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Services and Celebration (We are about living!)
By Margot | March 15, 2010
Thank you James for the kind post about Sam as a goalie – it touched our hearts and is part of the subject of this post.
We will celebrate Sam’s life with a Mass and an All-Star Party: Sam’s All-Star Party.Â
The Mass and Reception will be at St. Brigid’s in Pacific Beach at 2pm Wednesday March 17th. Any and all are invited and a reception will follow. Sam’s favorite colors are Blue, Red, and Green – he liked bright colors. We have checked with Father Steven and he is encouraging BRIGHT COLORS so be bold and Sam will love it. We apologize for the late notice but if you can make it, we would love to see you.
Sam’s All-Star Party is tentatively scheduled for Saturday April 3rd in the morning pending permits. It will be at Kate Sessions Park near the playground. Sam, Andy, Charlie and their friends had incredible times there playing kickball, soccer, freeze tag, hikes, baseball, and birthdays. There will be music so get ready to hear some Smashmouth, Bon Jovi, and Queen. It was Sam’s favorite spot in all the world.
Plans are still formative but there will be soccer, 4-square, and games of all sorts. We would LOVE to see people in soccer uniforms, baseball jerseys, and just about any kind of athletic wear. Extra credit for anyone with David Beckham gear. Sam was 100% sports and school and this will be in his fun-loving spirit.  So please also come to play – Sam was NOT a spectator.
Thanks to all for the kind comments and emails. They have been holding us up and are so treasured. Everyone keeps asking what they can do.Â
We would ask that you send or email any special Sam memories or pictures that you might have. The best email is Neil’s (nbcure@yahoo.com). If you have a ton of photos or videos, PLEASE PLEASE find the time to get them onto a CD – you will never know how much it would mean to us.
At Sam’s school today, they spoke to the 4th grade classes and gave the children a chance to feel, talk and just share their thoughts. They honored Sam by playing 4-square. THAT MAKES US SO HAPPY!!!!! He LOVED 4-square and we can still see him moving from squares 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 and smiling the entire time.
Margot, Neil, Angel Sam, Andy, and Charlie (aka Mr. Baby Dude)
(PS – People have asked about donations and how to honor Sam. We are honored that people are asking and our thoughts are to perhaps help fund reading scholarships for kids at Kate Sessions Elementary in Sam’s name, some soccer-related scholarship, or cancer research. The bylaws of www.magicwater.org are broad-enough so that donations direction to www.magicwater.org can be used for any of these purposes (thanks for the foresight John!).  Sam would be very happy being able to help other kids.
Topics: Progress Reports | 39 Comments »
March 15th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Sam and Erin and Andy climbing around on everything that didn’t move on a sunny day on a sidewalk in The Village near Rice after lunch. And Neil and I arranging a marriage between Sam and Erin, so we would be guaranteed red-headed grandchildren!
Vickie
March 15th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I can’t find the words that I want to use but I must say that I was honored to have met & helped Sam. He brought beauty to a world where many might find sorrow. His family had everything to do with this. Please know that my thoughts and heart is with you.
Allyson Krasny
March 15th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Sounds like a great way to celebrate Sam’s life. We will be there in bright colors and I’m sure Sam will be having as much fun as anyone. Amazing how 4 square is bringing these little Kate Sessions guys together. Your family is always in our thoughts and prayers. Tom
March 15th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Look for the Sonck’s on Wednesday dressed in there brightest and loudest Sam colors! Shine on, little man!
Don (King), Tracy (Queen), Alex, and Nick
March 15th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Life is for living.
Sam, beat to crap by the disease and its treatment, always knew that…he wanted to be in the mix and as he looks down he will know that the people he cares most about, are full on living…
We celebrate you, Sammy.
March 15th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
I am inspired to see the celebration that follows a precious life that is only beginning in true eternity! March onward, family of gladiators! I know God is and will be glorified through all of this! Praying for you, Hutchisons.
March 15th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
We will be there. Sam left a huge void and I saw it today in the kids, teachers and parents. Madison is struggling- she says she wishes the doctors found an “antidote” and she wished she could have raised more money for the “antidote”. Sent books with Mrs. Barker for Charlie and Andy. Hope they are helpful- I tried to mark a few sections that I thought might be helpful since I know you do not have time to read. Willing to help… Angela 9Madison’s Mom)
March 15th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Today at school was tough. Mrs. O was in tears. We went outside to play 4-square. But I found a basketball so we decided to play. It ended in a score of 27-27(we continued through recess and lunch recess). Everyone had a great time.Nicolas,Joe,Tanner and I wore our “Team Sam” shirts to school today.My family and I will be at the service in flying colors.Hope to see you there.
