It is with extreme sadness to inform everyone that last night, Friday the 30th at 1100pm after a heroic fight, Sammy’s two year long battle with pancreatic cancer ended. She died peacefully at home with her family at her side.
Visitation: Friday 3 to 9 PM at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 8025 W Golf Rd, Niles
Funeral Saturday, November 7th at 9:15 from the Funeral Home to OLPH Church at 1775 Grove street, Glenview. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
"sr. Paulanne's Needy Family Fund" at OLPH, 1775 Grove St Glenview Il 60025 or
"Transplant Foundation, Inc." at 701 SW 27th Ave, Ste 705 Miami, FL 33135 Tx# 886-900-3172 www.transplantfoundation.org/donation.asp
117 comments:
Sam was truly an angel on this earth. May God bless her and her wonderful family.
I'm extremely sorry for your loss and can't image what you are feeling right now. Will keep your family in my prayers.
My deepest condolences to your entire family. I never knew Sam, but followed her blog. What a great spirit she had. A real inspiration. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. God bless you all.
I am so very sorry! I will miss Sam and I didn't even know her, other than through her blogs. She was truly an inspiration to me. She, and all of her family and friends, showed us what love really is - being there for each other in all ways in the very best of times as well as the very worst of times. May God give you peace and strength during this most difficut time of all.
I am very sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers. Sam impacted everyone she knew in such a positive way. She will be missed greatly. It was a blessing to have known her. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I did not know Sammy personally, but through my friend I followed her blog. She truly is an angel and has earned her wings. We don't understand why God takes our children at such a young age, but someday we will have the answers when we face our maker. God bless Sammy and may God give her family the strength to get through this very sad time. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Truly saddened but grateful to have had Sam in part of my life.
Tears came to my eyes when I read about Sammie. However, it is a tribute to her and you, her family,the inspiration and hopefulness that all of you have shown.
Col. H.
Sammy made me think about what is truly important in life. WIthout her, I might have never of known. We are all so sorry for your loss of a Angel.
rest in peace, sammy. <3
Dolly, Chris and the entire courageous Cipolla family. You can trust me when I tell you that Sammy is not gone --- she will be with you each and every day of your lives to guide you. Sammy and all of you have shown us what the true meaning of Love and Family means -- no matter what challenges we encounter. Your pain is great now but the Peace and Understanding will come in time. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Mary Ann
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
~Author~
Ruth Ann Mahaffey
©Copyright 1998
http://www.ruthann1.com/LetterFromHeaven.htm
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, especially Tony.
Samantha Eiseman
I will never forget coaching Sammy at Springman. With your permission, Dolly and Chris, I would like to have Sammy's intials and the number she wore when playing for us at Springman put on all of our basketball teams' uniforms this season. Please get back to me when you are able with permission to do that. I knew her as a star on the basketball team and ultimately came to know her as a star in life...God Bless Sammy and the Cipolla family.
Coach Posner
Springman Middle School
aposner@glenview34.org
Sammie has always inspired us, and seeing her joy and humor even when dealing with the hardest parts of life has been even more amazing.
I am so grateful our lives overlapped....what a beautiful girl inside and out and everything in between, may we all learn to live as joyfully as she!
words cannot even describe how much sam meant to me. I am so glad to have known her. She was an inspiration to everyone, she will truly be missed. love you samala
I'm extremely sorry for your loss. I never knew Sammy, but knew of her in high school and have been following her blog since she started it. I will always remember her uplifting spirit and perseverance. God bless
to chris, dolly & the whole cipolla family,
we are so very sorry for your loss...sam was a fighter and i truly enjoyed following her journey in her blog.
you guys will be in our thoughts and prayers always...
-melinda & travis dragicevich
Dear Mr and Mrs. Cipolla and Alex,
Alex Posner gave me the news of Sam's passing. She and the family have been my in thoughts and prayers over the last two years. I will continue to pray for you during this difficult time.
I will always remember a spunky 7th-8th grader who had a great smile and wonderful sense of life.
Peace.
Frank Rottman.
Springman MIddle School
We feel your pain and wish there was something to say to make this better. I believe Julie was waiting for Sam with open arms, they both met each other at such a difficult time in their lives and wanted to be able to recover from tranpslant together. Sam wrote a beautiful post about Angels for Julie, one I think of daily. She didn't know it but Sam was an angel on this earth, her smile, her courage and her acceptance of what could not be changed. Our hearts go out to all of you.
