Sammy's Celebration

Sammy’s Celebration

Did you take time last week reflecting on your many blessings? I hope that was a priority for you, and I hope you will continue to spend time each and every day reflecting on the blessings and gratitude that occur each day.

Last Saturday, Jon and I attended “A Service in Celebration of Samantha Remington.” I wrote about Sammy in last week’s blog, and I feel a need to share this experience of celebration. I don’t know how you do this when your heart is so heavy, but it was THE most beautiful celebration I think I have ever attended. From Barry to Brigitte to each of the siblings, they shared their daughter, their sister through videos, song, and prayer to a packed room. 

There was a touching written story, “Samantha and the Angel” written by “Papa” Paul Benedetti which I could only read through tears. He began, “At the first spark of life, the Angel came for Samantha and the spark dimmed and nearly died, but her heart pulsed – “not yet” – and was heard and Samantha lived.  He continued with his story of Sammy’s life and the times when the Angel watching over her decided “not yet”….His conclusion read, “But even heroes and the strongest warriors must fall when time runs out. The Angel laid gentle hands on Samantha, and she slipped away to dwell in peace in the lands where we will join her. Until then she is alive and in our hearts and her love will endure and sustain and nurture us all our days.”

As all of us were wrapped into this beautiful fold of love, support, humor, tenacity, faith, and yet also sadness, each member of the Remington family had not only written Sammy a personal letter, but they also each read their letter out loud. Barry read his letter to his daughter and then he read a “letter from Sammy.” 

This young 23 year old woman has touched so many lives whether it be family and friends or the doctors and nurses or the American Heart Association, or organ donors etc., She lived a life of being present, a life of smiles and gratitude, and a life watching over others. She is now an Angel watching over all those she loved. Sammy has made a difference in this world through her positive attitude despite her pain and frustrations, she lived a life of purpose and determination, and she blessed so many in her short time on earth.

Thank you, Remington family, for all you have each taught us about family, love, inner strength, and faith by sharing this painful time with all of us.

I wish all of you a week of reflection. Reflection about your purpose on this earth, reflection about your attitude whether it be positive or not, reflection about your relationships with your spouse, children, family, and even in the work place. I wish you a daily dose of reflection and gratitude!