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Cheetahs that play soccer and more….
By Margot | March 20, 2010
Wow. Sometimes we’re not sure where to start other than to exhale and say ‘wow. The boys are doing great – they are playing and running and having fun and Sam would have loved that. Margot and I are doing ok but ok has a different meaning now. We’re both reading books on God and meaning of life trying to find answers to questions that are most probably unanswerable.
Today, we went to the SD Zoo – we have taken the kids there billions of times and going with Margot is hilarious since she knows every path, every exhibit, and every shortcut. We started off at the snakes and reptiles – Andy loves anything poisonous so he looks for the “red dots” indicating poisonous and Charlie follows him rabidly.
We meandered past the hippos and things got a bit funny. Sam’s favorite sport is soccer; his favorite animal is a cheetah; there are no cheetah’s on exhibit at SD Zoo but they keep (4) cheetah’s around to acclimate them to people. In all of our years and HUNDREDS of trips there, we have NEVER seen a cheetah. Until today.
We met Taraji, Swahili for HOPE (!). He was being shown off to passerbys to get her acclimated to people. The trainer described her as a “great soccer player” – she had been given a soccer ball at a few weeks of age and it is her favorite activity. Margot and I just looked at each other – we both think Sam is laughing at us and telling us he is ok (Ok, this update is verging on wierd, we know). Hope – Cheetah – Soccer —- crazy stuff.
But a number of things like this have happened – the day after Sam died, I went to the pharmacy to thank the pharmacist. There was only ONE guy in the store and he was in line for a script – they asked his date-of-birth and he said “7/13” which just happens to be Sam’s birthday. He didn’t say a year; he just said 7/13. I would add more but Child Services may read this and lock us up for being crazy 🙂
We will continue to update but once again wanted to say “thanks” to the over 500 people at Sam’s Mass. That was amazing since it was 48 hours notice. Teachers, co-workers, friends, schoolmates — just amazing.
We’re proud of the eulogy – we feel we honored Sam with it.
I think of Racing in the Streets by Springsteen and how some people keep living and others die little-by-little, piece-by-piece. I guess it’s a choice you make and we need to keep making the choice to keep living and we hope to find some insight on how that happens but perhaps there’s less insight and only more effort and attention on family and love.
Andy and Charlie remind us to “stay in the game” – we’ve had close calls with the ER on both: Andy stepped on a nail that got the better of his left foot; Charlie at the zoo today ran head-down into a fire hydrant. We’re pleased to say Andy’s left foot is healing and Charlie’s injuries seem little to a bump on the head, a fat lip, and perhaps a bruise on his cheek.ÂÂ
PLEASE PLEASE make sure to keep Saturday April 3rd from 10:00am to noon reserved for Sam’s All-Star Party at Kate Sessions Park near the playground and swings. With faith, hope, and love of which the greatest is love…
Neil & Margot
Topics: Progress Reports | 20 Comments »
March 21st, 2010 at 12:53 am
Neil – we have talked about this alot, you and I… I don’t think you are at all crazy for looking for.. or seeing those signs. Consider it naural for a child to worry about his parents as much as a parent would worry about a child. Sam knows you need peace. He will try to show you the way to that peace and reassurance. Looking for those signs is so important- you are seeing them clear as day. That is Awesome.
The mass was so beautiful, as was your amazing eulogy. We all love you guy so much it hurts us all to see you go through this. We all miss Sam. I promise he will never be forgotten.
Oh, and if anyone needs a place to stay for the All Star celebration I know of a great place not to far from your house 🙂 Just let me know!
Love the Storch clan!
March 21st, 2010 at 1:42 am
Okay, I will add my “crazy” bit to the mix. I mentioned this to Neil, but he asked me to remind him. The day after Sam died, I was sitting on my patio with my morning coffee, attempting to read the newspaper through buckets of tears. I heard a bird chirping and I turned around to see the little creature who was making so much noise. We have lots of little brown sparrows who love to build nests under the tiles on the roof. But there on a the very end of a tree branch was a little red headed bird looking directly at me. I have lived here for 20 years and have never seen this type of red headed bird. He puffed out his chest and began to sing. And he sang and sang and sang. Finally, I laughed out loud and said “Ok-thank you, Sam”. He is everywhere.