Angel Sam’s buddy,
blake
March 15th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
We would love to Celebrate for Sam!!
Judd dedicated his half pipe run for Sam this weekend, so Sam helped Judd get first place!
LOve
The Henkes Family
March 16th, 2010 at 1:05 am
We are not human beings going through a temporary spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings going through a temporary human experience.
Our soul will cast off this heavy cloak that is our diseased body and take flight and soar upward to join our Father in heaven.
I am at a loss for words. I loved this little boy and his family. Heaven has one of the best now. He is one of the brightest flowers in heaven’s garden. God bless. Love, Angel Mary
March 16th, 2010 at 2:11 am
We won’t be able to attend the service on Wednesday, but we will be thinking of you guys and wearing Sam’s 3 favorite colors that day. Hadley’s class at school today prayed for your family and will be praying for you guys all week. We plan on getting out and playing something fun Saturday to celebrate Sam.
I didn’t really know you guys too much before Lathan’s diagnosis, but we would see you guys at ballgames. We were never on the same team as Sam, but I do have one memory in particular of Sam that I wanted to share. I don’t know which of my boy’s were playing (I think it was maybe even 3 basketball seasons ago), but the ball hit Sam in the face or the head and it was one of those hits that you just think, “wow that had to have really hurt.” I mean any other kid would have just laid down and cried and had to be taken out of the game. But, not Sam…he just got back up and gave a little grin that said, “hey, I’m ok…and I can even laugh about it with you” I could see right there that his attitude was just amazing!
I’m sure he was so strong because he came from such a loving family!
March 16th, 2010 at 2:43 am
Oh, how I wish we were closer to San Diego but know that we will be wearing our bright colors here in Wisconsin in hopes of shining extra light and love on an amazingly bright life. We’ll be bold, we’ll be bright, and we’ll be celebrating your beautiful boy.
With love and friendship,
Sarah and John
March 16th, 2010 at 3:58 am
Such an awesome idea to celebrate Sam’s incredible life by having his friends and family do all the things that he enjoyed so much. I feel so fortunate to have known all of you since our college days. Margs- remember how we used to always worship those women who were totally “together” as we were always losing our keys, had papers flying out when we opened our car doors, and could never quite walk as confidently as others?Well, you are now one of those women who I so admire and respect. You and Neil are such amazing parents and friends. Please call me if you need absolutely anything.
March 16th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
This sounds lovely….what a life to celebrate…we continue to think of you in these days and Sam and your family are mentioned on many CB sites and ofcourse Band Of Parents……we are sending love, and hope. You guys are all amazing. Sam is proud for sure. Love, The Demers
caringbridge/jackdemers
March 16th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
When it’s 2 pm in California tomorrow, we’ll be here in PA wearing something bright and looking at a picture of Sam’s smiling, freckled face. We know he’ll be loving the sight of all his friends and family, gathered to celebrate his beautiful, energetic, and happy life.
As ever, we send love.
Laurie & Robert
March 16th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Neil, Margot, and family,
I too regret that San Diego is just so far away; it would be really nice to help celebrate Sam’s life. I will be sure to wear my bright red shirt tomorrow in his honor here in MD, though.
Do it up right,
Doug Plotner
March 16th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
So fitting that it is St Patricks Day to CELEBRATE Sam with a Mass. St Patrick dedicated his life to explaining the Trinity and Sam’s life has shown so many of us the one great rule in life:
Get knocked down, Get Back Up. (Leave this World, be re-born in heaven eternally).
Smiling…like Sam will be tomorrow as he sees his little brothers standing with his mom and dad and celebrating Sam’s return to Eternal Life.
If you cant be with Redman, Margo, Charlie, Andy and Angel Sam tomorrow, pause for a moment and thank Sam for being such an example of living fully and completely, regardless of the cards dealt.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
I am at a loss for words, I only know you Margot through my son Daz, my heart goes out to you and your family.
We are British and love football also, we will be wearing our bright football shirts for Sammy tomorrow. God Bless you all.
