During Sammy's life, "finding Sammy" got to be an art form! He would quietly plan his escape and sneak away. One of these times was when he was 9 years old. I was working at the downtown store and Sammy was with me that day, when someone came in and told me they had just seen Sammy at the stop light on Howard street getting ready to cross the street. Off I went, in a panic, to find Sammy. I ran the 3 blocks to Howard and Main and no Sammy. I yelled Sammy's name and silently prayed, "Please Lord let me find him safe!" With no Sammy in sight I took a chance and tried the Church doors. The Main street door was unlocked so I went inside and continued to yell Sammy's name. Nothing but darkness and the sound of my breathing. Trying to calm myself I yelled again. Then I heard him. "Yeah"....Sammy where are you....."Here". I followed his voice in the dark church and found Sammy in the front just off the altar standing among several altar server uniforms on the floor. He was smiling and trying to find one that would fit! "Me" he said and I knew he was telling me he wanted to serve mass just like his brothers! So after I told him he was to NEVER NEVER NEVER leave the store like that again, and how much he frightened his mom, I told him we would talk to Monsignor Mack and ask if he could serve with Vinnie and Donnie on Sundays. Monsignor said yes and a special order was made for a smaller size and Sammy soon joined his brothers on the altar! Sammy served mass for 4 years with his brothers, 1 year with Seth and 6 months with Mark, Mike and Paul. He was so happy whenever it was his turn. Each time I say the joyful mysteries of the rosary and come to the 5th mystery (The finding of Jesus in the Temple) I think of that day and smile.
It doesn't get any easier, you just get better at it. God is Good.