May God bless Sammy and protect your family. Sammy's story was very inspiring, as I have been following her blog. She is truly an angel, was very strong willed and had a great admiration for life. God bless your family.
Chris, Dolly & Family,
We are both so sorry about your unimaginable loss. May the peace of God wash over you in this time of sadness. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Debbie & Jay Dayboll
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. What strength for such a young girl. She will continue to be an inspiration to so many. Her spirit will live on. Sam and my daughter Iman were friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Much love,
Kim Jenkins
There's absolutely no question that Sammy "earned her wings." She is an inspiration to all. May she be forever happy playing her guitar and watching the Blackhawks win up in heaven.
Dolly, Chris, Alex, Carissa, and Tony, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry. Sending love, thoughts, prayers. ~Laura
I too followed Sammy's blog religiously without ever having met her. Hers was an incredible story of strength, tenacity, beauty and the ability to laugh even under the most trying circumstances. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. She was truly a gift who has left a huge mark on the world in her short time here. May your wonderful memories be a great source of comfort to you in the days ahead. God bless.
I am so saddened to hear about Sam's passing. She touched so many lives. Her inspirational battle and courage were given to us all to keep her spirit alive. My heartfelt prayers to the entire Cipolla family.
Sammy's adorable smile,great personality, and awe inspiring attitude will live on in our hearts forever. She was a gift to all of us.Wish we could ease your sorrow.
Sam was a strong and beautiful young woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you at a time like this.
I did not know Sammy personally, but I followed her story via her blog from my friend Lara. My wife and I have a little girl named Sammie...I sit here and cry because I can't begin to imagine the pain. God definitely has His plans and in times like these it's not easy to understand what those plans are. However, it's clear that Sammy has been an inspiration to many, many people. I will simply pray for Sammy and for comfort for all her family and friends. The pain will dissipate over time, but her memory will never leave you.
God Bless!
Dave W.
I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives, if only for a short time. Tony, Sammy must be so proud of you and your strength yesterday. You are the strongest and bravest boy I have ever met. Alex and Carissa, there is nothing that can ever interfere with the love and connections that sisters have. Sammy will always be with you two where ever you go and whatever you do. Dolly and Chris, I will never forget your strength and love. In a very short time I was blessed to be reminded about family. You both are truly amazing people. I will never forget you all. Every once in a while people come along that leave everlasting impressions. Your family has done that for me. Thank you for your trust. I am grateful and honored to have met you all. Sammy is a true angel. I felt it the minute I met her. She will forever be with everyone who she touched.
You all remain in my thoughts, prayers and heart... Jill.
Even though I didn't know Sam personally, I followed her fight along with my girlfriend Sam Nham closely for the last year or so. I was very saddened to hear the news of her passing last night. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to Sam's family and friends as I know how hard it is to lose someone to Cancer, unfortunately it's all too common these days. Sam has been such a great inspiration to everyone who has heard her story and I know will be missed by the many people who's lives had been impacted by her. Sam will always be in our minds and heats.
"In perfect honor, perfect truth, and gentleness to all mankind,
You trod the golden paths of youth, then left the world and youth behind.
Ah no! Tis we who fade and fail,
and you, from Time's slow torments free, shall pass from strength to strength and scale the steeps of immortality."
All my Love, Prayers and Sympathy. Carolyn F.
God has a new angel. She was an inspiration to us all. Although I did not know her personally, I have gotten to know what a wonderful spirit she had and what a wonderful family she had. May God bless you all.
Dear Cipolla Family and Friends, We are all so sad to hear that Sammy's battle has ended. She fought so hard to live and to love, that spirit will live on in all of you. May God hold you and comfort you in your sorrow.
The Novak Family
My thoughts and prayers with your family. Sam brought out so many good things from so many people.
Even though your time on this earth was way too short I'm so thankful I got to know you. The way you would light up a room with your smile is something that will always be with me. From one BH fan to another, God Bless you and your wonderful family.
Our deepest condolences to your entire family. I never met Sam, but my kids went to GBS with her and I followed her blog. What an amazing young lady. A real inspiration. May her memory be for a blessing.
Dear Cipolla Family,
Even though I didn't know Sam I followed her journey through her blog. Sam truly was an amazing young woman and an inspiration to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sam will continue to live though each and everyone of you. In my heart I truly believe that our children will be waiting for us when the time is right. I hope that your angel Sam and my angel Justin have already meet.
