A Very Sad Day...

Absence and death are the same - only that in death there is no suffering. - Theodore Roosevelt

On 2/23/07, we received a call with some very heartbreaking news. Sam, Jim's best friend and the best man at our wedding, died at around 9:00am. He was 40 years old. Way too young to have to endure all he did for many years, but he kept fighting as long as he could.

You see Sam had diabetes, was on dialysis twice a week, was blind and had double amputations below the knee. This all happened within the 5 years that many of you saw him give a heartfelt toast at our wedding.

Sam was one of those people who, at the drop of a hat, would go out of his way to help a stranger. That's just the way he was. He was one of the most kind and generous people you could ever meet.

He didn't ask for much from life. All he wanted was a wonderful wife, a happy marriage and kids. Boy did he adore kids. Unfortunately, he got none of those.

So in conclusion...Sam I hope you are at peace at last. I know that you can finally see Emily, which you wanted to do more than anything. You can now see how much she looks like her Daddy. I also know that you have your legs back and you are complete at last.

I hope you know how much we miss you. You will always remain such a part of our lives. We've had some good memories and we will treasure those until the day we meet again. God speed my friend, we love you!