Monday night – 5 years

Today is the fifth anniversary of the day that Sam died.. officially at least. His accident was on the 20th.. it took a day for all the tests and paperwork..

so we mark the 21st..

Today is a day I thought of even back in those early dark days.. i wondered what I’d be like .. what life would be like.. in 1 year, 5yers, 10 years.. .. Well.. it’s not what i imagined.. nothing ever is.. Sam is still so much a part of our lives.. We have joy and pleasure now.. yet Sam’s absence fills every moment. in our lives.. Not having him with us really sucks.. no other way to explain it..

He was/is such an amazing spirit.. kind, fun. strong and beautiful.. you see that spirit in his many freinds who are here with us today..

Our day of remembrance started at Eric’s house….Sam was with Eric and their freind Parker the night he died.. so Eric and Parker are very much part of our lives now. Eric couldn’t join us tonight.. so he offered to cook us breakfast.. it was great seeing him. .. as a bonus.. our friend Gavin was visiting as well.

then at 1 , we ll drove up to bolton to make our traditional hike to the top.. it was a beautiful day .. about 30 of us made the hike today..

here we all are at the top..

we did the first of our Red Bull toasts to sam..

then gabe, max and i went up the fire tour as we’ve done this day for each of the last 5 years.. No snow this year.. but it was well below freezing..

we brouht a hot air balloon to launch in Sam’s honor

and of course some (quiet ) fireworks.. Sam always loved them !

then back down the ountain .

around 6 folks started showing up for the potluck, there was a strong crowd tonight.. many of Sam’s freinds came by.. they are all now out in the world. It’s great to see how they’ve all grown. We really love these kids.. !