So..I couldn't even watch this whole thing until today..I tried to make a video for this amazing project but even then I was unable to truly express what he meant and is to me and my family...BUT I want to add a story about Sam here. - So in Eau Claire - OAR - Crazy Game of Poker was ....US...it was just who we were....it was played as the last song every single night at our local establishment...so July going into Junior year, OAR was at Summerfest. It was one of the hottest days of the year and we had to stand in the PACKED crowd for over 3 hours to be close enough to see them. The show started and they played all sorts of their other songs. We were there with a bunch of our close friends and my sister who everyone also knew. It was so HOT. As soon as Crazy Game of Poker Started, my sister, who had not drunk enough water started to get woozy and then fell over. You have to realize...this song, this band...it was so big for us then. Sam didn't even hesitate. He picked my sister up and started walking her out of the crowd. I followed and told him to go back and enjoy the song. I will never forget his face...he said "Jonny...she's our family and it is ok" ...I remember feeling so flabbergasted at the fact that he didn't even hesitate to be there for his friend. I always felt like we were brothers but in that moment I knew that he was part of my family. It wasn't just us. He did that for all. He was so special. He made impacts on so many....and not just for the time we all got to be in his life....it is a ripple affect that will change lives for generations. I have caught myself so many times telling my son a story about my friend...and I catch myself...think and make sure he understands the importance of the lesson I learned from Sam and am giving to him. He will never meet his dad's friend Sam, but he knows him. I love and miss you, Sam. You made a huge impact on this world.
Also - should be mentioned that the original red Super Sam T - Shirts were made while he played...we were friends with everyone on the team but there had to be 2 separate printings of those shirts. Was pretty amazing to see 15 plus people on the sidelines of games wearing shirts for ONE GUY. Heart and soul of all we are.
So..I couldn't even watch this whole thing until today..I tried to make a video for this amazing project but even then I was unable to truly express what he meant and is to me and my family...BUT I want to add a story about Sam here. - So in Eau Claire - OAR - Crazy Game of Poker was ....US...it was just who we were....it was played as the last song every single night at our local establishment...so July going into Junior year, OAR was at Summerfest. It was one of the hottest days of the year and we had to stand in the PACKED crowd for over 3 hours to be close enough to see them. The show started and they played all sorts of their other songs. We were there with a bunch of our close friends and my sister who everyone also knew. It was so HOT. As soon as Crazy Game of Poker Started, my sister, who had not drunk enough water started to get woozy and then fell over. You have to realize...this song, this band...it was so big for us then. Sam didn't even hesitate. He picked my sister up and started walking her out of the crowd. I followed and told him to go back and enjoy the song. I will never forget his face...he said "Jonny...she's our family and it is ok" ...I remember feeling so flabbergasted at the fact that he didn't even hesitate to be there for his friend. I always felt like we were brothers but in that moment I knew that he was part of my family. It wasn't just us. He did that for all. He was so special. He made impacts on so many....and not just for the time we all got to be in his life....it is a ripple affect that will change lives for generations. I have caught myself so many times telling my son a story about my friend...and I catch myself...think and make sure he understands the importance of the lesson I learned from Sam and am giving to him. He will never meet his dad's friend Sam, but he knows him. I love and miss you, Sam. You made a huge impact on this world.
Also - should be mentioned that the original red Super Sam T - Shirts were made while he played...we were friends with everyone on the team but there had to be 2 separate printings of those shirts. Was pretty amazing to see 15 plus people on the sidelines of games wearing shirts for ONE GUY. Heart and soul of all we are.