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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You still exists..  / Sarab Singh (Uncle (Dan's Friend) )
Hi Sammy,
Just want to share some moments i shared with your dad  before and after this incident happened.

Before:
I use to visit your dad in his office for some business deals and there was a small collage which had your family pictures. and I always say to Dan, she is most beautiful child in my  contact as onthis moment and you really were.
I remember  Danny use to tell me about ur  sweetness adn ur mischiefs too, you were always part of our conversation  either starting or at the end of meeting.
Also then we  added Matilda also in that.

Now when after the incident I again went to same office  to meet your dad after a long while(as I moved of town to another township) ,All wasn't same there. Collage was not there which I mentioned to your dad too , he changed too, he grown his hair and also planning to  work over his weight  which is a great  task he is looking forward to do. As always you were again in our conversation, this time it was more sad then  ever,  dunno need to tell, i could not remain seated there for more than some moments as both of our eyes were getting  wet as  we  missed you.
I just want to tell you you had best parents I know , but I also know, that even GOD wanted you to be beside hima as even he missed u when u were on earth. You were a precious child and  will be wonderful daughter for your parents .
God bless you , may you enlighten  there also whereever you are.

Thanks and lot of love
Sarab Close

I just wanted to say . . .  / Geoff Neumann (friend)
I just wanted to say something to you. I just saw your parents and your sister a few days ago.  Matty is growing up so fast and it makes me cry each time I think of her world without you.  She gave me a kiss before I left your house and I almost lost it . .  I'm not as strong as your mom and dad.  The last time I saw you, you were screaming "Shrek" and running in circles around your aunt Nicole's Tv room.  I want you to know again that long before you were born I  was a friend to your father, and now you should also know that I will be there for the rest of your family for the rest of my life whenever I'm needed . . and do whatever I can to help them stay strong.  And they have been so very strong. They are the most amazing people I have ever known and I am proud to call myself their friend! So please continue to visit them in their dreams and let them see you once in a while.  I wish you were here. I miss you too Sammy . . . xo! Close

your hats  / Dad (father)

Hi Sammy, Mom and Tilda were pulling out all of our winter hats last night. It is unbelievable how many memories can come out of a small hamper. There must have been ten different hats that made me flash back instantly. One in particular really made me smile & cry at the same time. Do you remember the purple hat Uncle Drew & Aunt Marie gave you? I remember sitting in the kitchen with Mom, Drew, Marie, Tiia, & Brian. You were sitting in a chair with all of us around you. It was the winter before your second birthday. Mommy was pregnant with your sister. You very carefully opened the present that they brought for you. No one could believe your reaction, except for Mom & I. They did not even expect you to know it was a hat, but you did. As soon as you took it out, you put it right on, all by yourself. "o...a hat", is what I think you said. Every eye in the room lit up. Then came the comments, "she is so smart". This I knew already, but it is always nice to have someone afirm it. You made me so proud that night.  I will never stop believing that I will see you again. Where ever you are, wait. Mom and I will be there someday, and we will be a family again. I love you Sammy

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Christmas / Chrystal (Cousin)
I was looking at pictures of the last Christmas Eve you spent with us at Aunt Petrice's. You looked so cute in your green pjs and green face from the rice crispy treat you ate. And you and Zack were running around in the driveway out front like reindeer. Holidays aren't the same without you bringing joy and cheer to our family Close

Hi Sammy  / Melissa
I was thinking about one of the days I came up to see you and your Mom and Matilda.  I was meeting your Mom and I was running late, so I got there and hopped in her car and we just started driving and talking.  You and Matilda were in the back, and I hear "Awissa!, Awissa!" so I turned around and you said "hi!" and you had the greatest smile on.  It was so sweet, I felt like you wanted to make sure I knew you were there, and that you were happy to see me. And that particular smile, that particular day, melted my heart. 
I think about that moment all the time.  It never fails to fill me with happiness and love.  The love I knew you had for life and everything and everyone around you. 
I always miss you so much, but when I think about your smile and fun times with you, it puts a smile on my face.

