A Tribute to Samantha
February 16, 1984 - June 10, 2006
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A Tribute to Samantha
Samantha has touched my life in such profound ways, it is hard to choose the proper words to honor her. She was my hero. Her physical body suffered from severe respiratory problems and in later years, gallstones and pancreatitis. Most of the time, she struggled to get oxygen into her lungs. She spent hours at a time hanging off of a special table we had devised to drain mucus from her lungs. When she had a gallbladder attack, the pain was excruciating. But through all of this, she could always manage a smile. There is no way I could have lived the life she lived with the grace that she lived it. Though Samantha was profoundly retarded from birth, those who took the time to get to know her quickly realized that though she couldn't make her body work, her mind definitely worked. She knew exactly what was going on at all times, even what you were thinking. Her favorite activity was to frighten her nurses and caregivers. She would wait until I was out of the room, or out of the house, and start having problems breathing. If it frightened her victim, she got worse. If the victim was brave enough to tell Samantha 'enough, stop this', she would stop with a laugh. If not, they found another job. I have seen an RN run out the door crying because she was sure that Samantha was dying. She loved this game. Samantha was the most psychic person I have ever known. She was able to travel to realms that most of us cannot even conceive of. She could manifest the things she needed easily and quickly - the perfect nurse or caregiver, the perfect state program to support her needs, etc. She definitely made sure all of her needs were met. She surrounded herself with people who loved and accepted her. Though she could not speak verbally, she did speak telepathically with those close to her. Her nurses knew which movies she wanted to watch, what clothes she wanted to wear that day, etc. She found her own special way to communicate with each one of them. Samantha was such a special soul. She seldom left her bed in later years, but she touched people on the other side of the world. She was on this earth for a very special assignment, and she passed with flying colors! Though Samantha's physical body is gone, her soul is not. Since her death, she has visited people that I didn't even realize she knew, helped to teach a seminar, and is flitting from place to place. We still hear 'I want that' when we are shopping. She still plays pranks on us. She still asks to watch her movies. The only thing that has changed is that the physical body is no longer confining her powerful spirit. This close connection to Samantha's spirit makes grieving very difficult. It is hard to grieve for someone when you hear her singing 'It's my party, I'll cry if I want to' every time you cry. I cannot get her to understand that even though she is still with us, the physical body is gone and we have to grieve that loss. We have to grieve the fact that we can never touch that beautiful face again. Samantha entered my life like a whirlwind, turning it upside down, and left it like a whirlwind, turning it upside down again. She changed my life and who I am in very profound ways. I am who I am today because of her. I thank her for this. Though the last 22 years have been years I would not wish on anyone else, I am honored that I was allowed to experience them with her.
On June 10, we not only lost our Angel, we also lost our nurses who were our extended family. This loss is causing us even more grief. We also lost most of our income. It is very hard for me to ask for assistance, but this is a lesson I am having to learn at this time. I ask for prayers that my partner Michael, who was Samantha's caregiver for the last few years, finds another job soon. Ask your friends to visit my websites and make purchases from me. If you would like to make a donation to assist us, click here.
Samantha's memorial ceremony will be held on July 8, 2006 at 11 am. As part of the ceremony, we will each tell of a way that Samantha touched our lives and made us better people. If you would like to have a statement read at the ceremony about how Samantha touched your life, please post it below. I will add pictures of the ceremony for those who are interested, so check back after the ceremony.
CommentsI'm suffering from Hypperthyroid, but wish to conceive a happy and healthy son this year. Husband is also suffering from infertility. heal us for abundance.
CommentsI didn't know your daughter, but you told me about her when I asked you about my son that had passed away. She sounds like she was a wonderful and fun spirited person. I saw her birthday and noticed she was born four days before me. Thanks for writing about your daughter on here and telling her story. It's so nice to see how much you still love her. A love for a child never goes away no matter how short of time you spent with them.
CommentsSome people pass into our lives and quickly go . . . Yet they touch our soul and heart in a unique way People that we love will always be here, and near for they will always be engraved within our hearts and memory and that where you shall always be Sam! I actually don't know you but reading through the comments on the website, I realize how a special soul you were and the joy you brought into others lives will always remind us of an angel on earth that was once amongst us.
CommentsI never met Samantha. I have only known of her through my friend and colleague, Claudia. Just by knowing Claudia on the Internet, it was easy to see how much joy Samantha brought to her mother's life. It showed me that no matter who we are or what challenges and limitations we face, we each have something to give. Every single one of us is special and every single one of us is capable of bringing joy to the lives of others. Every life is a gift, truly, all the way down to the very last breath, and beyond. Samantha showed this, and still does, with her eternal spirit, which I will never forget. Samantha never doubted that she had something to give. She simply gave it, freely. She was unafraid of showing her unique, innocent spirit. I would imagine that we could all learn something from that. Samantha lives today. More profoundly than any of us can imagine. Yes, she is flying around and singing "off-key." Because it gets our attention and makes us notice the perfection in all things. There was perfection in Samantha's life, and there is perfection in her death, and I pray that we all will be able to behold that Truth as sweetly as Samantha has. God bless you Samantha, and God bless you Claudia, and ALL those who cared for Samantha. May you all know, as deeply as Samantha does, how precious you really are. In love and light, Avalon De Witt
CommentsSamantha Precious Soul of the earth, wind, rain and sun. Silently teaching unforgettable lessons about hope, true courage, strength of spirit, unconditional love, appreciation and what's truly important in life. Your brillant spirit continues to touch us daily, even though we never personally met.
CommentsI did not know Samantha but as I look at her photograph it is clear that she is a true Angel of God sent to remind us of all our blessings,joys and good health.Compassion not pity for others like Samantha inspires me to start voluntary work in a School for our "Special Children" May God Bless and keep you strong. In faith and peace. Elizabeth.
CommentsThough I didn't know Samantha personally, I did know her Mom as AskClaudia, and I've always admired Claudia's work, especially being down in Texas, and trying to shine light on a state that has some pretty dense policy-makers; But don't let me digress; I knew of Samantha from Claudia...and the thought that has always come to my mind, is the "relativity" of this world, and how we must be grateful for what we do have...our ability to walk, run, smell-the-roses, complain, stand-up, shout, or any other number of mundane activities that we routinely take for granted----all True Blessings when you are confined to a bed and un-able to have the freedoms that others enjoy as routine! So, to sum-it-up, I've been touched to appreciate the blessings right before me, and to also realize there is a lot more to this Life, to Living, and the Beyond, than the pleasures of the material world; For all of us are destined for the Spiritual Realm, where earthly bodies, with or without limitations, are totally irrelavant; To learn how to live a life of grace such as Samantha, is to learn how to live in the Spiritual World! And doing such on Earth, is to live a Spiritual Life on Earth! Sincerely, -Carter
CommentsSamantha touched my soul in so many ways. She was a very special spirit and will be much missed.
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