Missing a friend

One year ago today the Lord called a very special young man home. Sam was such an amazing, happy, giving young man that we had the privilege to know and love. Tonight we celebrated him with his family at church in a wonderful way. We had a "celebration" service in his honor where we sang, cried, laughed and had fellowship with others that knew this young man. Sam, also known as "Herbie" to me (there's a story there), loved children like no other 19 year old you could ever know. One story was told about how he volunteered to help in children's church and it did not matter what a child's background or if they had ever been to our church before, Sam made them all feel the same. He loved them all just like Jesus does. The night before he died was a Wednesday night and as we were leaving Sam came running across the grass hollering at me, " Go UNC!!!!! Tarheels Baby!!" He LOVED the Tarheels like the rest of his family and was always letting you know it. I teased him back of course and then we left. So many stories were told tonight about how many people were able to tell him goodbye that night of course none of us knowing it would be the last time we would see him. That is until we meet him in Glory one day. We know that Sam was saved by God's Grace and he is in Heaven.

Our Pastor and his wife have been such an amazing example to all Christians and to all of us parents. They know that they have been able to survive this because they have His strength and they have felt His presence. In so many ways God has given them that assurance that Sam is with Jesus now. Their faith is truly AMAZING.

Sammy, we all miss you more than you could know. Your Mom and Dad have been a blessing to so many thru this all. Thank you for being the smiling young man that you were. Thank you for your servants heart. Thank you for all of the laughs and the tears. Thank you for loving all God's little children. Thank you for loving my children. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your craziness. We will see you again one day!!!