The Gangs all Here!

Most years our family traveled to Disney World. As Sammy got older some years we were blessed with two short trips there. Disney was always, without exception, wonderful to Sammy and all of us. Because of Sammy's hips he used a wheel chair to get around when we went there. Sammy loved the rides but he lived for the parades and the Characters there. One year we were there for Sammy's birthday and as many of you know Sammy got a button that announced his birthday celebration. Epcot was a favorite place to see the Characters because they were so easily accessible to everyone. As we got in line a staff member noticed Sammy and moved us to the front of the line. (Disney is very good about giving children with disabilities the "right away") Then all of a sudden Minnie came running over, then Donald then Pluto, Mickey, Chip and Dale and lastly Goofy came running over from where he was out in the hall. It was priceless. Sammy was so excited and hugging everyone. People were crying in line and grabbing their cameras and it was like the Hollywood paparazzi was there! Sammy was on cloud nine the rest of the day and a large poster hangs in Sammy's bedroom and at Sartoris Drug store to forever mark that day. Thank you to all the beautiful people at Disney World who treated Sammy like a VIP each time we were there and giving us magical memories!
It doesn't get any easier, you just get better at it. God is good!

Dad, Look, Look, Look, there he is!

If all of our children could be as passionate as Sammy when it came to going to church and enjoying his time there! Every week I struggle just to get through mass without tears. The memories are so beautiful and it was one of Sammy's favorite places to be. Of course he loved to serve mass but when it wasn't his turn he just loved to be in church and pray and sing and most times "bug" his dad from the pew! Oh how he loved to try to make Vince turn around and look behind him to wave at Pam and Mike or to the side to notice J.T. But his most most favorite time during mass was when Monsignor would come out just before communion would start, to assist in the process. Sam would grab Vince's chin and point with such excitement. LOOK, LOOK, LOOK! He was filled with such joy and happiness every week like it was the first time and he was surprised Monsignor was there to help out. Sammy also loved to sing the Alleluia right before the Gospel. Then as we all filed out Sammy would run to Monsignor and give him a big hug then go back to the front of church and kneel, bow his head and praise our Lord with his left handed sign of the cross.

It doesn't get any easier, you just get better at it. God is good