Sam, today you would have turned 23 years old. Hard to believe my son..We love you and miss you so much , You are still so present in our lives. Today like all days you are in our hearts.

I was looking for birthday pictures of you and found  this one from the time you and I went to Disney . The guys at work got you a birthday cake as a surprise. .. it was so much fun !

Today we marked your birthday as we always do by climbing bolton. We decided to make it smaller this year.. just feeling a little quieter.  Several friends showed up to join us.. ..It was raining as we met at bolton.. but the rain stopped just as we started climbing and held off for the whole time.

 

As is our tradition, Gabe and I climbed the rickety fire tower at the top, took a hit of red bull for Sam   and set off a morter  with three reports..

Some of the other guys followed us up.. it was really nice to all be together !

 

We came down off the cold and windy top.. and headed down the hill. Deb came by with gazpacho and cakes in Sams honor.. we had a little birthday party.

 

 

 

This was the eighth birthday we’d celebrated without you Sam.. it felt good and sad at the same time..

 

I wanted to tell you that on the plane home yesterday I was listening to some music about you.. I came across this song ‘Captain Sam’ that Skanky Green wrote about you.. this is the recording from your memorial service.. Made me cry on the plane.. now it’s making me smile 🙂

Good night my son.. happy birthday.. you are always in our hearts

nite all, nite sam

-me