Vicki
March 21st, 2010 at 3:09 am
Rebecca – would love to know your suggestion of a place to stay for the All Star celebration. We have reservations at Holiday Inn Express for now, but if you have another idea, please let me know.
nicole_dogruel@yahoo.com
Marg and Neil – just wanted to share a little story. On March 13, I took Wyatt to a birthday party for his buddy Lucas at one of those jumpy places. I was having a tough time holding back my tears seeing all those healthy kids jump around. On our way out of the party, Wyatt got a goody bag and a helium balloon. In the parking lot, the balloon got away from him. I was bracing myself for a meltdown (he recently turned 4 and we are having a very “challenging” time with him and his frustrations and anger). But he didn’t get too upset. He wimpered a bit and then stopped. He told me it was okay because there was an angel in the clouds that wanted that green balloon today.
– Nicole
March 21st, 2010 at 4:36 am
I have my plane ticket and am very excited about Sam’s ALL STAR PARTY.
Can’t wait to see you all.
We are all a little bit crazy, but are all a bit MORE alive because of Sam.
I love you!
March 21st, 2010 at 5:09 am
Like Max’s Dad saod- look for the signs- you will see them. He wants you guys to be ok and live. Your life will be good, sad, awful, fun…but most of all keep living and loving for Sam’s sake- that is what he would have wanted. We will be at the party- Can’t wait!! Angela (Madison’s Mom)
March 21st, 2010 at 11:35 am
I am so glad that God has infused light into the darkness. And I laugh that it is in the form of a soccer playing cheetah. So appropriate. Love and Prayers from Michigan
March 21st, 2010 at 5:05 pm
I love those stories! You’re not crazy ,I totally believe in them. They are signs-just keep watching for them-I find them to be so comforting.(& please keep sharing them)
Someday when you have some time-I’d like to buy you a drink & we can swap stories……..
March 21st, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Neil and Margot,
You have to believe that the cheetah was there for a reason (and a soccer-playing cheetah at that!). Our loving God (and Sam) letting you know that he is OK. I know it’s not that simple, but my hope and prayer is that little signs will make each day a little easier for you. And surely Andy and Charlie are there to help you keep moving forward. As well as the love coming at you from everyone, including your East coast cousins.
Pam
March 21st, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Since Friday was a half day,I did 4 of Sam’s favorite things:
1.go to school!!!!!!!!!!!
2.play basketball (at school)
3.go to Taco Bell (for lunch)
4.see Diary of a Wimpy Kid the movie (he would of loved it)
See you at the party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam’s buddy,
Blake
March 21st, 2010 at 7:46 pm
You guys: keep SEEING the signs that Sam is sending you! They are there – you’re not kidding yourself! Com’on! A cheetah that plays soccer? Sam!
When Max first passed we had three praying mantis’ on our porch for two weeks – I hadn’t seen one of those for twenty years “in the wild”. My mom had one in her house, and we saw them everywhere. Max! We each see signs everyday and point them out to each other. Point them out to Andy & Charlie and they’ll tell you when they see signs of their big brother – which is all the time.
Those signs of your precious boy are real. Embrace them and know that he is smiling down on you all.
March 21st, 2010 at 8:07 pm
We were honored to be with you and celebrate Sam this week. Your fight, support and love for all three of your “heroes” has forever made you ours.
March 21st, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Continuing to pray for your family.
