Lovely Sam...I ran into you and Cassidy at Patton about 3 years back. It felt like exactly where we all left off. Just that ease and joy of conversation. It was so good to see you. You looked like you were really becoming who you were meant to be. So free spirited. Us going from goofy kids to goofy adults smoking a cigarette together. Different but the same. 

I remember some cheerleader chick in high school made a rude comment to you in choir once and you said something like "at least I won't peak in high school!" Fuck yeah! 🤣 You had my respect always. You never gave a fuck about what people thought of you even when we were younger. I WISHED I had that confidence and innate talent! You were genuine. 

We had so much in common and similar life journeys even after long periods apart. You messaged me out of the blue last December  and we talked about becoming chronically ill. It was so touching. Thank you for sharing that with me and reaching out. We must have needed each other again. I wish I could have seen more of your life but I see the way parts of you are still in other people. Every time I hear "The Fool on the Hill" by The Beatles I will be thinking of you and our drive down those farmroads blasting it. You will keep shining brightly. 

Sam,

I’ll never forget the summer of 2011 and my junior year of high school. We spent nearly everyday together on summer break. Going to Culver’s, driving around Springfield, playing Zelda on your N64, staying up way too late, and making stupid videos about the dangers of “biking and texting”. You made that summer for me. I liked that we could laugh about whatever. During the school year, I remember you helping me with biology homework that was wayyyy too difficult for me. You were so incredibly smart. And talented. I always loved hearing you sing in choir. OH! Do you remember when I butchered The Habanera for that choir thing? You sang it the year before and I just remembered seeing you bury your face in your hands while I was singing GIBBERISH! You sang it better. Your voice was so incredible.

Your were incredible, Sam. I’ll always cherish the years we had together. You were real, honest, and such a good friend to many. Whether we were on the stage, in the choir room, at a drama party, or just hanging out, I loved your presence.