Today is the day we mark Sam’s death. .. 

I wish I never had to write things like that.. 

It’s the first time we haven’t been in Vermont to mark the day. It was a peaceful here. Diane and I are staying at Max and Beckys.. This morning we decided to take a hike up Mount Atalaya I honor of sam.. it was a beautiful climb 

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in all of the last 12 years, we’ve hiked up Bolton with friends .. then moved back to our house for a potluck. It was strange knowing we couldn’t do the hike with them . Instead, we asked everyone to do something on their own to honor sam.. we heard form so many folks.. all over the world. it’ was fun and uplifting watching them come in over the day.. 

Avery even recorded a song.. its the same one that she and Jane sang at Sam’s memorial 12 years ago. 

here are soem of the many other toasts and palces peopke sent us pictures of their tribute to Sam

he many others we got 

Gabe’s plane got here about 9PM.. we all went out to dinner.. and it felt so good to be together. We toasted Sam.. and had a good time.

it’s funny  how good ties and sad times can mix well

We miss you Sam.. and…. we’re doing OK..  .. thanks to all the love we have around us. 

nite all, nite sam

-me

 

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

Had only one work call today . The rest of the day Diane I hung out at max and Becky’s while they were at work. Still mystified about the crazy obelisk in the yard.

We took a 4.5 mile run/walk on the trails near their house . It’s such cool terrain.. desert clay and cactus .. and piles of snow where the sun wasn’t shining . The rocks were so beautifully colored

We went back to the house had Lu ch and I took a nap

What a luxury!

Diane and i then headed back in to Santa Fe . First step was to see Max who’s working at the Make Santa Fe makerspace.

It was nice seeing where he works

They had some leftover from their power tool racers . Looks crazy !

Diane just made a great Thai curry

Now time for bed !

Nite all , nite sam

-me

We spent the whole day at max and Becky’s ..

first order of business was a tour of the grounds . It’s such an interesting place! Really beautiful

Some crazy stuff on the grounds here

a ski lift chair

The crazy stainless steel monolith

6!chickens !

The bridge over the creek you cross to get to their house

Lots of wild footprints

The secret kiva

There’s a crazy obelisk on the property that know one knows anything about!

Becky and Diane worked to winterize their gardens.. while max and I installed dimmers In the house

Just before sunset max, Diane And I took a hike up in the trails behind their house

Then a great simple stir fry

and now watching one of the best movies of all time

Bubba hotep !

Ok .. gotta sleep

More tomorrow

Nite all, nite Sam

-me