Today was memorial day.. a good day to come together to remember our Sam who would have turned 21 tomorrow As its been for the past 6 years, Our friends, Sam’s friends.. were there to support us. We all met at the Bolton lodge parking lot at 2 to begin the hike up the mountain that Sam loved.. It was a clear and gorgeous day.. amazing after the cold and wet week we’ve just come through.
The trail was still wet, but very passable.. there was a bit of snow still clinging to the sides of the trail where it was shaded
By the time we got to the top
we had more than 30 folks. We stopped at the hut for a quick red bull toast to sam..and soem pics…it was wonderful to be there with that glorious sun. (thanks to Joanne D for these great pics !)
then Gabe and I left the group and went up to comb the fire tower.. we’ve done it every birthday and every Nov 21st to mark the day sam died. It’s a beutiful walk up to the rickety tower.. 
once on the top gabe and I arraigned a quick toast and fireworks salute for Sam.. Max who was down in Brooklyn, was able to join us via Facetime.. which was so wonderful 
max had climbed ot the very top of his boat to be alone and with us.. 
A little sambuca for Sam .. (none of particularity like it other than it starts with ‘sam’ .. it was just the only alcohol I could find in the house other than beer and wine).. It was good to take a shot to mark the age of 21.. I guess that’s the only thing that makes 21 any different..
we had some trouble lighing the mortor shell.. and both gabe and I got burned in the end.. but it was worth it !
BOOM !
then down the rickety ladder to go rejoin the others.. for the hike down.. 
around 4L30 folks started gathering at our house.. we had the groll going and there was a ton of food… it was so great seeing everyone..
like ralph and his toes that are as long.. or maybe longer than mine 
and kevins toes.. 
And fritz looking like G0d on the cover of funny times
Mid evening we passed out redbull and had a toast to our boy.. he was so much with us in sproto .. and at the same time.. we all missed him so much.. 
Its a great blessing to us that Sams freinds are still so much in our life. We love watching them grow .. They will always be part of our lives. 
The party lasted until about 10… then qiick clean and the house was back in order.. as if it never happened.. buti, so glat that it did. 
so many mized emotions today.. I just want to say thanks for all the folks who showed up and all the others that checked in with us. We’re doing well.. we have tons of love in our life .. and at the same time our hearts ache.. I guess that’s how its going to be.
We love you all (thanks hannah for this pic !)
nite all, nite Sam
-me
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