Saturday, October 8, 2016
I met Sammy in 1982 when Jessie and Donna Rogers introduced me to him. I am am now 66 years old and I graduated from ASU so it was a natural to like Sammy instantly. He simply had a winning spirit about him and he brought that winning spirit to ASU with him. Most athletes have that spirit and he was no different. I wish all folks had the same winning spirit. Our nation needs that today more than ever. Over the years I learned he was one of the best men I ever saw with hunting dogs. We all have a duty to contribute to the collective good and Sammy was one who believed that way. Christ is Lord and he loves Sammy. I read one of Sammy's friends make the correct observation that he now has wings and has now freed himself from all pain and restraints. Sammy is with our Lord now and is patiently awaiting the arrival of all those who will follow Christ our Lord to Glory. I wish I had the words to assuage the grief his family and friends now feel. From what I know of him he is understanding of this grief but is praying for strength for those who mourn him and hoping they go on to use thier memories of him as stepping stones when this river we call life gets deep and dangerous. He and his life experiences taught us many lessons and I will not forget those truths. I am sorry I was not there for the events surrounding his funeral; but, I had commitments involving my family. I know Sammy would have said "that's alright ken, go and care for your children". That was Sammy!!!
