This has been a tough week around our firehouse. One of our most beloved firefighters, Sam, passed away last week and today is his funeral.

Sam was our dedicated secretary at our meetings, sick and all. I only grew to really know him the last six months, when I would sit with him and other retired members of our firehouse talking about life, old times they shared, and family. Sam would always lift my spirit. How couldn't he? He came in almost every afternoon, oxygen tank beside him, not even missing a beat.

I had a bit of a different role with Sam last week because I went to his home to give him Communion as a Eucharistic Minister. Just sitting there brought such an overwhelming thankfulness that God put me in that place and gave me that honor. I was told that the last thing he ate before he died was my chicken soup.

It is very hard for me to write this post since I have no family, no parents, and Sam reminded me so much of my Dad.

Yesterday I had to attend the wake in the afternoon because I had the Fire Academy last night. I was alone since our Company was going to the wake as a group at night. But it let me concentrate on Sam the person, and see what he accomplished in his life. He was a volunteer for Boy Scouts and the Appalachia organization, and he was the best Dad to his three daughters. There were easels upon easels and pictures all around the funeral parlor of this man's life.

When I went back to the firehouse to talk with my usual group, Sam was really missed. I told them how as a newcomer I saw so much love in that funeral parlor, and really feel that Sam made a true difference to so many people. There was so much love in that room it was amazing.

As I am writing this in my home office I am looking at the sun through the tall trees in my yard. I have to leave to go to the funeral parlor now, and the Mass. But you know, looking at those trees and the sun I know where Sam is. And that gives me the Faith I need right now.

Sam B., it was a privilege to know you. Love Denise