Sam...

My late friend Kathy’s grandson and much loved son of Jean and Steve and sister to Naomi. And only twenty-nine.

We lost touch with Sam during his secondary school years but heard about him often through Kathy and caught up again during her last years. We knew his ASD made his life increasingly difficult as he got older. In 2014 after severe burns, he lost the use of his legs. Three years ago he had both legs amputated and was beginning to enjoy his prosthetic legs and the pain from the amputation was lessening. He was living independently with the support of carers and always with the love of his parents.

A recent accident when a drunk driver drove through his bungalow and into his bedroom, resulted in huge trauma for Sam and his life has ended far too soon.

Today we celebrated his life difficult as it was. Both his parents spoke of their love for their son and the pain of losing a child. Jean read a story that Sam loved her to read the last line being, “ Remember these days we’ve had. Remember there’ll always be you and me.” She did so well. She’d asked me if I’d take over if she couldn’t quite manage it. It would have been a huge privilege.

Our minister took the service and his words at the beginning of the time are so true
“At times like today, it’s not really what we think about God but what he thinks about us”, which is a great deal and sharing our sadnesses.

A difficult day but Sam is at peace now. No more difficult life. We hold Jean, Steve and Naomi tight.