Lori People, Thoughts

Sam

Today would have been Sam’s 10th birthday. My sweet Sam left this world in April and the pain feels like it was just yesterday. Still so raw. I held him in my arms and looked into his eyes – and promised I would be there for him until the end. In the words of A. A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” As I said that difficult goodbye I burst into tears and thanked him. I thanked Sam for the many gifts and the love he shared with me and so many others. A part of me died that day with him, but a part of Sam lives on in my heart.

I promised Sam a lifetime of adventures but what he gave to me and everyone he knew was so much more. He taught us about love, gratitude, kindness, curiosity, strength, and how to just be in the moment. I’d like to think he had a great life – and a full one. My life was definitely better because of him.

I can’t begin to list all of my many memories of Sam or all of the things that made him so special, but here are a few I’d like to share:

  • When Sam looked at you with those big eyes he looked deep into your soul. And you knew it.
  • Weekend morning cuddles with Sam were the best! He would rest his head on my shoulder and curl up against my side – my little bean!
  • I miss his morning hugs as he stretched against me and wrapped his paws tightly around my neck. An everyday occurrence that I never took for granted.
  • I’d like to think I could read the expressions on his face and know exactly what he was thinking. It’s like I could read his mind and put words to his thoughts and expressions. We seemed to have that connection.
  • Wintertime was Sam’s favorite! Walks were extra long and snow was a bonus.
  • He had his funny quirks too – like staring up at the bed when he was ready to go to sleep or sitting in front of the dryer waiting for his toys to come out. And we can’t forget him sliding into the kitchen at the sound of a knife cutting through an apple like a base runner sliding into home plate.
  • Puppy breaths and heavy sighs – I loved to watch Sam sleep after a full day of adventures! So peaceful. So content.
  • Not much of a water dog, but he did love the beach. Sam would perch himself on my knees and watch the waves roll in.
  • Sam walked through our neighborhood like it all belonged to him and everyone else was a visitor. At the dock he would gaze over the lake like Simba looking out over his kingdom.
  • I loved the way Sam paused on our walks just to watch everything around him. His curiosity was unmatched. He would stop to watch the geese fly overhead, a mama duck with her ducklings, the turtles as they swam. And I just let him observe it all and take it all in.

Sam was so much more than a dog. He was truly a companion and my little buddy. He taught me to walk through life with my eyes open. Take it all in. Find joy in each day and live in gratitude.

From the minute I met him, Sam became a part of me. I am so grateful for him and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and miss him more than words can say. Sam was the light in my day. He continues to be a beacon for me and I continue to follow his light. I am certainly grateful for every moment I had with him. Happy Birthday my sweet Sam. You are forever in my heart.