March 17th, 2010 at 5:27 am
We are sending prayers of peace and healing… Bright colors it is… for Sam…
March 17th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Neil and Margot,
I am sorry that I am not able to be there with you today to celebrate Sam’s life. I have never met anyone that fought so courageously as Sam. I may not be there with you physically, but spiritually I am present. Today I am sporting a bright orange t-shirt with an embroidered TEAMSAM.com emblem. This shirt was a soccer uniform from an adult open team that I coached a few years back.
Neil, after I visited a few months ago I found myself involved in a discussion with some co-workers where the topic was “if you could meet anyone in the history of the world who would that be?†After the usual cast of characters, it was my turn and I told everyone that I have met you and Sam. I told them about Sam’s journey and about your never ending commitment to saving his life and by knowing both of you I have become a better person. I only wish I was one tenth of the person that you are. Neil, you’re my hero and I love you, Margot, Angel Sam, Andy and Charlie with all my heart.
To paraphrase Bruce Springsteen… “when they built you brother, they broke the mold.â€
I love you and God Bless you.
David
March 17th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Wearing bring colors in Texas for Sam today. Peace and love to you all –
Curt & Dawn Simmons
March 17th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
I am still at a loss for words. This is one of my favorites and was sung at my Fathers funeral. Always brings me some peace. I hope it helps, and seems to be fitting on this St. Patricks Day…
The Irish Blessing.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
God Bless you Sam. I am sure God is holding on tightly to you today and every day.
The Mays Family-
Jen, Tom, Isabel, Gabby and Dylan
March 17th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
I was coaching PYSL spring U8 soccer a couple years ago and we played Sam & Neil’s team. I little red-head kid scored a goal and everyone went wild in celebration. The coach, Neil, ran out on to the field and grabbed Sam under the arms and held him high in the sky, right before the monster bear hug. The celebration ended and Neil came over to me on the sideline and said, “Sorry – my son has cancer.” No need to apologize. It was the Beautiful Game’s most beautiful goal.
God Bless You.
Brad Bonenberger & Family
March 17th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Wearing bright green and thinking about Sam every minute today.
love and prayers from NY,
kim kow
March 17th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Mike and I will be at the service… Can’t think of a better way to celebrate Sam’s life. Love the idea about the bright colors! The whole in our hearts will be replaced with fond, loving memories.
May the party of life continue in heaven and on earth…… We all love you Sam-0!
Darcy, Mike, Elisia and Anthony Savoca
March 17th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
It is a beautiful sunny day in San Diego. In a few hours we will gather to celebrate Sam’s life. We will wear our brightest clothes in honor of Sam.
On Friday March 12th Samuel Hutchinson, Sydney Dudley, Charlie Vandenburg and Lesly Foster all became angels within hours of each other. I watched Sam learn to walk, to ride his bike, to swim.I watched him play with his brother’s and his friends. I watched him grow into a wonderful young man. My heart is broken. But in my grief there is anger. Anger that this horrid disease takes these precious children. Anger at what this disease does to their families.
Neil and Margot know what is in my heart. They know. I have brought flowers and food and offered my condolences. But my heart is still broken. The tears still come.I needed to do more. I now send a letter everyday to my representative in congress demanding funding for research for NB. The same letter to the same representative saying the same thing. Everyday. The written work is powerful.Our government spends only $10,000.00 on research per child diagnosed with this disease.
The total missile defense development cost for 2002 through 2009 was $62.9 billion, not $47.2 billion as was projected.
Our children are our future.Their lives are valuable. We as a people must act and in doing so we will honor these children and their families.
You can find your representative at
https://writerep.house.gov/htbin/wrep_findrep.
You can find a pre written letter at
http://www.neuroblastomacancer.org or write your own. Join me won’t you. The voice of one is mighty. The voice of many is deafening.
Before I arrive at the church to celebrate Samuel Thomas Hutchinson’s life I will stop by the post office and send another letter. I will hold it close to my heart and think of Sammy. I will take comfort in the fact that the four little ones that became angels March 12th make the perfect Heavenly Four Square Team. I also know that Erik was there to greet them and he watches over all the NB angels.
With heartfelt condolences to the families of Sydney, Charlie and Lesly and my friends the Hutchinson’s. Blessings.
