Be Right Back

Sammy, Rhiannon, Marcus, Maria, and myself were on one of our many trips to Disney World. Seeing Disney through Sammy's eyes-wow- what an experience. During this visit we were at EPCOT and went to our favorite restaurant in Morocco. We were all sitting enjoying the belly dancer with Sammy announced "Be Right Back". He got up from his seat at the table and walked down to the "stage" area. He bowed to the Belly Dancer and proceeded to start dancing with her. I can still chuckle thinking about it. I don't know what was more entertaining, Rhianon and my reaction or Sammy's sweet dance. At the end he took her hand and bowed to a round of applause!!

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

Belly Laugh

Do you know the type of laugh that starts off as a hard belly laugh, gets airy in the middle and ends in a giggle? That's the laugh that Sammy would have when Vince played this "game" with him. They would play this game often and many places. We would be walking (most times Sammy would be in a wheel chair) and it could be around Chicago, or around the streets of Pontiac. It didn't make a difference. Vince would act like he didn't see a tree or a pole and run into it and the laugh would happen. As an adult, I really didn't think it was that funny but Sammy's laugh was so contagious! He would laugh like it was the first time it happened and he was surprised. And when he stopped laughing he would say......"Again Dad! Again!" Vince would continue to "run" into things and Sammy would laugh and laugh. It never got old for Sammy! I miss that laugh but am thankful that God has given me the memory of this laugh. I can close my eyes and listen and hear it. Sammy enjoyed life at every angle and every turn and every bump in the road! What a gift he had. I am so thankful he shared it with me.

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

Thanks Mia

A few days before Christmas last year I was wrapping presents. Sammy walked into my bedroom. (Don't ask me why my door was unlocked while I was wrapping Sammy's presents because I have no memory of that one!) A gift of Sleeping Beauty figures was on the bed waiting to be wrapped. Sammy grabbed it and said "Thank you mom!". I calmly told him that it wasn't for him but I was a gift for Maria. (Sammy's niece) After a few minutes Sammy went back to the kitchen, turned on the computer, dumped his markers, and watched a movie. On Christmas morning as Sammy opened the Sleeping Beauty figures he stopped and looked sad when he thought he opened one of Maria's gift, then when he realized it was truly for him he lifted the gift, said "Thank you Mia" and gave the box a kiss. I wish I could have savored each moment last Christmas, taken more pictures, hugged more, and kissed more. Sammy made each day more joyful, more blessed, more special.

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

Madrigal memories

Vince and I went to see the Madrigals last night. Although the Madrigals were great, saddness surounded me through most of the night. This was the first time we had been to a Madrigal dinner without Sammy. Sammy loved to see his brother Donnie dressed up and singing at Madrigals. (I believe he was Donnie's number one fan, altough mom is a close second!)I remember how he would also love to see "Cheek"! He loved to say Mr. Cheek's name just because he COULD. One year the Madrigal singers made a "pack" to have Sammy answer one of the riddles. Sammy raised his hand and answered. Boy did he love the attention. All the girls came and gave him a kiss on the cheek and gave him a rose. His smile was priceless and he sat straighter in his chair the rest of the night. Last year even though Donnie was no longer in high school, cousin Taylor was there to take over. Sammy loved watching and listening to Taylor. He would have love the skit this year. Taylor was awesome! I can easily close my eyes and see Sammy hugging Donnie tight in the reception line and I can also see Taylor bending down to meet Sammy's "height" for a picture and hug.

It doesn't get easier. You just get better at it. God is good.