My Sam

Today's my Sam's Sweet 16 birthday and I just wanted to shine the light on him for a moment.  Someone once said, having children isn't a right, it's a privilege.  This is so true.  They are a gift and it is our job to do our best to love them and cherish them like one.  They are the purest example of unconditional love.  My Sam is all of this. 

So, on his special day, I would like to share a few stories about him in order to exemplify his kind heart...

The first took place in the summer of 2014.  It was the morning when we were all leaving to go home. Sam was going to Indiana and I was going back to Washington.  We'd been together almost non stop for a month and my heart was so sad that it was time to leave.  I got up early to go for one last swim and Sam who was asleep in my room woke up and said he would come too.  So as the sun came up I swam out to the middle of the lake with my sweet Sam in the kayak next to me.  We talked and just shared a peaceful moment together.  Most teenagers would have chosen sleep over an early wake up call... But not my Sam.  

Fast forward to just this past January and again it was our last day together.  I suggested one last hike the next day before we had to all had to say goodbye and fly home.  Several of the kids said they'd go, but when morning came and it was cold and frozen outside, they all backed out... Except for my Sam.  There he was dressed and ready to go with my mom and I.  It was freezing out and we slipped, slid and actually even a fell a few times throughout our hike that morning, but it was still priceless because we were together.  

Sam, I hope you know that today and everyday I thank my lucky stars that God gave me you.  You're amazing and I love you more than all the stars and moons in the sky... Until I can hug you in person, I'm hugging you with my heart.  Happy Birthday. Love, Mom