son, Tyler, and the grief that followed. From panic attacks in grocery store aisles to the quiet moments where memories suddenly take your breath away, Sandy speaks honestly about what child loss really looks like. But this story is also about something more powerful than grief. It’s about the friends who showed up when she needed them most, a community that refused to let her grieve alone, and the unexpected way Sandy began to process her pain—by writing. What started as personal healing eventually became her published book A Far Cry…From Home, written through the eyes of Tyler. Together, Jaime and Sandy talk about the reality of trauma reminders, sibling grief, community support, and how purpose can grow from the deepest pain. This episode is a reminder that while grief never disappears, love, connection, and legacy can carry us forward. If you or someone you love is navigating loss, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone.
 

The Radiant Project

The Radiant Project is a grassroots documentary series about individuals who empower others to be leaders, because of their willingness to be courageous and vulnerable. We discovered that in true leadership people don’t do what you say, they follow who you are. The people who were nominated to be featured in our series are evidence of the joy life holds and the impact one person can have when focused on giving their whole self to the people around them. Follow The Radiant Project on Facebook or YouTube.

Sandy Richards, her son Austin Richards, and others were interviewed for The Radiant Project’s “Help Me Heal” documentary series. The goal of this series was to empower leaders to be unafraid to shine their light and use that light to create a loving, connected world, starting with their own self-love, then their relationships and their community.

Eye Of Fear: An Anthology

Sandy Richards was delighted to collaborate with best selling and award winning authors: Lauren Algeo, Marisa Oldham, Angie Martin, Sloane Kady, Gledé Browne Kabongo, Shay Lynam, Heather Osborne, and Jalpa Williby to create Eye of Feat: An Anthology.

These deliciously frightening and reflective tales of phobias listed below will cause your heart to race and your body to perspire. Many individuals suffer from mental illness, and some suffer silently. The authors take mental illness very seriously, so they decided to use their talent to help. All proceeds will be donated to National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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Heaven’s Hell by Sandy Richards: Ernie had a devil of a time with life; nevertheless, salvation came calling surrounded by hellish circumstances.

The First Step by Marisa Oldham & Angie Martin: Following a terrifying ordeal, Adele has wrapped herself up in the comfort of her own home for the past four years. Can one man bring her the courage she needs to take the first step into a new world?

A Mind’s Undoing by Sloane Kady: Inside Kate lived a fear so profound even sanity couldn’t reason with it and reality couldn’t shake it from its foundation. When her greatest fear comes knocking, will she recognize it, or will it push her farther into a world of her mind’s making?

Mark of Deceit by Glede Browne Kabongo: Ambitious career girl Natalie Grainger Fox is in for the fight of her life when she becomes the unwilling recipient of a computer flash drive that could bring about the collapse of her employer—a global powerhouse that may be guilty of financial fraud and cold-blooded murder.

Unreal by Shay Lynam: When a glitch in the system traps three teens inside a virtual reality, they must band together and face their worst fears in hopes of finding a way out.

Jezebel’s Embrace by Heather Osborne: With an abusive mother dominating every aspect of her life, Lilith has grown to fear intimacy and touch. When she finally manages to escape, the death of a kindly lady draws her back. Will Lilith learn to conquer her fear, or will it consume her, mind and soul?

Touch of the Untouchables by Jalpa Williby: Zak has only known one way of life: stay inside the wall. When a forbidden excursion goes wrong, he meets up with an enemy of unknown danger. In facing his worst fear, he is forced to question everything that has been his world and determine his own reality.

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A great book to share with your grandchildren! It brings out all the love between a grandma and her grandchildren through the simple things done when spending time together.

Grammy Do... Review

Sandy Richards has captured the essence of what it means to be a “Grammy”. Experiencing the joys of sharing life with your grandchildren are some of the most precious memories we can make. I loved reading her book and look forward to sharing it with my grandchildren!

Cheryl M.
Grammy Do... Review

Sandy Richards’ picture book for children, grades K-3, Green Snakes on the Ceiling, is a marvelous resource for anyone interested in challenging kids to think creatively. Along the way, they’ll be learning that dreaded subject, grammar, in a decidedly pleasant manner. I loved how each page makes you think a bit about the relationships being presented and how they merge with the pages surrounding them. Ella Rose’s pictures work so well with the premise of this outstanding educational resource. Her animal pictures are whimsical and fun; she even makes earwigs seem a little less awful with her clever treatment of them. I’d love to see this book used for adults who are learning English as a second language or have literacy issues. Unlike many children’s books, the subject matter is presented in a way that is not childish. The issues and aspects of language presented are crucial ones for ESL learners to master. Green Snakes on the Ceiling is most highly recommended.

