This afternoon the family is holding a private memorial service for Sammy in Boston. We are using a funeral home down there (story for another time). Our rabbi is a dear family friend who has been with our family through its many, many years of celebrations and losses.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, Sept. 28th, at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH (www.ccanh.com). The venue was chosen with Sammy in mind as she loved dancing on the Capitol Center stage. Before Sammy died, we talked about what she would want people to wear to a celebration for her if there ever was one. Thankfully, she did not want swimsuit attire, but she did want a "diva" sort of look; high heels, fashion, lots of color. Believe it or not, there will be a red carpet as you enter the Capitol Center so it's OK to dress for a red carpet event. Sammy will be smiling down at all of us.
For those of you who are uncomfortable "celbrating" a life vs. grieving a loss, let me share a story with you:
a couple of days before Sammy died, she went out to lunch with me and Bubba. Then we ran a few errands, hung around downtown... it was a crazy, busy day. By the time we returned home, Sammy was exhausted. She and I cuddled up in bed and she fell asleep (or so I thought). Thinking it was OK to cry because Sammy would not notice, I let my tears flow. Suddenly, Sammy opens her eyes and in a very annoyed tone of voice asked me why I was crying. I explained it was because it hurt me so much to see her have to go through so much. She rolled her eyes at me and said, "Mom, change the channel." Then she went back to sleep.
The point of my story is that Sammy never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her. So as we all start to feel sad and sorry about what has happened, we need to remind ourselves about what a gift we had over the last nine years. Let's all try to celebrate and smile on the 28th and cry tears of joy and not tears of sadness. I will be heavily medicated on that date and will probably just be drooling. So remind me to smile ;)
Shari and David
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55 comments:
A celebration not to be missed. Can the medication be a party favor??--lisa moore
Sounds like this will be a wonderful tribute to a true STAR.. thinking of you all daily.. love and prayers the eatons xo
How do 'my people' celebrate? We eat of course. We will be going out for japanese food, then to DQ in Sammy's honor. I would have the boys paint their nails pink, but I don't think they'd go for it.--lisa moore (again)
Shari,
You made me laugh through my tears. Don't forget to chase those meds with a martini or two!
Love,
Nancy Baskies
Hope you got my earlier message. I think the blog "ate" it. If not, we sent an e-mail. What a fantastic idea...leave it to Sammy to want a send-off with a smile--Diane Coventry
David:
I just heard the news and went to the blog. My thoughts are with you. I have tears in my eyes. I just wish I could have known her.
My love to you and your family, my dear law school classmate and friend.
Shari, you are such an amazing mom! Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful story (along with so many others) of Sammy. I had the pleasure of meeting your two girls (while talking to you and David) at their CYJ drop off this summer. It made me so happy that my daughter Melanie immediately felt close to Becca & Sammy because of the stories that I've told her about David & my YJ days from long ago...and all of the great and fun times you've had with the Buchlers. You have created an amazing family - that we can all be amazed by and learn from. Our family is thinking of you; praying with you; and looking forward to celebrating Sammy's life with you on the 28th. xoxo Karen (Glou) Joseph and family.
Memories are treasures
Time cannot take away,
So may you be surrounded
By happy ones today.
May all the love and tenderness
Of golden days well spent,
Come back today to fill your heart
With beauty and content.
And may you walk down memory lane
And meet the one you love,
For while you cannot see her,
She'll be watching from above.
So for her sake be happy
And show her that her love,
Has proven strong and big enough,
To reach down from above.
Wishing you much peace.
David,
My memory of Sammy was watching her play in the waiting area while her sister Becca was in my class.
Now's the time when I would love to come up with something profound to say, but words escape me.
Take care my friend. My love and prayers are with you all.
Kent Rich
Hi,
I'm Alison Hrinchuck's sister, Dawn (aunt to Lauryn Hrinchuck). My stepmom just told me about Sammy, and I wanted to send my condolences. I'm the founder of and lead singer for Rock My Soul, which is a gospel choir, and we wondered if you'd like us to dedicate a song to Sammy during a concert we're having tomorrow night (Saturday) in Durham at the Durham Community Church. I would be happy to do that for you if you feel it's appropriate. Please email me at dawnboyer@dfgp.org if you'd like us to do this (you can also find out more about the group at www.gospelmusicproject.org). Our prayers are with you and your family. All best, Dawn Boyer
Hey Becca and family...I was wondering if there was anything me and my family could do...I feel so sad about what happend! I check the website a lot. Hopefully I wil see yuo soon Becca
~Emma Stewart
dear Rotmans,
we are so sorry about sammy. we went to camp last year in g-6 we are twins (12), we loved spending time with sammy like playing jacks and talking..she was a wonderful / amazing fun playful girl shes stylish and very caring. she is also very fun and outgoing, it was an amazing expierience meeting sammy. we would be happy to celebrate sammys life with everyone but it is the day after our bnot mitvah. sorrry. --danielle and marielle<3
My condolences, thoughts and prayers, and those of my family are with your family. I caught up on the blog today, all I can say is that after seeing you at work so many times this year David, I knew where she got it from!
