Hi Sammy  / Melissa
 I was thinking about the time I came to see you right after your second birthday. I planned to come over a few days before, so when I got to your house your Mom came to the door with this huge smile on her face, she had the door shut and as soon as she opened it I heard you yelling from your room awissa! awissa! So we went into your room and you were playing on your little pottery barn chair. You had some crackers in a bowl that your Mom gave you. You were very concerned because some were broken and you weren't sure you could eat them, ha. Your Mom ran out to the store and I got to spend some time with you and your sister and take some pictures of the 2 of you. We had a lot of fun! You also got to open the present I got you and your Mom and I were laughing and trying to tell you to take your foot off the present and it would be easier to unwrap! I have a photo of you with your foot on it, I love that picture and the pictures I took of you and Matilda that day. These memories always, always make me smile, I have to tell you though I was at the halloween parade in my town today and one of the floats was the blue claws, I saw it and started to cry. I can't believe your not here anymore. I wanted you to be there, dressed up and playing. I miss you so much. Love, Melissa Close

Pictures / Karen Ogden (Grammy)
Hi Little One,  Grampy and I are slowly unpacking at this new house.  Today I pulled out some framed photos of you and they are placed throughout the house, along with those of Matilda and Harry. There is one on the dresser of me holding you when you were less than a year old. You have on an orange Halloween shirt and I remember that visit now!  We stayed at Mimi and Pop's house and your mom,as always,let me grab you and hold you immediately.  Grampy started taking pictures and I remember how thrilled we were to be with you and your family!  I couldn't wait for that trip to get to see you. I remember how it felt to hold you when you were that small.  Later that week we went to the island and your parents were so great with you. It was their anniversary weekend and we had such a good time. We've had a rough year without you, as has everyone, but in this peaceful new place, the memories are starting to come back. We talk about you all the time. I think you would like it here, there is so much to look at outside.  I love you always, Grammy Close

Fuzzy Bee & Friends  / Melissa
Hi Sammy, Fuzzy Bee & Friends is one of the books I read to Sadie & Liam everyday. On the last page there is a butterfly, and it says "Oh me, oh my, I wonder why I'm such a splendid butterfly?" I say to Sadie & Liam, "because Sammy loves it." I love telling them stories about you, how you loved to garden and one of the last days I spent with you, we "planted" pansies with your Mom and Matilda. I will always tell them about you...always. Since you cannot be here with them, I will tell them the story of your life. They will know who you are, I promise you won't be just a picture. I Love you, missing you so much. Love, Melissa Close

Our daughter had a near miss with a falling TV  / Don Kelly (no relation )

So sorry to hear about your loss.  I cannot imagine.  I believe it will be a while before you see Samantha again - but I believe you will see her!

A friend told me about this site.  Our daughter almost had our TV fall on her a few months ago (she is five).  (It grazed her arm and is actually still working).  More importantly her arm is still working.  It scared us both.

I read the baby books and attached all the bookcases to the wall - but didn't think that a kid would pull the TV off the TV stand.  A warning would have been "nice."

Thanks for the website.

Don in DC

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Sincere Condolences  / Edna M. Brown-Bailey (Friends of the Ventresca Family )
To The Ventresca Family:

We would like to express our sincere condolences. We understand that no bond is as great as that between a parent and child. May your memories Samantha Marie bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. May the love of friends and family carry you through now and forever.

The Baileys; NJ & NY
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Your Day  / Dad

Today is a day that I will celebrate for the rest of my life. It is the day that you were born. My most special gift. You made me proud right from the get go. I remember feeling relief when I heard your first cry. It was the proudest day of my life. You made me proud every day though. I will forever be in awe of your beauty and intelligence. I often used to day dreamed of how you would impact this world. I saw you doing great things. I feel like the world has suffered a great loss. We took Tilda & Harry to the Please Touch Museum today to celebrate you birthday. You would be so proud of your sister. She is just like you, amazing & full of life. She like you has an uncanny ability to effect evey person she meets. It's wonderful to watch, and the reason I am in tears writing to you. I miss you my daughter. I will always miss you. With every breath, every day, every minute, every second. We were robbed of a life together. A life that could have been so special. A life that I am trying to hold onto. I want you to know how much I love you, and to hold on until we meet again. Apple core baby. You remember that because it will always be true. I wish I could be your friend now, but I will always be your father. Always. I love you Sammy, Daaaaaaad