Sandi Queen (Jeremiah’s Mommy)
http://www.caringbridge.org/pa/jeremiah
March 21st, 2010 at 9:00 pm
hey guys im praying so much and i think ive seen a sign too. I was in the pool and i saw a butterfly and i got out and bcuaght it with my hands, then i opened up my hands and it didnt fly away so i just lefft it on my hand and i went to get a towel to dry myself of and after that it was still sitting on my hand and did for about another 6 minutes! 🙂 then i went to show my mum but it flew away as soon as i got to her. 🙂
love all you guys so much and missing you alot. but dont be sad because hes always right next to you even if you dont know it. 🙂
love marty
March 21st, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Mediums say that people who have passed send messages to their loved ones all the time and they want us to know that it IS them doing it.
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago, I too hit the bookshelves looking for those answers to the hard questions. I read a short book, a former best-seller, called “Embraced by the light” which brought me a lot of comfort. It is the only one I even remember from all that I read and it’s powerful and a great read.
March 21st, 2010 at 9:18 pm
I do not belive that there are any coincidences…like others have said, I TRULY believe Sam is letting you know that all is in a better place. I am so happy that you got those signs. I hope that they help to carry your through any dark days. I am so happy to hear you are all out there and “in the game” of life. You are walking reminders to us all to keep on keepin’ on…no matter what….
March 21st, 2010 at 9:54 pm
i don’t think the “signs” you’ve been noticing are crazy at all. i think what would be crazy is to ignore them.
sam has proven to be alive in your hearts, and if it’s what it takes to make you believe that, then maybe this is his way in letting you all know that he’s doing just fine. it’s up to you on how to interpret them whether you think you may be going crazy or not.
i look for signs everyday. it’s how i find meaning in what i’m going through. unlike you and many other parents with children with cancer, i don’t turn to “god” or “prayer” – at the same time i don’t hate on it. listening to the universe is a segway for me to cope with my son being diagnosed with neuroblastoma. as i read more children’s stories in dealing with treatments and how their parents cope with the stresses that come with it, in a way, the signs make more sense of it. of course, everyone deals with things differently and in their own way.
i think that’s what most people forget and choose to ignore – that there is a larger force out there, whether you believe it or not.
all in all, i’m glad you and your family have been doing well. i’m sure sam would have wanted you to continue whatever you’re doing to live on in his name.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ariesbook
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:56 am
I am so glad you are receiving signs from Sam. You are definitely not crazy. This is a beatiful thing, Sam is reaching out to let you know he is okay. We received many signs from Jenna, through our friends and family. I kept a journal of signs and dreams we received, it was helpful as I looked back at them. Some things you may question as coincidence, you may later recognize as a sign. I hope they bring you some comfort.
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:27 am
Surely they are signs… Sam is there, right with you… he is an angel and angels like to stay close by!
San Diego Zoo, cheetahs, soccer, it makes me smile thinking of Sam holding all of you close to him…
Keep looking, keep searching, keep smiling, keep living…
keep loving… and Sam is loving you all right back !!!
XXXXXXOOOOOO,
Colleen
March 22nd, 2010 at 10:39 pm
You don’t know me but i’ve been readingthis blog and have had little Sam in my thoughts.
Last night was the premier of Discovery’s new show ‘Life’ and the show opened following three cheetahs who were brothers and worked together to catch their prey. They ran and hunted and played and stuck by each other.
Following that was a segment about praying mantises. I watched it right after reading this post and all of the comments (including the one from max’s mom)
Some things seem like more than just a coincidence!
March 24th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I love these ‘sightings’ of Sam.. he was having such fun letting you know he is okay. There is no doubt that a bit of Sam’s spirit was with the soccer playing cheetah at that moment of time. Would love to hear the ‘rest of the story’ of the man in the pharmacy with same BD as Sam’s. If you believe that everything is composed of energy, then you can believe that Sam can be anywhere or everywhere. He is often checking in on all of you, and will always be with you. I believe that the spirit lives on infinitely, and it warms my heart to know that Sam’s incredible one-of-a-kind spirit is ever present. All we have to do is think of him and we see him.
You are right about living a life of faith, hope and love, of which the greatest is love. You have been a fabulous family of five.. you still are.
Sarah (Ron’s Mom)