Jack M.
Green Snakes on the Ceiling Review

Who is there to wipe away your tears when you cry? Who is it that puts a twinkle in your eyes? Grandma can. Grammy Do… by Sandy Richards is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that a child will enjoy reading over and over again. In reading Grammy Do… you will feel the connection between the child and their grandmother. Grammy Do… tells the personal story in rhyme of author Sandy Richards and illustrator Lori Hohmann’s adventures in being grandmothers. Grammy Do… shows the essence of fun and enlightenment that they feel in being a grandmother. To a child, their grandmother is their best friend. Children can feel the unconditional love, warmth, comfort and compassion that only a grandmother can give as told by Sandy Richards and illustrated by Lori Hohmann. As I read Grammy Do… I saw the story not only through the eyes of Sandy Richards and Lori Hohmann, but also through the eyes of a child. In Grammy Do… you will see that special bond between the child and their grandmother. Grandmothers are so special because they allow the child to do things that their parents otherwise wouldn’t allow them to do. The grandmother will always hold a… Read more “Vernita N.”

Vernita N.
Grammy Do... Review

This was a gift for my mother, my kids Grandmother, and she LOVES reading it to both her grandkids. Grammy Do…is a perfect book for grandma’s to read to their grandchildren to help explain the love they have for them. The illustrations are colorful and fun to look at. My 2 y/o and 4 y/o truly enjoyed listening to their grandma read this book numerous times.

Grammy Do... Review

I knew about the accident from many years ago as I live in the area, and have had the pleasure to work with Sandy over the last year. Reading this from Tyler’s perspective, I felt like I was standing right next to him witnessing and feeling everything as he might have at that moment. Emotional, raw and very very real all in one. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us Sandy!

Jennifer H.
A Far Cry...From Home Review

This book was amazing! Sandy is a great author and did an awesome job telling Tyler’s side of the story.

Michelle
A Far Cry...From Home Review

A sweetly written, beautifully illustrated children’s book about the special relationship between grammy’s and their grandbabies. Written to delight a small child. My second one purchased. One for me and this one for a gift.

Grammy Do... Review

Where to begin. I laughed, I cried, I smiled. Sandy has an incredible way of writing. I actually could feel her emotions. I am a mother of 2 grown sons myself. There were times I had to put the book down and have a good cry, I could feel her hurt. And to know her personally, I hurt for her and her family even more. As a parent this is the exact thing we fear most. Losing our children before we pass, it’s unnatural. Then never-ending question of, why me? I never knew Tyler but everytime I see Monarch Butterflies now, I smile and think of his wonderful beautiful mom. Sandy and Joe, enjoy your retirement.

Kevin S.
A Far Cry...From Home Review

Words can not describe what this book means to anyone the was blessed to know the author and her son. I have read it 10 times and it never gets old. It is truly an expression of a mother’s love. Sandy Richards thank you for writing this wonderful book and keeping your amazing son’s spirit alive.

Brittany T.
A Far Cry...From Home Review

A mother’s pain, a son’s reflections, a family’s joy and grief. All play out in this skillfully crafted memoir of that incredibly painful journey which is the loss of a child. The author tells the story from the eyes of her departed son, making the story even more touching. If you have ever lost a family member, you will both cry and heal as you read this wonderful book.

L. Paul
A Far Cry...From Home Review

I read this book to three of my five grandchildren. They loved it and were amazed that other Nanas do these things too! My three-year-old granddaughter giggled and giggled every time we said Grammy Do! It was a real hit.

Grammy Do... Review

Green Snakes on the Ceiling by Sandy Richards is a very well written story that is the perfect bedtime read for small children. It has a great message behind the book, which is that everyone can try different things and not be placed in one specific box. The illustrations by Ella Rose are simple but quite comical and give the creatures a unique personality each. They are also perfect for the story and the age group of the child reader. A great story that children can read along with and memorize because of the cleverly constructed rhyming format. This book teaches your child about colors, grammar,and numbers, but also to have an appreciation of nature and acceptance of others. Excellent concept and this would make a great addition to a nursery library.

Lesley J.
Green Snakes on the Ceiling Review

This is simply the sweetest book to share with your grandchildren. The thoughts and stories are universal. The artwork is playfully soft watercolors. It warms my heart.

Roberta H.
Grammy Do... Review

The entire book is a wonderful mixture of steady rhythm and naturally following rhymes. So many authors attempt to write children’s books using rhyme. So many authors handle that part poorly, but not Sandy Richards. Reading this book out loud provides an almost musical experience as well as a cerebral one. Bravo, Sandy Richards and Ella Rose. A thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating read for both children and adults.

Viga B.
Green Snakes on the Ceiling Review

This is a wonderful story for children. The rhyming text and beautiful illustrations make it inviting for young children. I can’t wait to be a Grammy and read this story while snuggling my grandchildren.