Aaron Sparks-Newbury Police Dept.
Shari
As with the other poster, Words escape me right now. I love that you share yourself and have shared Samantha with us. Sam's energy is still so profound. My plan is not to miss this particular celebration.
And I second the party favors idea~! michelle curran
She is one of the brightest stars shining in heaven and on earth.
<3 Haley
Dear Rotman family,
Dave, I've known you for 35 years; I met Shari and the girls just this summer, on July 21 as we dropped off our daughters at CYJ. (Shari - I was the one rejoicing with you when the girls passed their lice checks at the infirmary!) Sammy was blessed to have been born into such a loving family, just as you were blessed to have basked in her sunny glow for 9 years. It's so hard for me to express what I'm feeling for all of you now, so I will just say that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I send you all my love, and I wish you peace.
Karen (Potischman) Wise
xxox
If only it was so easy to just change the channel, but I will try!
She really is an amazing young lady, we have so many wonderful, fun memories with her,thank you for sharing her with us!
Becca, you are the best sister, Sammy was so lucky to have you!
We love you all!
The "Lotman's"
Dear Rotman family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am truly touched and in awe in how you have handled everything. You have very special friends and family. I received the email from CYJ and was lead to your blog and wonderful memories you have saved here. My name is Meg Behrend and I went to CYJ for 10 years and know the Rotmans. My daughter Stacey Sukoff was in Becca's bunk this year! Stacey had told me about Becca and Sammy when she came home. I shared the news with her today and she has emailed Becca on her own. Please know we are thinking of you and sending our love.
Meg Behrend
I would pray for a miracle for Sammi...All along, her miracle was that she touched so many people.
I can't wait for the Celbration of Life! It's Diva Time! We all Love you and miss you Sammy, You're Everyone's Little Diva! :)!
<3333, Emma Garfield
Shari and David,
You are fantastic parents and lovely people, as is Becca. Thanks for sharing your precious angel with so many people. My family will not miss this event and though our diva duds may be misted with tears, we will be smiling for Sammy and remember her dancing spirit.
This celebration sounds like a wonderful tribute to Sammy. We knew her as a preschooler but have gotten to know her so much better through this blog - thank you Shari and David. And we'll miss her. Our love to you all -
Betsy, Dan, Isaiah and Samuel
We look forward to honoring Sammy at her celebration of life:) Please let me know how you would like the school community to contribute:)
Love,
Deb Gibbens
When my niece Taylor passed away I was sent a card with the words,
"What a beautiful difference one single life made"
Though I only met Sammy once, I now pass the words on, as indeed it is quite obvious what a beautiful difference Sammy's life has made.
May Taylor and Sammy dance forever.
Our heartfelt sympathies,
Ken, Sue, Cuyler, and Traynor Gauthier
Hey This Katherine talking and becca you are alwayz welcome at the Muzzey's remember that! Call ME! luv ya! Katherine
We just heard the news ... but will try very hard to change the channel and plan for a celebration on Sunday. Know that our hearts are with you. With tears, Beth, Worthen, Stephen and Katherine
Shari, David & Becca,
We will never forget Sammy's wonderful smile and spirit...thank you for sharing this journey with all of us, your courage as a family is truly inspirational. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all, especially on the 28th.
Emma, Jim & Anna Poole in TN.
Hi Rotmans! This is Laney from Drowsy Water! I really miss you guys! I got your message at 7:30 pm on September 17th. I was crying the whole night! I didn't get much sleep and I had school in the morning. I want to remind you guys that I am thinking of you guys and Sammy! -Laney <3 <3
OK. Only Sammy would want Mrs. P. dressed as a diva. She only liked my sparkly sandals. None of my other clothing passed her critique. It's off shopping for me - I have to try to be diva-ish, right? Shari, Rebecca and David, let me know if there is anything you need. Becca, I think of you often.
