Family and friends publish book of departed local's poems
CHILLICOTHE — Sandy Hopper loved writing poetry, even losing her eyesight at 11 never slowed down her passion. Her ultimate goal was to get her works published and even though she died in 1996 her friends and family recently gathered together to help her reach this goal.
In archived Gazette articles, Hopper talks about her love of poetry saying that the words just come to her and it is something she enjoyed doing. She described some of her poems as "funny" while others were more spiritual. These articles also showcase her goal of being a published poet.
"I know one day in my heart that I will have my book published," said Hopper in 1994.
Years later, Erin Anderson, who was raised in Chillicothe, helped make those dreams come true. Anderson met Hopper briefly as a child and said the woman left quite an impression on her. She recalls being in elementary school and Hopper teaching her about the aids she used to navigate the world.
As an adult, when talking with a family friend, Anderson learned that Hopper had passed, that she had written poetry and that she had wanted to be published. She soon started working with local individuals and members of Hopper's family to collect poems written by Hopper and compile them into a book. The group ended up with hundreds of poems from Hopper that were sorted and chosen from. Anderson said the project soon became a way to "honor" Hopper, whose perspective can be heard through her words.
After selecting the poems and pictures to include to group published the book online. Anderson said she is glad to have been able to do this for Hopper and her family.
"Do You See What I See? Selected Poems and Short Stories" by Sandra Burmaster Hopper is available for purchase online.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Sandy Hopper's poems published in book years after her death
