January 7. I spend 364 days of the year dreading that one day.
It is the day I had to say goodbye to my only child. He didn’t go off to college or join the military. He didn’t elope in Vegas or run away from home. January 7 is the day when he took his final breath on earth and took his first step in heaven.
On January 7, 2008, we celebrated Sammy and his life. In his final hours, he heard the voices of the people who loved him, the people who prayed for him, the people who cared for him. He heard us all gather around his bed as we each spontaneously told our sweet memories and stories about him. In those last hours, he heard the familiar sounds of laughter that he had heard every single day of his life. Not a day of his life was wasted, and every day was a celebration. I pray that those familiar voices and chuckles brought him comfort.
Sammy passed away on January 7, 2008 at 10:40pm. January 7 gets a lot of attention because it’s the day marking the anniversary of when we said goodbye. But for Steve and me, January 8 is an even harder anniversary because that marks the day when we had to learn to live without him.
Sammy Yammy and HoPE 
Leslie,
You have a way with your words Leslie! I miss your son alot! He was able to touch my heart like no others. Today is a day for happiness and sadness. Kaleb was born, we lost Sammy, Mr.Meyers birthday and funeral. With Sammy going home, he is able to run and play, talk, laugh, and be free! The day will come we all will be together again, but in the mean while, he is in our heart and my dash board! LoL You two didn’t deserve loosing him at such a young age, but God had another plan, and we must trust our Father! God Bless you two!
Deb
I’ll always keep Sammy in my heart although I was never able to meet him. What I do know about January 8th is that although you had to start to learn a new life… I bet you never knew at that moment you would touch so many other lives. I thank you for that!!! Thinking of you and loving you from NJ. ❤
God bless you for sharing your love!