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Birthdays / Mom

Hi sweet angel-   Tomorrow is your birthday... you would have been 4.  I'm having trouble with sleep as usual and you are strong on my mind as always.  I remember last year when you and I made the plans for your 3rd birthday...  Your favorite movie was "Shrek" so I asked you if you wanted to see the new movie with your friends and cousins.  Besides being in a hotel theatre (that's a great story!), you had only been inside a movie theatre one other time.  It was when your father and I tried to take you as a baby (thinking you would sleep) to see "Million Dollar Baby"... you didn't sleep and you kept shaking a "Junior Mints" box we gave you to hold, so we had to leave 10 minutes into it.  Your father and I often say "shake-a, shake-a, shake-a" to make each other laugh, imitating the sound that you made with the box...  The day we set out to plan your 3rd was a beautiful spring day and you were happy.  I wanted to meet with the head of security at the Marketfair theatre to ask if I could decorate a table and have cake for you and your friends before the movie.  I knew it would take a little time to talk, so I bought 2 cups of your favorite Marketfair ice cream (crazy vanilla!) for you and your sister.  The ice cream ended up on the security office floor, but no on cared because you were such a funny kid.  We then headed to the party store by our house to get your invitations and favors.  We (you and I) agreed that everything would be "Shrek" themed until it came to the candle...  You wanted a "Cinderella" candle for the top of your cup-cake tower.  Me being a control freak fought you on it, but in the end I gave in and I'm so glad that I did.  You started to get tired and cranky when we were leaving, so in the parking lot I picked some pink flowers off of a tree near the car for you to hold.   We then went home to nap... It was a wonderful day and one of our last days together.  I still have your candle and I see the tree almost every day.  The pink flowers are in bloom just for you...  I don't know what to do anymore Sammy.  Every day I think about just walking into the ocean... I always have two reasons not to though and one loves you very much and the other would if he just had a chance to meet you.  I love you every second...  Forever, Mom    

 

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The Milking Room  / Karen Ogden
Sammy,  We went to the farm the other day. I was almost afraid to go in the milking room because I thought I might tear up in front of my class. It turned out okay! There was a baby calf in the same place  as when we were there that all the kids looked at. Remember how high you jumped when he let out that loud moo? Your dad grabbed you and held you so tight and he laughed so hard!  We were the only ones crazy enough to be there at 5:00 PM in the freezing cold.  We went to the mall and you had hot chocolate and then you and your dad went and took those pictures in the photo booth. I guess you know that he has them blown up in your house now. I know how much you love your parents, the joy on your face in those pictures shows it all. I try to replay every minute of that trip, it was the last time Grampy and I got to be with you. We've made a lot of changes since you've been gone, realized what really matters in life.  We are trying to move a lot closer to your family.  We miss you so much and are so glad that Matilda and Harry are happy and healthy.  Love you always, Grammy Close

So silly...  / Melissa
I remember I was on the phone with your Mom one day, and she told me that you used your little scissors to cut your hair(I think every kid has done that, sort of a tradition). A few days later your mom brought you and Matilda for a visit. You got out of the car and I came out of the house to meet you guys, and your Mom said go say hi to Aunt Melissa, you came running around the other side of the car and as soon as you got on the grass and saw me you stopped and sort of posed and stroked your bangs and said "Hi" all casual. Like showing them off and looking really proud. They looked awesome and you were so cute about it. I Love you Sammy. Close

Missing you as always.  / Marie Klappholz (friend)

Hi Sammy,

Uncle Red and I got to see your family and lots of your friends this weekend. The day was supposed to be rainy and gloomy, but turned out to be beautiful at the last possible moment....can't help but think you may have had something to do with that so we could all frolick outside and smile easily. It was a good weekend for smiles...your baby brother was beautiful and Matilda was a fireball! Your parents were as amazing and stead fast as always, which I also imagine has something to do with your presence in that place. You would love the new renovations...just your style...slick floors to slide on and open spaces to run in. The backyard was lots of fun, but certainly was missing one of it's brightest stars. I think you were on the tip of everyone's thoughts...we all miss you so very much but are being very strong for each other. Thinking of you always and with lots of love,

Marie

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thinking of you  / Brian Difeo (friend)

hi sammy,

i spent the weekend with your family and friends - i met your new brother harry, he is so cute! i also played with matilda, she is a very funny girl. i thought about you all weekend, i am sure everyone was thinking about you. i visited your beautiful garden, and everyone was playing in your yard. that yard is a very special and beautiful place, and i think i understand why you liked to be out there so much. your spirit is in that yard, and your mommy and daddy will make sure that every visitor gets to enjoy it, just like you.

i miss you sammy, brian. 

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The Train  / Nana
Hi Sammy,  I just heard the train leave town.  The sound of it always reminds me of you, oh how excited you would get every time it came!  I would grab you and we would run outside to watch it no shoes or jacket sometimes because of the excitement to just get out there.  One time it was especially loud and you squeezed me so tight with your tiny fingers but you were still smiling because you just loved that train.  I remember the day we rode the train from Bay Head to the playground with Kody, Mommy & Matilda.  That was a really fun day!  You made us all laugh so hard because you did not quite understand that you were really on the train.  We saw another train pass us going in the opposite direction & then I think it made sense to you.  Kody tells this story much better, it's just nice to remember how much you made us laugh.  Always thinking of you, day & night.  Love, Nana Close