Diane, Ron and Paige Cowgill
Dearest Cipolla Family,
Thank you for sharing Sam with all of us and sharing your amazing journey that you have been on over the past two years. Sam, you are now in a wonderful place, making the angels smile and bringing lots of energy and excitement to Heaven. You have finished your job on earth but your lessons, love and energy will be with us all forever. You taught us so much through your strong spirit and creative blogs...how to be brave, how to face scarey situations with honesty and humor, how to share love and think of others when you are suffering yourself...how to never give up and to focus on a new day. God gave you a big job...and you did it better than anyone I have ever known. Thank you Chris, Dolly, Alex, Carisa and Tony for demonstrating the same strength and for pushing ahead and living each day even though you must have felt like hiding. You kept smiling and fighting and celebrting making each day with Sam and eachother count. You have demonstrated the deepest meaning of family and love of eachother. Thanks for your honesty and for letting us be a part of all of you. Please know how deeply we care about all of you and that we will always be here. May you feel the love of the community and feel God's arms around you through this tough time.
With love, Debbie, George, Cameron and Colin
Sam will NEVER be forgotten!! Her fighting happy spirit will always be our inspiration!
We love you guys and will be praying for you to help you survive her loss.
Thinking of you always!
Love,
Bruce and Margaret
Becky and Eric
It is with great sadness that we have learned of Sammy's passing. We prayed that her incredible strength, sense of humor and love of life, could beat this nasty disease. She has been an inspiration to so many and lived a life way beyond her 21 years. We will always remember her. Peace be with you.
The Gottfrieds
I did not know Sammy or your family, but followed her blog with such admiration and hope for all of you. May God bless all of you and give you the strength and courage to make it through this painful time. Sammy is truly an angel and will shine from above the same way she did for all of us through her words.
Sammy will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. She has taught me so much over this last year as I followed her blog. She was really "One Tough Cookie" God Bless!!
We are so sorry to hear about Sammy. She was an incredible fighter and faced her battle with grace. She will live long in the hearts of those who knew her or followed her blog. May you find strength in knowing how many lives she has enriched. You are in our prayers.
Mary Ellen and Tim and family
Sam is so wonderful, and a great cousin to me. I feel so bad for Sam's family, yes, I know what your going through. I am only 9, and I know my dear Nonnie died in 07. I miss Sam sooo much!!! She was truly very loving, caring, and a great helper. She will be missed very, very much by her family, and especially the people who read her blog. I pray to Sam's family, and I know it was a hard night for her family, and everyone knows she was an angel. God bless her and her family and friends. She was truly a great cousin.
Bianca Bergamasco
The Spirit that was Sammy will live forever in the many lives she touched. I am another who had never met her but feel blessed by the gift of her life. By the gift of her sharing. By the gift of her now eternal smile. God bless you all at this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. In the last few years I have barely talked to Sam, but she has always been in my thoughts. I will always remember the amazing times we had starting in 7th grade through high school, she is part of my best memories. She was always one of the nicest and caring people I knew and I just wish I had seen her more. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Cipolla family. I will always miss you Sam.
Gavin Gottfried
I'm sorry that I didn't know Sam personally, as she was clearly am amazing daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. I have followed her blog and whenever I read one of her posts I felt like I was talking to my friend. She was so funny, smart, and so very brave. You must all be so very proud of her, as I'm sure she is of you. May you find comfort in her peace. Thinking of your family with love. Thank you for sharing Sammy with us. I will never forget her message of strenghth and laughter in the face of adversity. God bless you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We followed Sam's blog regularly, and she truly was an inspiration.
Steve and Becky Zimmerman
We're thinking of you and your family with overwhelming sadness, sympathy and love. What a truly amazing family you are. Nancy & Alan and family
Sam will be in all of our hearts. She is an angel on this earth that has shined with her courage and ability to laugh and be positive. Sammy will always be with us and give us inspiration to us all to never give up.
From reading all of these messages, it is so obvious that Sam touched so many lives! The power of her words were more inspirational than any minister I have ever listened to.
In the short time she reached out with her blog, she changed my life and I'm sure many other lives around the world. She sent a message of love, hope & courage even at her most darkest times.
Although I never met her, I will carry her spirit in my heart for the rest of my life.
In my eyes - she is more than an angel - she is a saint!
Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.
Sammy was a brilliant star shining in the lives of her family and friends, imparting joy and courage throughout her ordeal. I have laughed and cried over the words of Sammy and her parents these past two years. I was thrilled when she got her beloved Bella, like it was me getting a new puppy. I loved hearing Tony's singing and seeing pictures from Sammy's 21st birthday. Thank you to all of the Cipolla Family for sharing your angel and her fight with us. May God's love and peace be with you all. Judie
May her spirit enlighten you with the many gifts you received from her strength,courage,determination and the great love she had for others. Never met Sammy but she certainly was a great inspiration to so many... She was blessed with a beautiful family and she will always be with you....
