Sam was the oldest of our three boys. He was always the quiet one. He would have his head in a book or two, reading all the time. A good fantasy story or a Star Wars game was never too good not to introduce to his brothers. He valued three things above: His family, his love for a good story, and being a Texan.
Growing up, Sam made friends that would last long after we moved, or switching schools. He made that kind of impression on people. He spent countless hours playing video games online with his uncle, and nephews. And Texas was his “motherland” and made sure to tell his loved ones that, “There is TEXAS; and there is NOT-Texas!”.
In 2020, just before the pandemic struck, we discovered Sam had Type 1 Diabetes. He nearly passed early that year, but God spared him and let him remain with us. And boy did he make the most of it. He never said no to anyone. Volunteer, sure. Donations, absolutely. Cover a shift, perfect. He was always proud to help. He came to me in early ’23, and asked if we could build a room in our garage that he could move into. “Kind of my own apartment” type thing. So we proceeded, he was so happy to be independent, without being independent.
From the day, he moved til that fateful day God called for him, he always came thru our back door with and called out in his best Obi-wan Kenobi voice, “Hello there”.
His last act on this earth was to give. He was gentle, kind, and never spoke ill of anyone. God bless the individuals that benefit from his giving. May your life be full of joy and happiness. I hope you see the world as Sam did, a beautiful and amazing place that was to be cherished.
