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The following is a tribute written and read at Sam's funeral by his step-daughter, Laurie. Friday, March 4, 2005 I had no intentions on paying tribute to Sam today, but God had another plan for me. Please excuse my grammar, my pronunciation, and my tears. I was 8 years old when Sam entered my life. Being a child from a divorced situation, you become very protective of the parent you live with. I was very protective of my mom. When Sam came into our lives, in my mind of an 8 year old, I could not figure out what she saw in him. He was a tall, gruff opinionated man. I did not learn or did not want to learn what she saw in him until later in life. Sam and I had our ups and downs, it was tough living under his roof, but I respected him. When Sam was diagnosed with cancer, your first reaction is "why him". Sam had a positive outlook, determination, and hope. I thank God for this. I also thank family and friends for the prayers, cards, telephone calls, and gatherings at Dick's Sweet Shop, now known as Mike's Deli, and the Fleas club, this kept him going and kept him fighting. As time went on, the glimmer of hope began to dim. I started to think about the past year, and about what my mom saw in Sam------she saw a handsome tall red head with no freckles who she fell in love with. Their marriage vows began to play in my mind---in sickness and in health. As my mom took care of Sam this past year, I observed her falling in love with him all over again. I am so happy my mom had the chance for one last "I love you", one last dance and one last kiss. It's sad that an illness puts your life into perspective. As Sam's final weeks approached, for the first time in 31 years, he told me "I love you honey" and I replied "me too". At this point I realized what my mom saw in him--a human being under that gruff exterior. Sam made one of the greatest gestures in my life, he allowed me to give my son a place called "home",and for this I thank him always. It was my honor to help care for Sam, but the greatest gift that I could give him was prayers to end his suffering. Those prayers were answered by a wonderful place called hospice. I thank God for answering our prayers and for sending a wonderful hospice nurse "Shane" to help him safely go home. I love you Sam Snyder----I'm glad you were part of my life. Laurie Buchman-step daughter
and grandson Jordan. |