XOXO
Dear Rotman's
I am truely sorry for what happend and i want to know if people that know Becca may come to the ceremony? E-mail us at DREAEMT@aol.com to tell usn please.
Dear Rotmans
We are so sorry. Meghan just found out today and has been in tears since. We will be there dressed as Diva's. I will even wear my high heals. No laughing at how I walk in them. Of course I am sure Sammy will be laughing. I only wear heals for a few people. Sammy has taught us so much. The most important thing is to always smile, enjoy life, and have fun. I remember her and Meghan at CHaD and they both felt crummy but Sammy said "Come on Meghan lets go be Diva's." and off they went to the crafts to make some crowns. Then the smiles came back. I learned from that day to look for the positive, to look forward and not backward, and to enjoy the moment you are in. So I am picking out my Diva clothes and we will see you soon. Love Meghan and Sue Richardson.
Hi Becca and family! You probably don't remember me, I was in Guys and Dolls Jr. with both of you. Becca you and I were both hot box girls. I was Mimi. When I heard about Sammy I was speechless and had so many questions going through my head. I feel so bad for all of you. Sammy was to young to have to battle cancer. I'll be thinking of you and saying prayers for all of you. Love, Sarah Harkness
Dear Rotman family,
You are on my mind on and off throughout the days. I knew Sammy because I work at Bow Elementary School. She will always,always be remembered for her "spunk" and her ongoing optimism. Isn't it amazing what we can learn from watching a child simply being who she was created to be? I have learned from watching Sammy. Watching Sammy has made me a better person, teacher and mother. Living in the moment as if the moment was a spotlight...
I will be honored to celebrate Sammy's life with you on the 28th. You are in my prayers as thoughts of your family come to me at all hours of the day and at random times. I pray for your strength and for your comfort. Melissa Young
As Sammy's counsellor at CYJ this summer, I feel honoured to have met such an amazing little girl. It breaks my heart to think that she is no longer with us but I know she will be in heaven making everyone laugh just like she did with us!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, I can only imagine how heartbreaking it is for you all. I hope you know how much fun I had with Sammy this summer, she always made me smile whilst calling me Natasha Bedingfield the entire summer!! She really will be missed!
Lots of Love
Abby Kersh
xoxo
Dear Rotman's - We are sending our love to the whole Rotman family; while we never got to meet your daughter; - through Meghan Richardson we visited the blog site often and sent love & strength.
She was an AWESOME young lady; we have been following her via your blog site - she was an inspiration
We are close friend's the Richardson family and feel both your pain & theirs.
We will be celebrating the life of "Sammy Rotman" here in Boca Raton, Florida today 9/21/2008.
We will be in the "Diva" mindset; and thinking of your Sammy. We will be there with you (mentally & emotionally) on 9/28.
Love from Florida to a really GREAT family!!!!
Susan & ez
A celebration of Sammy's life is so perfect! I'm not sure if I can pull off the diva look, but I'll try. Let me know if more medication is needed... I'll bring my school bus driver's emergency kit. Hah!!! Just kidding!
Dear Rotmans,
I found out about Sammy on thursday morning while heading to a classat school. I started crying in the hallway and a bunch of my friends gave me hugs but none of them felt as amazing as Sammy's hugs. My teacher sent me to the guidence councelor to talk about what had happened and while I was sitting there in the office with a tissue in my hand, I realized something. I realized that SAmmy would not want to see me crying and she would have wanted me to be happy and strong just as she always was. I will miss her so much but I know that she will never be gone for she will always be in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Andrea Montero-Stern
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We see in the pictures of Sammy and Becca their beautiful grandma, Iris, whom we miss dearly. You are inspirations as parents. Sammy has left a legacy of courage and a zest for life that will live forever in the hearts of so many that she has touched - even those who did not have the privilege of knowing her personally. We will see you on the 28th and please let us know if there is anything we can do for the Rotman family. Fondly, Laurie and Sandy Rikleen
David, Shari, and Becca,
It was so nice to see you on Friday. It was a very touching service and I loved the stories that people told about Sammy. On Sunday we'll live it up for her and celebrate her life to the fullest, just as she lived it. I cherish every moment that I was able to spend with Sammy and your family. My love for you guys has absolutely no limit and don't ever forget it. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
I love you
Love,
Jourdan
I am sorry that I could not be there with you. Please know that my thoughts are with you and the family.
