teamsam.com Blog

« | Home | »

Surrounded by Love and Family

By Margot | March 12, 2010

Earlier this week, Jake, a dear friend of Andy’s told him that “you were my tutor in Four Square. He then asked, “who was your tutor?”

Andy simply replied “Sam”.

Our family and extended family and friends are together on a beautiful sunny San Diego day to help Sam with his journey. Our hero will soon be eating tacos, playing the Wii, and scoring goals in heaven. Andy and Charlie have been kind and loving – Sam is the quintessential oldest boy and the three are truly best friends. As parents, we are blessed.

Please keep our oldest son and his two younger siblings in your thoughts and prayers.

We love Sam, Andrew, and Charlie with every fiber of our being – please send your love as well.

With overwhelming admiration for our son Sam and compassion for Andy and Charlie…

Neil & Margot

Topics: Progress Reports | 49 Comments »

49 Responses to “Surrounded by Love and Family”

  1. Martha Hutchison Hannig Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 10:53 pm

    Thinking of you all now with tears in my eyes and much love in my heart for a little boy who I never met but have such great admiration for. You are a truly blessed family.

  2. Michael Haley's family Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    Sam, Andy, Charlie, Margot and Neil are never far from our thoughts and prayers. The boys have seen and felt more love than most people in their entire lifetimes, I hope you can take some comfort in that.

    With much love,
    Michael Haley’s family

  3. kmom Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 10:56 pm

    So sorry to hear this news. Holding your family in my heart and prayers.

  4. lisa sturt Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 10:56 pm

    Sam and your family have been a tutor to us all teaching about love, family, and joy in the midst of pain. Our prayers are with you. Godspeed, Sam.

  5. Jen Kwasinski Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    Neil and Margot

    Sending love and hugs and prayers for all five of you….

    Jen

  6. Laura Hutchison Bozentka Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    I have a beautiful picture in my mind of your 3 little boys together….you are a special family and we are praying for you all.

  7. sandra Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    Coach & Margot and the boys – I am so saddened to hear about little Sam. You have done everything right. You have done everything – and more – a parent in your position could do. Sam and the boys are so lucky to have parents like you. I love your family and am here for anything you may need
    With prayers for everyone suffering, Sandra

  8. Melis, Max's Mom Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    Godspeed, Sam. We love you all.

  9. Matt Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:15 pm

    We send your family all our love. You’ve all been in our thoughts constantly.

    Matt and Amy

  10. David Weickert Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    Sending love and prayers your way. God Bless

  11. Vickie Buenger Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    Every ounce of my love. . . holding you close.

  12. Rhonda Dudley Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    Oh Guys……Please know I am thinking and praying for you all….you have been amazing warriors and have taught us all so many things….

    Your family is an imspiration to us all….

    love

    rhonda

  13. melissa kipp Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:30 pm

    Holding you all in my heart. You continue to be a driving force.

  14. nancy Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    Neil and Margot,
    I have been following your journey with Sam since your mom first told me of his sickness. Words cannot express my profound sympathy for you and the family. You and Margot have given your lifes to save Sam, but I guess God has another plan. We will not know what that plan is until we meet Him face to face, but I certainly want to know WHY.

    Love to you all.

    Nancy

  15. Clay Beery Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:32 pm

    All the Beerys send their love to all of you, and real hugs are on the way. Sam showing us the way. Heaven indeed.

  16. Jeff Kent Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:36 pm

    Tears welled in my eyes when I read this. Words are totally inadequate. Anything I try to type seems trite so I end up deleting it. All I can say is God bless Sam and his wonderful family.

  17. Ryan Inman Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    Words escape me at a time like this! As a fellow NB parent from San Diego I can only imagine what your family is going through right now. I miss the great talks in the halls of childrens and the amazing strength that your family has, you are truly an inspiration to us all. Aidan and I are in NYC at Sloan as I type this with tears gushing down my face. We want nothing more than to be home with our family and embrace in prayers for you all. Please except our prayers and know that the Inman family is here for anything at all that you may need. Sam we love you and thank you for your strength and inspiration.

  18. Sarah Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:43 pm

    I’ll be thinking and praying for your whole family tonight <3

  19. Jan Says:
    March 12th, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you be surrounded now with all the love, gentleness, courage, strength, and grace that Sam and your entire family have shown on this difficult path. Vaya con dios.

  20. Susan Gentry Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:09 am

    I am so, so, sorry to read this entry. It just makes no sense that kids keep dying of NB. Another big brother, another son. It just makes me so mad and so sad. Nathan LOVED tacos and playing the Wii. Know that Sam will have a buddy when he arrives.

    In tears,

    Susan

  21. blake Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:10 am

    hey SAM.i had SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much fun on wednesday. we should do that more often. everyone says hi. next time i see u i challenge u to a curling match on Mario and Sonic at the olympic winter games. have your people call my people.(why do they even call curling a sport?). thinking of u buddy

  22. suzy hutchison Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:13 am

    Prayers for Sam and all of you. May you find a peace that passes understanding.

  23. Diane Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:13 am

    Sam – You have taught so many so much in such a short time. God be with you and your family. Find warmth in his arms. Diane

  24. Colleen Kuhn Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:16 am

    Dearest Neil & Margot,
    Our hearts are breaking with yours.
    Know our love is overflowing for Sam, Andy, Charlie and you two.
    Give Sam a tender kiss and gentle hug from the Kuhn’s

  25. meryl witmer Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:21 am

    Margot and Neil,

    Sam is one of the “best boys ever made.” Andrew, Ian and I love that we had the privilege of spending an evening with him.

