Diane and I are out with Max and Becky in the high dessert near Santa Fe. We’re really enjoying the quiet and nature around us. Tomorrow Gabe will join us. It will be the first time we’ve been out of Vermont on the day that Sam died. His accident was this night , 12 years ago..    He was down in Florida with friends .. .. he called me that day and left me this message  

Last thing he said was “love you .. bye” ..

That night.. this night.. he  was hit by a car that swerved to avoid his friend. Tonight is the night we got that call.. 

….

Its been a long hard journey since that moment. We miss Sam soooo much.. his love still surrounds us and his presence is always nearby. we are so very grateful for the love and support of so many folks from our family, from our town..and from everywhere who’ve laughed with us, cried with us.. and done all sorts of fun things keeping Sam’s memory present. 

Tomorrow Diane and I will mark Sam’s day like we always do by taking a hike together. Whats differnt this eyar is that we’re not in vermont . Usaully we hike  Bolton Mountain, where Sam loved to ride.  and we’re joined by many freinds.  We all then come back to the house to remember our son, brother and friend. , share memories, and make samstones 

THis year, we’re not there to be together. Instead, we’re asking everyone who feels moved to do something  fun in Sam’s memor: take a walk,  light a candle, play guitar.. make a toast.. whatever feels right. If you do something, please let us know about it. It will be fun to see what people come  up with . 

THanks again to all out there who have kept Sam alive in your hearts.. and supported us through the years in our journey.  

Love is what makes life worth living..

night sam.. we mis you my son… nite all

-me