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am. I also never knew Sam but followed her blog after the URL was given to my dad, also a police officer, and from then on I've read it. Sam was an inspiration and full of life. My prayers are with you all as you remember what a wonderful young woman she is and will always be. God Bless you all.
How fortunate we were to know and follow such a beautiful spirit. Our condolences to your family.
Chris and your and for that matter my entire family I am deeply sadened to here of your loss. I never had the opportunity to meet Sammy but she had to be wonderful as she came from the most wonderful family. Remember I am here if you need me even if it generally doesn't seem so. Don't worry about keeping your chin up grieve as you must and i will keep your chin up for you and everyone lese during this time.
Love
Dan (Danny) Kitchen Jr.
Love you Sammy
Words cannot express the sadness we feel over the loss of such a beautiful angel. Sam was truly a remarkable young lady. We will never forget her beautiful smile and incredible personality. Our sons, Derek and Tommy, loved her so much and are mourning her passing along with the rest of our family. Our family feels so privileged to have known her and having enjoyed her company and friendship. She will be forever remembered. Today we embrace you in our thoughts and prayers and wish for the grace of God to embrace you that you may find peace in knowing that you were given such an incredible gift in Sammy's life as a daughter, a sister, a friend.
Consuelo Bedoya Witt and Tom Witt
We are saddened with you for giving up one you loved. Sam was a joyful spirit to all of us. Our family has such fond memories of the times Sam and Caitlin spent together while growing up. Sam had so many wonderful talents that we all enjoyed - what a dominant spirit! Our entire family feels privileged to have walked this earth with Sammy. With love and sympathy...John, Cheryl, Brittney and Caitlin Deom
Sammy was courageous, young women who was an inspiration to all. Despite never having officially met Sammy, I felt a connection to her. She and I went to high school together and I remember always hearing such good things about her. I know she is with God and all the Angels! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time...
Rest In Peace Sammy, you're at peace now. You'll always be in my heart <3
I went to school with Sam from Henking to GBS and I will always remember her as a wonderful athlete and a very genuine person. Her smile was contagious and her spirit will live on in her family and friends. my deepest condolences and prayers.
-LM
Sam Ciapolla was an inspiration to everyone, I didn't know her but followed her blog. There were time I wanted to crawl up and forget life but I would read her blog and it would inspire me to keep going. She was a beautiful person and heaven is blessed have her. My prayers are with her family and friends.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Sam and her family's journey have taught us all so very much. God Bless
Katie Siegel
My son (Hunter) went to school with Sam and I have been folowing her blog since the local paper had a story on her. Sam was truly an inspiration. She faced the most difficult situation with humor, sensitivity, and compassion. She was a tremendous writer and her personality came through her blog. Her spirit has set an example to us all. It was clear how much love she held of life, her friends and family. What a remarkable person. Thank you for sharing her with us all. Sally Hopkins
I Love you Sammy and will miss you so much!
I never personally knew sam but I am part of the GBS choir and was involved in the sam cipolla fundraiser and knew about her. She inspired me and many of my peers through her battle. Her positive outlook has touched me. She will always be remembered.
I can only hope that when faced with difficult situations that I will be able to demonstrate the grace, love, and courage that Sam displayed during her fight. She truly was one of a kind with a smile on her face every time I passed her in the halls of GBS. The number of people she touched in her life is a true testament to her incredible spirit and her family. You are all in my prayers.
Sam always had an amazing spirit when we were on the softball team at GBS together. I was so sad to hear this news. Her spirit will absolutely live on, she has touched so many lives.
I also followed Sammy's blog for more than a year without knowing her. I hoped and prayed for her to get well and beat the cancer.
It is so sad.
My condolences to all Cipolla family.
Please know that we care, and think about all of you daily.
Sammy will stay in our hearts forever.
Ewa
I am so very sorry, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and of course our beloved Sammy. She taught me so very much, her strength, courage, openness and honesty placed her on a pedestal that all should strive for. I'm thankful for everything that she gave me, and can only hope everyone else knew just how bright of a star she really was. I love you Sammy, May the creator keep you safe and warm, and the spirits look after you. I think I speak for everyone when I say, I'm going to miss you, so very much.
Words are just not enough when you touched my heart. Bless You Sammy.