Grammy Do... Review

A Far Cry…From Home is a powerful emotional journey through grief and healing following the death of a child. I loved that this story was told from the author’s son’s point of view. It was as if they wrote the book together, like he was guiding her from Heaven. The beginning was very sad, and I found myself crying. My heart ached for the author and her family. Losing a child is something no one wants to think about, much less experience. What a devastating tragedy they went through. However, the book isn’t all sad. As the story unfolds, you get a look into Tyler’s life and the author’s journey toward healing. The journal entries, letters and poems really give you a good sense of who Tyler was and how much he was loved and admired. I found myself smiling at times as I read the funny stories and precious memories. I especially enjoyed the signs and messages the author received from her son. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced a loss. It’s a great look at the grieving process and provides hope for those who are in deep despair. But most importantly, it’s a story… Read more “Deanna Kahler”

Deanna K.
A Far Cry...From Home Review

Grammy Do… is a children’s picture book written by Sandy Richards and illustrated by Lori Hohmann. Both the author and the artist are grandmothers, and Hohmann uses their grandchildren as the models for the panels in this book. What is a Grammy? Richards’ story gives the answer by answering a number of questions about what a Grammy does. There are any number of things she delights in, from taking her grandchildren by the hand at street crossings to pushing an enthusiastic child on a swing. Hohmann’s illustrations bring each of these simple, yet endearing, acts of love to life. Her ink and wash sketches are gorgeous and each one merits a frame for hanging in a child’s bedroom. Her faces are beautifully rendered and show a wide variety of expressions, from the impish grin of delight on a little girl jumping in a puddle to the transported face of a young thespian rapt in a performance. Sandy Richards dedicated her children’s picture book Grammy Do… to three grandmothers who made a big difference in her life, and her book passes on that loving tribute perfectly. Richards’ and Hohmann’s work meshes seamlessly as they illustrate the instinctive and loving relationship that… Read more “Jack M.”

Jack M.
Grammy Do... Review

As a Grammy, she has captured us! The illustrations are so darling. Write more books, gals.

Grammy Do... Review

Beautiful story of a Mother and her sons deep love for each other. Told from her sons view from Heaven watching over his most precious family. I read this book in three hours, unable to put it down. Raw, heartwarming and filled with love. I cried, yet i smiled at the true love of family and the much needed signs from above.

Cheryl D.
A Far Cry...From Home Review

Excellent book The author portrays all of the emotions one goes through when losing a child thus establishing a common ground with the reader. In turn, the reader comes to understand that their emotional responses to the death are normal, expected and that there is indeed hope and resolution in their future!

Judy
A Far Cry...From Home Review

This was a really sweet story. I actually bought the book for my niece and told her it was a gift from her grandmother (my mom). Of course, that made her and my mom’s day! All three of us sat on the sofa while I read the story to her. She absolutely loved it and had me read it two more times to her. This story basically shows kids the unconditional love from their grandmas. “Grammy” will always be there for them. I highly recommend this story for any child.

Jalpa P.
Grammy Do... Review

Who loves to read stories to their precious grandchildren? Grammy Do! Sandy Richards has written this adorable story, Grammy Do… that celebrates the special relationship between Grandmas and their cherished Granddarlings. The book begins with the cutest of rhymes and follows that pattern all the way through. With each turn of the page, a delightful question is asked, and ‘Grammy Do’ is always the right answer! Between the covers you’ll experience touching moments, tender scenes, and lots of smiles and giggles. You’ll find each season of the year on display here, not necessarily in order, but it gives the book a smooth, random flow. By the end of the book, Grandmas and Grandkiddos alike will feel the joy of the loving message portrayed in this work of heart. As a Grandma to four granddaughters (and another little one on the way), I’m always on the lookout for a good Grandma book. A book that is filled with catchy phrases, loving sentiments, and beautiful pictures. Grammy Do… has all that and more. The illustrations are beyond amazing, really showing the playful nature of the overall theme and bringing the ‘characters’ to life. One of my favorite things about the book is… Read more “Lesa M.”

Lesa M.
Grammy Do... Review

Sandy Richards has written a true story of the unbelievable pain and loss she felt after the death of her son … but also the unending love and hope on her path to healing. Everything hit home for me because I lost my son, Devin, too. I cried through some pages, smiled through others, and felt as if I had known Sandy and Tyler all their lives. I have read a number of books about losing your child; and while they were all good in their own ways, what sets Sandy’s book apart from the others is in having it written from her angel’s perspective. ‘A Far Cry … From Home’ is a must read for anyone who has lost a child and needs to heal. I promise it will help.

Renee D.
A Far Cry...From Home Review

Sweet, warm fuzzy Grammy love. Darling art work makes you want to hug these adorable Grandchildren. This went straight into my favorite book collection to read to my future Grands!

Cheryl D.
Grammy Do... Review

I would highly recommend this book for ANYONE. It will change your life for the better. The author did an excellent job in depicting the grief process she overcomes through the eyes of an angel.

Victoria Z.
A Far Cry...From Home Review

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