In September 2023, Sam had come up from California for a week of paddling the Teiton with his river family and I had the privelege of getting to do a run with him and several of his friends when I picked him up for our road trip back down to the Ranch. It was my first white water rafting experience not guided. "Dadler" was our Captain and it was good to see how serious Sam took safety on the river and respected Kyler's instruction and encouraged me to do everything Kyler told me. I felt so safe and had such a great time. So much joy that day sharing that experience with him and being in his world and meeting his friends. When we left the river we stopped in Portland to stay the night at Kara's and I feel asleep to Sam and Kara singing as Kara played the ukulele. t is such a sweet, sweet and precious memory. As was the rest of our road trip down I-5. We found a small diner off the highway that made amazing burgers for lunch. Sam connected with folks where ever we stopped. We listened yo music and talked about all sorts of things. The few days I spent at the Ranch helping him set up his first ever "home" was such a blessing. We worked hard, and I loved seeing him so excited to put his place together and hear about his vision and plans for the ranch. I am eternally grateful for that time we shared, it is a dear memory to me. I miss him.
What was one of your favorite memories or stories about Sam?
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Sam, my love, flesh of my flesh, my baby. How I miss you here on Earth, yet your presence is not far from my consciousness at any point. I sense you most vividly when I ground barefoot at sunrise in the yard and I consider anew many of the things you talked about. We acknowledged your birthday tonight with a bonfire and the full moon with some of the tunes you've shared with us over the years. And of course, liquified MoMo's . It was good to have that time together. I wish you could have overcome the torment that drove you to escape with drugs. You were so close. Its been confusing for those of us left behind as you had so much light and love and amazing plans. You are missed and we will continue to "walk each other home" until we see you again. I find comfort in knowing you are free from pain and not far from my heart. Loving you always, Mom
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Happy Heavenly Birthday, Sam! Say hi to my Momma for me and give her a big hug from me 🫂
💕
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2010, Gyrotonic Upcountry Maui, Makawao Avenue, Makawao, HI, USA
Sam zipping with me and my friends.
— with
Samual Widergren
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Sam, you were without a doubt the most contradictory person that I've ever known. You were brilliant yet foolish, compassionate yet malicious, thoughtful yet careless. All these contradictions made it difficult to be friends with you since I never knew which of your extremes would show at any given moment. I still loved you though and I had always hoped you'd find your calling. You had so many gifts and such an incredible wealth of knowledge especially when it came to growing, building and fixing vehicles. It was remarkable to watch you build greenhouses and to see the bond you had with your plants and with Jill, your loyal companion. Wherever you are now, I hope that your spirits have found each other again. And also thank you for the leaky raft. It might have been a cheap intex inflatable that ripped like nothing but it brought me to the water regardless and so you helped me find a passion for whitewater paddling. I have since been on dozens of kayaking trips on the Animas, Rio Grande, San Juan, Arkansas, Chama, Crooked and Deschutes rivers and at Navajo lake. One of these trips nearly killed me when I hit a class IV rapid on the racecourse section of the Rio grande. I had foolishly forgotten to zip the fly on my size 2XL dry suit that I'd bought for a discount at REI garage sale. As soon as I hit water I blew up like an underwater michelin man. I couldn't help but think of you laughing at me yet helping me stay afloat as I somehow swam with waterlogged appendages back to my boat. Near death experiences were what made you feel alive and at that moment I too felt that thrill. Only this time you have passed on but I don't think you've really gone. Perhaps traveling to the spirit world is what you need to find your calling. All I ask is that you take mercy on us earthlings. We are no match for the wrath of Sam.
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Love, helping others. I called him "Sam I am and he would reply yes, I am your Sam. I had the joy of being with Sam, Janelle and Ryan many times. He will be in my heart forever.
In response to "What act of kindness did you witness from Sam?"
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So sorry for your loss. :( no words can heal the pain everyone is going through. I can only offer my condolences. Sam will be greatly missed 😢 We had a lot of fun together, and was one heck a friend! R.I.P Sam
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Although I'd never met Sam, I've heard so many wonderful, incredible things about your son! Adventurous, fun loving, outdoorsy, kind, compassionate and caring barely stratches the surface! Traveling, treks, beautiful inside and out, so talented, amazing character! Terri and Steve, and family, you have all loved him so deeply and he always knew that! May the Lord comfort you at this most difficult time! Sending our heartfelt condolences, with love, Nancy and Ward
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