This valentine is from Jayne Jessop, Sam's aunt (and Maur's sister).  In part of her message she talks about "knowing always that something was coming".  This is something that Jayne, my mom, Heather and I have always worried about since Sam was small and talked about before the accident.  We always felt something was going to happen to him, specifically involving a car in some way.  When I received the call on Valentine's Day 2005 about Sam's horrific accident, even though I was terrified I wasn't surprised.  One of my first thoughts was, "Oh, so this is how it was to happen."  And the others felt the same way, too.  This accident and all that followed was destined to be part of Sam's journey through life.

Dear Sam,

This past year is not describable in words.  Such harsh, raw emotions and feelings.  The fear, chaos, unimaginable despair, the pain--the joy, the celebrating, the miracles.  Who are you, man!!??  I mean that.  Here we are with our wonderful, smart Sam, just going along, but knowing always that something was coming.  Now here we are with our wonderful, smart Sam, the dreaded event that has loomed now behind us and you, elevated to a place where just the mention or thought of you evokes such love and emotion that it really makes me go, hmmmm...

You are a special child of God and he has taken good care of you and for that I am eternally grateful.  I thank God for making you a part of my life.  I am so much better for it.  I love you, my Sam.  Your Auntie is always here for you, always!

Love,

Jayne