The contuniation of Sam's life story. Part two....
Sam is the oldest of my first four children who were born in Vermont.Sam was born in 1959. Timothy was born in 1960 , James,1962 and Deborah in 1964.
They all grew up in Miami, Fla.
Sam continued to be a loner. Kids sensed he was different. He was left out of games and activities a lot. Eventually I was able to buy a home with my mothers help and met Richard. We married and he became their dad. We have two Sons, Robert and Richard jr.
Sams seizures were still not controlled. Many different types of medication were given, more tests were done. The neurologist discovered that Sam has five different types of seizures. His life has been a constant battle of trying to live as normally as possibe.(He is low normal and just doesn't look at some aspects of life like others do.)
Samuel graduated from American High School in 1978in Miami,Fl. He got a job at Keller Industries and took the metro bus to work. He rented a small two room apartent in our neighborhood. We'd frequently get calls from his work when he suffered grandmal seizures.
Eventually Sam met a young woman who had a daughter. They married and Sam moved to North Miami . He rode a bike to work,or took the bus as he couldn't drive.
He got a part time job at night at a video store. The store was robbed and Sam was pistol whipped and sustained head contusions and a fractured wrist.
The man who robbed the store tried to shoot Sam in the head . Luckily the safety was on, so the revolver did not fire.
Sam's seizures stopped for a while. He got his drivers licence and purchased an old car. Life for him and his family changed as he could drive and take them places. He wasn't dependant on others. Unfortunately the seizures started again when he was driving and he got into a bad accident, fracturing his leg . He was out of work for many weeks. He gave up his drivers licence and has never driven again.
The insurance company offered a settlement. Sam did not want to accept it, but was told he needed to so it all could be finalized. He never did understand why or how it all happened.
From the money he received, Sam was able to put a down payment a home not too far from where he worked at Keller Industries. A daughter, Crystal was born in 1985. He now had a family of four to support. Mary, his wife does not work because she has problems. Neither Sam or Mary drive.
Sam and his family moved to Punta Gorda in 1994 to be near the rest of our family. We take him to and from work each day.. He was able to get a job at Publix about 8 miles from his home where his sister, Deborah works. He has worked there about 14 years and only earns $11.25 an hr. Some of the managers and associates do not always understand why he is the way he is. He's been ridiculed, demoted at times! Some have understood and mentored him. It's been a hard tedious road for him. Sam will help anyone in need and does a lot of small things for us. He's a loving, caring person.
About seven years ago, Sam met a man who quickly became his friend. The guy showed Sam all about computors and Sam bought one. The man also convinced Sam to take a big mortgage out on his home for investments, then abscounded with the money. Sam did not report it or tell us until years later. When we went to the police, they said it was too late to do any thing.
In 2006, Samuel had brain surgery to stop the seizures. It was only partially successful and he still has them, just not as many.
His insurance only pays 80% of his medical bills and medications . He is constantly behind. He earns too much to qualify for state help. His sister and I help him financially as much as we can.
In Dec 2008 Sam had a PET scan done. It showed he has early Alzheimers. This has been a big blow to him and all the family. He is extremely depressed! He's only 49.. Now three of us have Alzheimers . My husband, who is not Sam's biological father, Sam and me. I pray the rest of my children do Not inherit this.
Sam's step daughter Yvonne married and now has four children. She lives near Jacksonville Fl. His daughter Crystal is now married and lives with him with her 3 kids. She takes him places once in a while. Most of my family tries to help in one way or another. Sam has always tried to be the best he can be and has succeeded in making his place in this world. I am so very proud of him! That's why I decided to share his lifes story with you .....They say God never gives us more than we can handle , but some times he sure tests our strength and fortitude.
It's now Dec 28 2017.Sam is still working at Publix. We still take him too and from work. An EEG done in November shows an increased abnormality in the left side of his brain. The neurologist says it shows more seizure activity and his Alzheimers is slowly getting worse. Life Goes on and we all keep going forward ,doing the best we can.
FROM YOUR 'UPDATES' FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, I KNOW THAT YOUR SON CONTINUES TO BE KEPT BY THE LORD AND THAT YOU ARE A STRONG SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR HIM. I PRAY THAT GOD CONTINUES TO GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED AS YOU GO ON SERVING TO THE NEEDS OF YOUR FAMILY. THANKS FOR SHARING, MARYGRACE. LOVE, BLESSINGS & FAITH...
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
I aurely do pray for you and yours each night. It is wonderful Sam married and had Crystal, his beautiful daughter and that she is ok and can help with him. He still needs lots of caring and friends to be with him in his times of troubles, of which he seems to have more than anybody I know. I know God only gives us so much as we can handle, but when is it too much? I sonmetimes wonder that about myself. Bu I am willing to take whatever God puts upon me to make someone else stronger and me too and to help others to. Hug Sam from me when you see him. An amazing man he is now these days.
Reviewed by Chris Morey
2/14/2009
Mary, My thoughts are with you and the family. We have had a new saying here that goes like this.
Everything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right it is not the end. Sure helps to get through some of those rough moments.
My God MaryGrace, what is left to say, I am so speechless after reading both this and the first part. Your son is a very strong willed young man and he would most definitely make any mother proud. God bless him, God bless your entire family for staying by his side as I know it is not easy. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers each and every day....
Indeed he has been tested..but a daughter and wife and loving family...Thank God for the Blessings we must count..without them how would we survive? Love and Prayers to you,
Christine
Yes dear God seems to really load us down at times. MaryGrace I admire you for your strength and your husband for being by your side and I could wrap my arms around Sam and take him as my own. Through it all you were all blessed for you have each other. Thank you for sharing. As I read I cry and each tear is helping to wash away some of your pain, you and your famiy will be in my constant prayers dear.
Blessings to Sam who has taken on a lifetime of humbling experiences, in ways far beyond our everyday concept of reality Sam is an incredibly brave soul, affecting all who encounter him. Blessings to you thats holds the space of Love and extrordinary mothering you've provided under these conditions.
FYI...metaphysically...plumbing problems are often associated with emotional "clogs"...encourage the Love and not the Fear with his latest physical challenge....for whatever reason your Family is all in this together...express the love with body, mind, and soul..
MaryGrace, my heart goes out to you and your son. Since I am a mother, I know the pain you suffer for your son. Sometimes when my own son has problems, I think it hurts me more than it hurts him.
What a heroic young man your son is to go out and find jobs and work with his health problems--not to mention the fact he can't drive and must ride a bus or bike. Reading about someone scamming him into mortgaging his house really bilks me that such evil people live and breathe. I think what your son has accomplished despite his disabilities is miraculous.
Yes, he seems to have a load of problems--more than most folks, but he sure has done a lot in his life considering the health problems he's faced. I know you are proud of him and have every right to be.
My prayers are with him, you and your family. God bless and keep you all safe and motivated to never give up the struggle to make the most of the challenges you must deal with.
One is bad enough; I can't imagine having seizures on top of Alzheimers! I will keep Sam, your husband, and you in my prayers/thoguhts! Such a shame! But a good story, nevertheless; well done!