-Arie
To The Rotman Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, but I am equally inspired by your amazing family and most of all Sammy. Words alone do no justice. Please know you have many people here for you.
Josh Boynton
Shari, David,
My heart is hurting for your loss of your beautiful girl to this $!%!%#$ disease. See you on Sunday...b.
Shari, I have followed Sammy's joyous journey since she was born, via Lois and Michael and then this blog and emails. I have had prayer groups pray for her, my mother-in-law's entire church and of course, our family. When I called my mother-in-law to tell her about Sammy's passing she did not say, "How sad". Instead, she said, "How lucky for everyone who knew her to be able to shine in her light for nine years! A true angel on earth." I thought, "Wow, that kind of says it all." She then said, "If someone said to you, you can have a child for nine years and she will bring you joy, or you can not have the child, what would you do?" I said, "Well, of course, I'd take the child." She smiled and said, "Exactly." ..... I will be at the Celebration because who could miss cheering on her spirit that now surrounds us. Thank you for your courage and know that Sammy left an indelible mark on us all!
Karen Bumpus and family
Hello Rotman Family,
I just want to say that I am looking forward to coming to the Celebration of Life on Sunday. I also cannot wait to go shopping for my "diva" apparel.
See you then!
Much love,
Cristina White from CDA <33
Dear Rotman Family,
You don't know me but I'm a friend of a friend and we've been following Your's and Sammy's story.
Of course, we are sad and we will pray for your and your family.
I was reading the webstie, and loved your story with the quote "Mom, change the channel".
Every day is precious, sounds like Sammy got that concept way before most of us do.
Next time I'm complaining about, traffic, work, my life... I'm going to remember Sammy and .....Just change the channel!
GS
I don't believe that I've had the opportunity to meet your family, but I know that Sammy touched the lives of many people that I know. My thoughts & prayers are with you!
~Tabitha Shore
(CONTY Advisor)
I am soooo inspired by sammy!! I am 10 and it is amazing to me a girl my age can passed away from stupid cancer!!! She seems like an AMAZING girl!!!I would of loved to know her and be the best of friends!!!!
She will live on through other kids like me!!!
Peace and Love
Grace Boynton :D
Sammy, "Celebration of Life Outfit" *Clears Throte* Hair Died Pink (Permenently....) Mini Skirt with bright pink leggings, Hollister shirt, HUGE Red High Heel Boots, Big Ring (Sarah's Idea), Long Flashy Earings and to top it all off...A Choker Necklace!!
Hope you like it! Emma Garfield
My daughter Grace, read your blog and posted a comment last night. She was very touched by what she read. When I tucked her in, it was clear she was deep in thought. I turned her i-pod on, as I do every night, a very random song was playing, "I Got Life" from the Broadway musical "Hair" (she is very into theatre). Thinking nothing of it, I changed the music to her bedtime mix and kissed her goodnight. She looked at me and said, "Mom! That was a sign. Why did that song play? I haven't listened to it lately! I think Sammy was sending me a sign!"
Wow! Sammy continues to touch lives in so many ways and lives on through us all! Thank you so much for sharing! And thank you Sammy, keep playing those songs!
Dear Rotmans,
Deepest sympathy of hearing about Sammy. We are all glad that we could get to know her in some of her happiest moments.
Love and Prayers,
Katey Hach
Shari, David and Becca,
Although Sammy's life on earth was short, you did a fantastic job helping her and letting her live her life to the fullest! There are many people out there who shelter or hide away their children who have a terminal disease or physical disorder and don't allow them to be "normal" children. I will share Sammy's story with others for many years, in the hope that others will display the same courage and outstanding strength as you. I'm not quite sure how to dress like a diva, but I'll find something bright to wear on Sunday in Sammy's honor. Love and peace Marilee and many old Douglas Street Staff
A smiling tribute for a smiling girl - very fitting! You have been in my prayers and will continue to be.
Wishing you lots of love and strength, Becca Sky
Dear David and family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Sammy's blog is an inspiring gift to the world--it exudes love, spunk and celebrates an incredible life, even at a time when life feels imperfect and completely unfair. It may be difficult for us to find a Japanese steak house in which to honor Sammy because we are currently living in Ecuador. But, there's plenty of dancing to be had here---so, this Salsa's for Sammy!!!!
Hugs,
Natalie Coleman (high school buddy of David's)
omg! is she okay.
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