Zack Pearson
Sam was such a strong girl, and although I didn't know her very well I could tell that her spirits were high and she was a fighter.
My prayers go to the family and to sam
Dear Dolly and Family, please know God is with you. Sammy is now home smiling in true peace.
You are in the prayers of "The Jack and Tinks Wangler family".
Love, Cousin Peggy
Sam embraced and celebrated the gift of her life. She encouraged all of us to embrace our own lives and to celebrate the things that are most important. What a gift to have known her even if only through her blog, as was the case for so many. Now the stars are shining, the angels are singing and all of heaven is celebrating!
We're better for having known Sam and Sam is now making heaven an even etter place. God bless you and your family Sam.
Sammy was sent here to give the rest of us a message and she so VERY much accomplished that. She has been and will continue to be an inspiration in all our lives with her unselfish and genuine message. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You are all such an example of true family.
Love
Cathy
Words fall so far short in trying to capture any condolences or comfort to ease such a profound loss- how can heartbreak be described?? All I can offer is this: Sammy showed not only showed us what courage meant under tremendous adversity, but did so with the grace, dignity, and humor others some never achieve in their life time. The love her family shared with her enveloped her in a blind bright and warm embrace- and she stepped from this embrace into God's embrace. Our prayers of strengh and peace for Sammy and her family-
Elizabeth Yordanoff and family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our son has been a friend/classmate of Tony's and we have followed this blog. Sam was a beautiful, inspirational young woman, with an amazing spirit. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Bond Family
rest in peace, and my thoughts are with you at this tough time
Rest In Peace Sammy!! You will always be remembered by everyone. You truly are an Angel!! My prayers are with the whole Cipolla family. God Bless you all!! cece
"The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God."
C
Her courage and determination should be an inspiration to all around her and will hopefully give her family the strength to endure through this time. Our sincerest condolences to all of her family and friends.
I am so sorry for your terrible loss and offer my deepest condolences. You are, and will continue to be, in my thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks and months.
rest in peace. prayers and support to those remaining here. she is at rest now.
I'd like to say how sorry I am for your loss, I never met Sammy, but just from reading some of the blog and comments I can see what a truly wonderful and inspirational daughter, sister, and friend she was. The angels are rejoicing to have such great person with them, and may God bless everyone who is survived by her and give you the strength, courage, and faith to get through these hard times!!
Rest In Peace Sam, you fought an amazing fight and will always be remembered. My prayers go out to her family and friends at this time.
Sam fought such a courageous battle. I admire her spirit that came through on this blog, and I'm sure she touched (and will continue to touch) many lives by sharing her story. Her family and friends are in my thoughts during this extremely difficult time. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
I am reading this blog right now, and I am brought to tears. What a courageous battle. Sammy you are loved and will never be forgotten. My condolences go out to your family.
I didnt know Sammy but have followed her story/posts. I am glad she is no longer suffering and hope for peace for her family. What a couragous and beautiful girl.
Diane Overton
Mundelein Police Department
"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."
We were all so blessed to be touched by Sam and her incredible spirit. She truly loved life. I will always remember her and try to capture the same spirit for life that she had.
I'm sure she is starting up a softball league right now. Heaven will never be the same!
I am so sorry for your HUGE loss. She was an amazing person with an amazing spirit. My prayers are with your family!
I pray for Sam and her family. I saw her obit and felt the need to send my condolence. My daughter has Adenoid Cystic Carsonoma also very rare and is battling for her life. I know the feelings of helplessness, fear and saddeness of watching your child go through such an horrific battle. God bless you all.
To all who read:
Go back and read Sam's post from June 18th. Then read it again. And again. Sam got it. She understood. And now she no longer walks on glass or hot coals. We cry, but for our loss. Sam, at last, has been healed. Now, go read her June 18th post again and go do what she wants us to do.
I just wanted to say that how deeply sad I am.I know she is in God`s hands now, in heaven.I could only imagine how difficult it is for all family and all of us who were lucky enough to know her. We will not forget her and remember her courage and fight with a smile on her face. I will keep her and all of you in my prayers. God Bless..
Dr Akin Tekin
Univ.of Miami
I met Sammie last summer while we were sitting next to each other at at CUBS game.She was having a great time with her friends. She explained her medical situation to me,a complete stanger, as we enjoyed the festive atmosphere at Wrigley Field.I was taken by her frankness,her optimism,her spirit,her love of life.and her courage.That was only after a short time together.She must have lived life to the fullest from what little I witnessed and she made an incredible impression upon me.After the game was over I wished her good luck and to hang in there,but I knew she didnt need that.She was having too much fun! And from reading her blog, she was tougher than anyone and needed no encouragement from anyone.She was a wonderful girl and her spirit will live with me forever.