I Love You Sammy Close

Holidays / Debi Gormley (Aunt)

Sammy,

I was sad on Thanksgiving thinking back to last year and the fun we had making whipped cream with Zack.  You were so cute sitting up on the counter with Zack and being excited at this experience.  There are so many memories of you that warm my heart everyday. 

This year in memory of you and all the joy you have given us all, I will be buying gifts for children who are in need.  Every year since I have worked at the school, we have bought gifts for those less fortunate - this year in honor of your memory, I met with our nurse who provides the information and picked two children to buy for.  One is a little boy who wants a blanket and pj's and the other is a little girl who loves pink and purple (how fitting).  

I am fortunate that I see you in every happy child's face and I will live the rest of my life trying to bring happiness to children in your memory.  You were one of the happiest children and that is such a tribute to your mom and dad.

Love you forever,
Aunt Debi

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So much fun  / Uncle Tim
Sammy,

Thanksgiving at aunt Lauren and uncle Brad's is a time that reminds me of you, as you and your cousins would play for hours on end.  Your dad and I watched Abby play in the basement, and it really made us think if you, as your dad told me how much he misses you, and how much fun you would be having.  I want to tell you how much I miss you, and how much you would energize every holiday, every gathering, every time.

Your mom and dad have been really strong, stronger than you could imagine.  I hope you see them in their dreams, and send love that only you can.  I know that heaven has not been the same since you arrived, and my only wish is that every person who ever comes to life has a piece of your beauty, sweetness, and love of life.  I miss you Sammy, and I wish you were here.  I love you... alot.

Uncle Tim Close

Thanksgiving / Petrice Nicoles (Aunt Petrice )
Good Morning Sammy, I just wanted to say how thankful I am to have had you in our lives. I think of last Thanksgiving; Zack gave you an Indian dress that he made out of a pillow case ~ our two little Indians sitting on the counter making whipped cream! I smile at all of the precious memories! Thank you, we love you! Close

Memories / Daddy
I wanted you to know that I hold on to every memory. I think about everything you were, every second of every day. It has been getting harder as the months go by. Matilda has helped so much. When I smell her, I can close my eyes and feel you in my arms. She reminds me of you. Her laugh, her smile. We look at pictures of you every day. I tell her about you while we look. The two of you would have been the best of friends, and the most loving of sisters. Mom misses you so much. I want to help her, but I know I can not. Don't worry, I won't stop trying. Mom and I both need to get back home. I feel closer to you when I am there. It has been eating away at me since we left. I quit smoking again. I did it for you, and now I am doing it for your sister. Mom seems happy about it as well, but she does not fully believe yet. Matilda talks about you sometimes and I almost feel like you are right next to us. I hope that you are next to us. I need the guidence, so hang out any time. I hope you know how much I love you. Come visit me in my dreams, it has been a while. Forever your father  Close

When You Became a Big Sister  / Karen Ogden

We got to watch you the night Matilda was born. When we took you to the hospital your mom and dad were so happy to see you. Your dad's face lit up the minute you walked into the room. You were very impressed with Matilda and then wanted to share your Mommy's food!  You climbed into bed with her and talked and ate. When we took you home we had so much fun. You got out all of your toys and we played and you laughed and laughed!  You did a funny little dance in the kitchen and then helped Grampy put batteries in a toy. What concentration!  I have pictures of all of those. Kody and your Nana came over to watch you because we had to go back to Utah. You ran through the house so fast about ten times and flopped on your bed and giggled because Kody was there to play with you!  It was so hard to get on that plane that day and leave you.  Love you forever, Grammy.