March 17th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Bright colors in Albuquerque in Sam’s honor. Your title for this post captures all you have done through these years, including today, “We are about living.” As you remember and celebrate Sam’s life in San Diego, I will make the Hebrew toast L’chaim (to life) here.
Peace.
March 17th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Neil & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue to celebrate Sam’s life. Rest assured that he is indeed in a better place, and that heaven, too, is a better place now with Sam as a resident!
March 17th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Margot and Neil, for the next several weeks, I will be listing fiber from my own personal “stash” to sell on my Etsy site so that all the money rasied (minus shipping and etsy fees) can go to magicwater.org.
Since Friday, I keep turning to the teamsam page and reading the posting as if the words there will change if I look at them often enough. You all have been constantly been in my thoughts.
–Sherry
March 17th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
The sky was a stunning blue this afternoon during Mass. I held it together pretty well until I saw Andy and Neil hug. No words needed to pass for one bereaved parent to understand the pain of another.
I wish you much love and support…based on the turn out today, so many people hold your family dear to them.
We will see you on April 3rd to continue to celebrate Sam’s life.
March 17th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
What a great way to celebrate Sam and his incredible effect he had on so many people. Here in Texas we are wearing bright colors to honor him and praying for his brothers. You two have been amazing advocates for all our kids and fantastic parents. All your kids are blessed to have you.
Prayers and love,
the Balzacs
March 18th, 2010 at 12:46 am
The mass (celebration) was fantastic. I always thought he was a really cool kid when he would play tennis and baseball with a broken arm when most kids won’t play with a hang nail. After hearing about the skateboarding, scooter and other danger toys that I did not know he could ride not only is he really cool but Sammy is SUPER COOL. Now he can ride all these things without helmets and pads and that is awesome.
A sad but great day today. He touched many people and that is something that does not happen too often in a short life. Amazing Dude and amazing family.
Tom
March 18th, 2010 at 12:51 am
I just want to say a few things I remember about Sam. I’m glad I got to see him the week before he died, the night Andy and Jake had their basketball banquet. I played super mario bros for the first time. I remember when we went out on Dad’s boat the waves were really high and it was rough and we did it because Sam wanted to do it. The last thing I’m going to say is I remember the time me and Sam played soccer on the Aliens, I kicked the ball really hard and Sam came over and said to me “when you kicked the ball my mouth dropped open!”. That’s all I have to say now. Your friend Joe
March 18th, 2010 at 12:55 am
What an amazing tribute to Sam today! Neil & Margot (and Andy!), your partnering in telling us of Sam was so heartwarming – it was evident how strong TEAM SAM was, is, and will continue to be. Your love for one another emanates. I loved seeing Andy throwing around a football before the service – because that was what Sam and you have been all about.
Sam, you rock! Neil, Margot, Andy, and Charlie, you rock!
March 18th, 2010 at 2:19 am
I won’t mix words, I am devastated… For Margo, Neil, Andy, Charlie, their extended families, everyone at Kate Sessions, and everyone that ever came into contact with Sammy. God! I’m sad. And I wish Sammy was here with us all. I reflect back on the first time I heard about Sammy. Lori came home from Sessions and said “The neatest kid goes to our school.” The way she said it, caught my attention. It was something in her voice. I knew then, there was something “Special” about this kid. Boy was she ever right!
March 18th, 2010 at 6:08 am
Thinking of you and wearing our bright colors to honor Sam here in NJ. Still at a loss for words, I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
March 18th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Neil,
I am so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. I’m sitting on a plane in DC returning to SD with tears in my eyes, heart aching for you and your family, while at the same time with a full heart from all the love that you, Margot and the kids so obviously share with Sam, your family, and many friends.In conversations with you and in Margot’s and your blog updates about Sam and your family, you have embodied a daily celebration of life that is so amazingly inspirational and is a testament to Sam’s and your entire family’s awesome spirit. Lisa and my thoughts are with you.
Peace,
Jim Oakes
March 18th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I have bin following Sams blog form a while now (aprox. a year and a half) and I fel in love with him the same way as Max Michulaki, Will Lacy, Dylan Hartung and sooo many brave kids! Sam was full of life, livingit in the fast lane always into someting spoty like, and even thoe I never met him we will always be in my thoughts. My God guide all of you threw this most dificult time… Beutiful and amazing Kid with and Amazing family!!!
Love from Brasil
Talita
March 18th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Thinking of you all and sending love & prayers.
Silvia