As I read through Sammy's blog (again) and read through these comments, I am overwhelmed with both sadness that such a wonderful young woman left this world much too soon, and a complete and utter admiration of what she was able to do in her short time here. Sam taught so many people (many whom she never met) so much about love, courage and perseverance. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I will forever carry Sam's message of life with me and will try to pay it forward every day. Thank you for sharing Sam with us.
And, did you get what you wanted evenso?
I did.
And what was it you wanted?
To call myself beloved....to feel myself beloved on this earth.
I have a feeling your Sam was and will always be BELOVED.
An Irish Blessing:
Beannacht
("Blessing")
On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.
And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets in to you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.
~ John O'Donohue ~
(Echoes of Memory)
Hey Sam... I know we have never talked in HS or JH. But i remember talking for a little in elementary during our outdoor ed adventures. I was truly amazed what a talented person you are. After all these years on earth... I'm pretty sure you have impacted many lives. May you truly rest in peace with the Lord of all creation....
the power of love is infinite and our sammy always will be SO loved.
We Love you Sammy. You are an angel.Rest in peace. God bless your wonderful family.
I was so sad to hear about Sam. She was an amazing girl with such a positive light around her. Having played on sports teams with her over many years, I know how motivational as well as inspirational she was and my thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
I am very very sorry for your loss, Sam was a great person and my thoughts are with her family
My cousin told us about Sammy's blog and her love for life kept us involved with her battle! Her blog was an inspiration to us all. So sorry for your loss! My deepest condolences to all the family and friends!!
I feel incredibly honored to have known Sam. Her perserverance and love of life were beyond etraordinary. May her memory be for a blessing...
Wishing you all God's blessings at this difficult time. Your loss is tremendous and has touched the lives of many who want to share your burden. Sam was the essence of beauty, love and life and her spirit will live on in each person she came in contact with.
Steve, Malin and Geo Bowers
Sam will be missed it was an honor to have met her even in her pain she made other laugh and smile...she will be remembered as a bright sweet caring and thoughtful young lady. Sam in honor of u wishes I will love laugh and live for you! My deepest condolences to the Cippola Family you have a great angel looking over all of you!
Dear Chris and Dolly, you and Samantha showed me how special people are and I will never forget those moments we spent at Jackson. You guys made me grow as a person and I am very sorry about your loss of Samantha. Dr. Pedro
I'll lend you for a little time
a Child of Mine, He said,
For you to love the while she lives
and mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years
or twenty-one or three
But will you, till I call her back,
take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you
and should her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down here,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked this wide world over
in search of teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd Life's lane
I have selected You.
Now will you give her all your love
nor think the labor vain
And hate Me when I come to call
to take her back again?
I fancy that I heard them say
Dear Lord, Thy Will be done.
For all the joy this child will bring
the risk of grief we'll run,
We'll shelter her with tenderness
we'll love her while we may
And for the Happiness we've known
forever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for her
much sooner than we planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that came
and try to understand.
I never knew Sam personally. I went NIU and a friend of mine gave me Sam's blog when she found out I was working toward becoming a pediatric oncologist. Sam your words have touched me to the very core. You are so wise beyond your years. I think of you and your family often and you are always in my prayers. It brought tears to my eyes to hear of your passing. Your story is something I will always keep with me forever. Thank you for being such an inspiration and for making the world a better place. Rest in Peace Sammy.
I am so terribly sorry for the loss of Sammy. I met her briefly in Memphis this summer at the church (I came up to her and you while you were sitting in the pews, but forgot to tell you my name!)I followed her blog before Memphis and afterward. She fought the good fight and was truly a lesson in courage. You are all in my prayers.
Victoria in Memphis
I miss you, Sammy.
Sammy,
I miss you so much. Its almost been 4 years since you have been gone and I haven't spent one day without feeling some sort of emptiness in my heart. Wherever I walk I might feel happy but I know something is missing. Its you. You were my role model. You were the sweetest person I know. You had such a caring heart. Through the mail, you sent me crosswords and word puzzles you and Tony made for me when I had swine flu. This was only a week before you passed. Next Wednesday, I won't stop thinking of you. I miss you soooo much Sammy I wish you were still here. I love you Sam.
- Your favorite cousin ;),
Bianca <3
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