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Halloween / Mom
Last year we took you trick-or-treating in Cherry Valley.  You were so beautiful in your costume and you loved what you were wearing.  When the people answered the doors for you, you tried to walk in every house as if we were there for a party at each one.  The people all laughed and said how gorgeous you looked.  I think about you all the time...  I love you Close

Vermont / Grammy And Grampy
Sammy, You were almost two months old when we first saw you. Your mom and dad picked us up at the airport and we peeked at you in the back seat in your carseat. You were tiny and rosy and beautiful. Your mom and dad were about to burst with pride. They both had the biggest grins on their faces. I held you every chance I could. Grampy remembers watching the Yankee game with you sleeping on his chest. Your mom was so happy and relaxed with you and your dad cooked up a storm. It was a great visit and you were so loved.  We are so grateful that you were in our lives. Love you forever, your Grammy and Grampy Close

thinking of you  / Becky Manseau Barnett (friend)
Tonya and Danny, Will and I think of and pray for you both and Matilda all the time...From the amount I got to know Sammy -- at the sandbox in our apartment building basement, to the playground, to seeing her play away on John and Katie's piano, to her sweet smile as she tried to pop balloons at Katie's birthday party, to the Mystery Machine birthday cake that she was so proud of -- I know that she was a girl of tremendous spirit, joy and will!!! May the peace and hope of God somehow hold you as you live with the constant ache of her absence. Close

The Barn  / Mom

When we first got our barn, it was big and empty, and it smelled like fresh wood.  You and your sister would dance around in it, and you would sing loud so that your voice echoed.  When Dad and I asked you what we should put in the barn, you held up your fingers and started counting.  You said "we need a horse, a cow, a mouse... no, two mouse.."  You said it just like that and we all laughed.  We had the time of our lives with everything we did with you, it was the best! When it's hard to breath, I close my eyes and picture you running on your farm... 

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Those Shorts  / Grampy (grampy)
Hi Sammy,  I was looking at your special shorts ,that Grammy and I have with your Crocs.   We would show them to you on our visits, and you would be so glad to know they were safe and sound in your clothes.  I had a great visit with your Mom, Dad and Matilda.  She is so much like you.  I miss you every day.  Love you forever and forever, Grampy
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smile / Daniel Ventresca (Father)
Hey Sammy,

Your mom and Grampy took Matilda to the butterfly preserve. Matilda was so excited all she could do was clap. I missed so many of your moments while I was at work. I can't help but feel hurt when I think about it. I dont want to believe that I ever missed anything. We had so little time together, and every moment was special. I dont sleep very well without you. All those nights I drew on your back to put you to sleep, I did not realize I was putting myself to sleep. I miss your warmth at night. You always moved so fast, I only truly got to hold you when you were sleeping. Please visit me more in my dreams. I want to talk to you so badly. I want to know that you are happy, and OK. Never in my life have I been sad like this. I wake up every day hurt, just hoping that you are in the room with us. I know you are not, and it's not fair. Especially for you. You deserved so much more from this life, and I was not able to give it to you. I think of you and I smile. I would do it over a million times, just to know you. Think of Mom, Matilda, and I. Think of us and smile. We will be together again. You are my daughter, and I love you. Daddy Close

Sweet Sammy I miss you terribly! Love Aunt Petrice  / Petrice Nicoles (Aunt)
Dear Sammy,

I think about you and look at your pictures every day. You sure are one special little girl! When I think of you, I instantly have a smile and remember this precious little girl who had so much love for life. I can hear your excitment now ~ it was always with such animation! I will cherish the Blue Claws game forever ~ we had so much fun! I am selfish in that I don't understand why we had such little time with you, I sometimes don't believe its true. My heart is crushed for mommy, daddy and Matilda ~ if my heart aches like this what must they be going through? We notice butterflies where ever we go! Just the other day I walked into school and a butterfly flew right in with me! I said "Hello Sammy". When I see a butterfly I think of peace and smile thinking of you. 

Good night Sammy, thank you for the wonderful memories precious girl. Love Aunt Petrice Close

What would Sammy say now?  / Angie Robson

I think she would be very pleased to say that she has the very best family ever and is so very proud that everyone is pulling together in love and support  of each other. I was so sad to hear of your loss, but the love and bond within your family is incredible! Thanks for sharing. My heart is with you.

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My Deepest Sympathy  / Minnie Fersini (None)
Dear Family of Samantha:

I cannot begin to tell you how deeply sorry I am for you.  There is no greater loss then the loss of one's child or grandchild.  
I too, lost a child tragically and I am sure that my son Louis is standing next to Samantha in heaven smiling down on all of us.
God Bless all of you with strength and courage during your times of grief.

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