Sammy’s birthday is just around the corner on April 10, and it would be his 6th birthday. Rather than focusing on our loss and sadness, it’s important for us to focus on the wonderful memories that we created with him. In thinking about how we can honor Sammy on his birthday, Steve and I have decided to give Sammy’s wheelchair to another little boy with HPE. Sammy’s wheelchair went to so many great places during Sammy’s life, and we’re excited to think that his wheelchair will once again be on the move. Steve and I will be driving to West Virginia on Easter weekend to deliver the chair in person. As we stop at rest areas along the way, we will release a few helium balloons and possibly have the opportunity to share Sammy’s story and our hope with others.
Sons of Thunder
28 MarAs I type, I’m listening to the pouring rain outside and the thunder that comes with a spring thunderstorm. Sammy definitely did not like thunder, and during storms, I would often tell him about how Jesus gave John and James the nickname of “sons of thunder”. In one of my last conversations with Sammy, I whispered in his ear and told him about what he would find in heaven. Just as a parent might mentally prepare a child for his or her very first day of school, I told him about what he might see and who he might meet in the next phase of his journey. I reminded him that he would meet Zebedee and his sons, John and James, and they would teach him about where the thunder comes from. When I hear thunder now, I smile because I picture Sammy in heaven hanging out with John and James, and I wonder just what nickname they have given to him.
Holidays
1 NovI’m sorry that my updates have become fewer and far between. In addition to being busy with a variety of things, I have spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what comes next. I’ve been anticipating (and somewhat dreading) the period of time from October 31 until January 8. We have spent the past several months coping with various “firsts” since Sammy passed away, but the hardest firsts are ahead.
Yesterday was the “first” Halloween, and we chose to spend it out of town. While I appreciate all of the kids in their costumes, I just didn’t feel I was ready this year to have them standing on my porch ringing my doorbell. I enjoy autumn decorations and even cute Halloween decorations, but for the past few weeks, I’ve had to seek an alternate route to our house as one of our neighbors down the street has an actual casket decorating his front yard. In past years, I’ve always thought it was dumb . . . this year, I find it disturbing. So, we chose to avoid Halloween this year.
With a little creativity, I’m sure we could avoid Thanksgiving and Christmas as well; however, I don’t think that would be healthy or wise, so I’m hopeful that we will embrace them with happy memories. I’ve read of an old Jewish proverb that says a person dies two deaths. The first is the physical death; the second is when that person’s name ceases to be used. Over the next several weeks, Steve and I will be preparing our hearts and minds for the holidays. The best gift we can receive is the support of friends and individuals who love Sammy–to hear his name and to hear stories about how he touched lives. These things don’t bring us pain; they bring us peace, comfort, and joy.
Sammy Yammy and HoPE 