    Meryl

  26. Lynn Edmunds Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:25 am

    Dear Neil & Margo,

    Sitting here with tears streaming down my face in disbelief and I can barely see what I’m typing. We have such admiration & love for you and your family. Sam,… you are forever in our hearts.

    all our love,
    The Edmunds family

  27. Patrick Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:31 am

    My heart breaks to read this. I wish there were words.

  28. Deborah Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:32 am

    Adding a little bit of love to the massive amount you have surrounding you. I’m so sorry you all have to endure this pain, and I am constantly awed by your strength and wisdom.
    — Your former neighbor, Deborah

  29. David Hornkohl Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:35 am

    Much love & many prayers are sent your way. God Bless

  30. Stevie Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:39 am

    what though the radiance which was once so bright
    be now forever taken from my sight,
    though nothing can bring back the hour
    of splendor in the grass, or glory in the flower,
    we will grieve not, rather find
    strength in what remains behind
    in the primal sympathy
    which having been must ever be… Wordsworth

    May many angels accompany you on your homeward flight, our dear beloved Sam

  31. Cara Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:47 am

    God bless you all.

  32. Jen Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 2:14 am

    You have a wonderful family, and a tremendous support system… nothing can ever prepare you for this so I won’t try to say your feelings will pass. The comfort of knowing his suffering is over may help you close your eyes at night……. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to say for Sam to rest in peace, but I want him to run around like he should be doing here on earth. Another boy too good for our world……

  33. caryn franca Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 2:56 am

    My heart is in broken pieces for you today. You did more than any other parent I know and Sam knew that, really knew that. The emptiness will be enormous, the boys will fill our hearts as you move through this

    Caryn, Jim and Nick Franca

  34. Edith Smith Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 3:22 am

    Sending warm wishes and peace to your family. I met Max a couple of years ago and have kept in touch with Melissa– just saw this on her facebook page. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Every child deserves a lifetime.

    Love,

    Edith, Mark, Abby and Charlotte

  35. Randee Ferry Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 6:03 am

    I am so, so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. I wish there were words but there are none. Just know you are in our thoughts a prayers. Your sweet Sam will be missed and touched many hearts with his courage and bright smile. Love and prayers to your family. Max’s Annee Rannee

  36. Kenora Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 7:22 am

    No words. (((Praying))) for you. xo

  37. The Hathaway's Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 7:22 am

    Neil & Margot~ Our hearts are breaking for you. Thank you for being such a inspiration to all of us NB parents along our journey. Lord knows, Neil has given me sound advice when we began our journey with Maya. Sam is such a Pioneer, what he did, what he has done for all the NB kids in San Diego and across the world. He will be missed always but never forgotten. You are all in our hearts and prayers.

  38. jennifer andrews Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 7:36 am

    Sam was truly a gift. May you find strength, peace, and guidance
    at this time. May your love as a family keep you strong and know
    you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jennifer

  39. Francesca Demers Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    We were saddened to hear his and are thinking of you. I had the pleasure of meeting you in Vermont last year and hear you speak about Sam’s journey and your family. You all have been very strong and will continue to be in this journey. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. We appreciate your valliant efforts as well, as you have always been such an advocate for NB research and the cure for this madness. My heart is broken as I think of your days ahead and what Sam had to endure. His battle was a brave one, as was his families who never left his side. Rest Lil Warrior….Francesca, Jeff, Jack, and Brendan Demers

    caringbridge/jackdemers

  40. Paula Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    I was thinking of you as I awoke this morning. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

  41. Sharon Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    You’ve touched and inspired so many. Just now, learning about Sam, all the things he loved, and all the people who care, we know you’ll find comfort in family & friends. We’re grandparents of Max, fighting NB on the east coast, and we want you to know you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

  42. Artie, Jen and Lili Says:
    March 13th, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    Heaven is a better place today. Let us know if there is anything we can do.

    Artie, Jen and Lili

  43. Kelly Ratliff Says:
    March 14th, 2010 at 3:47 am

    Your family is in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news.

  44. Melissa Mergl Says:
    March 14th, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Neil and Margot,

    It’s 6:45am here in Boston and pouring rain. My heart breaks for you as parents and as a family. Certainly Sam will be promoted to glory. So much joy in such a short time.

    Your family has inspired me throughout this journey. Your strength is indescribable. God chose the two of you to be Sam’s parents. God uses everything for good. Sam’s thumb is small, but the impression it leaves behind is immeasurable.

    We will continue to lift you all in prayer.

    With love,
    Melissa and Rob Mergl
    Norwood, MA

  45. Cindy Kramer Says:
    March 14th, 2010 at 3:53 pm

    I have never met your family, but have heard your story over the years and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. I am sure Sam is a great big angel in heaven,.

  46. Geeta Anand Says:
    March 15th, 2010 at 8:19 am

    Margot and Neil, Your devotion to your family and the energy and compassion you gave to Sam and continue to bring to your children will forever inspire me. Thank you for sharing your family’s amazing story with me. Sam’s sweetness and bravery shone through my every moment with him. Please know I am thinking of you and sending all my love and sympathy, Geeta

  47. John Geenen Says:
    March 15th, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    I am utterly brokenhearted to hear of Sam’s passing and so, so sorry for your family’s loss. Godspeed, Sam.

  48. chris johnson Says:
    March 16th, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Margo and Neil,
    I am so so sorry for your loss. Sam must have been an incredible boy to have had such devoted loving and amazing parents and family. I send love and prayers,

    Chris Johnson, Anne’s good friend

  49. Margaret and Keith Armstrong Says:
    March 17th, 2010 at 9:20 am

    Dear Margo and Neil, we would like to let you know that we are praying for you and your two lovely boys. We don’t know you but we know God knows who you are and the sadness you are all going through. We are Karianne’s aunty and uncle from Australia. Kevins sister. God Blee you and your beautiful family.