Hard time missing you  / Uncle Tim

Sammy,

With the recent kids fueled wedding, I couldn't help but notice that you were not there... your presence is missed a lot.  I must say that Matilda showed some of your awesome dance moves, as she has alot of the love and energy that you brought to everything in life.  I miss you Sammy... I miss the energy you brought, whether it was a run through your backyard, or a party with the crew, you exuded love of life to everyone in your path.  It's hard to exude that same unbridalled, innocent love for life without you, because you were one of a kind.  I've told your dad that heaven needed a million angels to touch this earth and make it better, and that's why they needed you.  But it leaves the rest of us really wanting to have you here, to share in the birth of Harry, and be proud of the wonderful little girl Matilda has become.  I know you are looking over them, very closely, and that you bring your parents the sweetest of dreams.  They need it.  They are so strong and they are staying strong for you, Matilda, Harry and for them.  I am amazed with your mom and dad, and I know that your sweetness, love of the world and your family keeps them going every day.  It's hard... we all wish we could turn back the hands of time.  I know your free spirit, smiles and laughs will resonate from the sky and make our entire world a better place.  I just wish we could share in it with you.  Nicole and I love you, Abby adores you & Jack will always appreciate the stories of you and how much joy you brought to everyone you encountered.  You are the best, sweet Sammy, and I miss you... a lot.

Tim

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thinking of you  / Becky Manseau Barnett (friend)
Thinking so much Sammy, and of you Tonya, Danny, Matilda, and Harry, especially today. Close

extra special....  / Candee (friend)
I find today an extra special day to take the time to remember the gift that Sam gave to myself and all those that she touched. Children are the reflection of what is, what could be and all that is good. From spending time with Sammy's mom & dad and all those around them I have learned that she was an amazing little girl whose laughter & love of life was contagious. Her daddy told me that if I pay close attention to Matilda I can see a piece of Sam in her.... what a blessing. I am especially grateful today for the gift you gave me Sam, my life and who I am as a person changed the moment I met you. Thank you for helping me see life through your eyes and realize what I was taking for granted in my life. I am a better woman, mother and friend because of you. I will always keep a part of you with me... and feel free to come visit anytime! :) Love, Candee Close

Just One More Day  / Aunt Debi

 

"Sammy, I wish forever that we all had one more day of your sweetness!  Of course, one more day would still not be enough.  I cannot believe that you left us almost a year ago - it seems like just yesterday that we received the most devastating news of our lives.  Uncle Dennis and I are so happy that we were able to be there at the Blue Claws game to share the wonder that was you.  There is not a day that goes by that you are not in our thoughts.  In fact, there are so many things that remind us of you - but we don't need things to remember you and the amazing free spirit that was you.  I visited with Ellie yesterday and even she was talking about you, she does that often and in the short time you two shared it left a lasting impression.  There have been many wonderful moments - but always the feeling of something missing - even as young as you were - you were always a presence much larger than life.  We will continue to find joy in  all the little children in honor of you.  We love you Sammy and miss you more than words could ever express."

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Just a note  / Uncle Kody

              Dear Sammy,

 

 

I think I have been so sad lately becuase the last day i saw you was at the Blue Claws Baseball Game and there I didn't really get a chance to give you a final hug or a kiss good bye. I wish I had just picked you up and gave you a kiss. I really wish I would have...........

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Harry / Dad (Father)
I was so worried about Harry and Mom in the hospital. I don't like to be in hospitals. I thought about you the entire time. Mom delivered Matilda in the very same room. I remember bringing you to the hospital to meet her. I have a picture of you wearing my sunglasses. You looked so cool. I have so many thoughts that I have trouble collecting them. The fact that it has been almost a year terrifies me. I am afraid to leave the house. I cried all morning because I did not want to go back to work. I jumped in bed with your sister and ended up being an hour late. Pop was not too happy with me. I guess you are supposed to be on time after seven days off. It does not mean much any more. Anyway, your brother is beautiful & healthy. You would love him. He wizzed on his head last night. We all laughed very hard. Well...mom did not laugh, but your sister and I thought it was great. Mom is not to good with his nuts and boltz, if you catch my drift. I have not changed many diapers, so I should probably stop now. I will talk to you in the yard later. I love you Sammy. Dad Close

Late nights  / Melissa
Hi sammy, When I wake up with sadie and Liam in the middle of the night to feed them, my mind always wanders to you. So many different emotions. I think about all the times I was lucky enough to spend the day with you. I think about all the times you made me laugh so hard. I think about how much you looked like your Mom when she was your age. I look at Sadie and Liam and finally feel the Love every parent has told me about, and I think of you, and my heart breaks. I miss you so much everyday. I'll be planting some flowers in our yard this spring, I hope you will be there by my side to help. I know you will be. I Love you Sammy. Close

The Yard  / Daddy

Hey Sam,

Tilda and I were in the backyard yesterday.  She was running away from me with her hood up, and for a second I was confused.  The two of you are so similar.  You would have loved to play together.  She is good at sharing just like you.  She stopped before she went down the slide to tell me that she misses you.  It made me hurt inside, but happy too.  I am glad that she can still remember how much fun you had outside together.  It was your favorite place, and it is our favorite too.  I have started to get the yard ready for warm weather, and mom already planted many of your gardens flowers.  I want to go to the Tribecca Film Festival with your sister this year.  We took you three times.  Many of my favorite memories are from our last weekend there.  You played so hard with your cousins, and made me so proud.  Harry will be here very soon, and I know Tilda will be a great big sister.  She had you, and that meant a lot. You helped her along in great ways, and you made me a better person.  I am as always, missing you.  Forever your father,   Dad

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