A year ago today, my sister wrote a blog titled Tomorrow I am 32 with a whole new perspective. It was a powerful blog about her diagnosis with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Sami went to be in her eternal home May 26, 2023, just 8 months after that diagnosis. Instead of wasting the day in grief and anger that she is not here, I choose to celebrate the day, as she is celebrating with God and finding peace in knowing her scars are healed, and her wounds have gone away.
Sami left off on her last blog post, April 22, 2023, that she was in the waiting. She was waiting for Enhertu to work and for relief from her bone mets, mostly in her thoracic spine area. However, Sami began to feel worse and time proved that the pain and progression was advancing faster than any treatment could do any good. Her liver was not functioning properly and her body was tired. As Sami said to my mom in the hospital just days before she passed, God's plan is always the right plan, so He took her home and healed her completely with NO MORE waiting, no pain, fear, or suffering.
We are blessed with our business to get to talk to so many people about Sami daily. I hear my dad telling people often, "If God came to you and said, "I have a daughter for you but you can only have her here on Earth for 32 years, do you still want her?" The answer would be absolutely, YES, because this pain today is worth it for the amazing years and memories we have." The work Sami did in 32 years was unmatched. If you read her blogs or knew her in person then you know how amazing she was and that there aren’t enough words to explain the light she brought to everything around her. Not only was she an amazing sister, mother, wife, daughter and friend but she was a faithful servant to The Lord and a blessing to anyone who knew her. Sami was a hard worker, a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, a kind heart and a bright light in this dark world. She said in her blog a year ago, "I want the devil each day of my forever to roll his eyes when my feet hit the ground knowing how much of an impact I am going to make on the kingdom of God each day." I firmly believe the devil is still rolling his eyes because of all the people Sami has brought closer to salvation, the money and research she has brought towards metastatic breast cancer, and policies she wrote for better service that is still used in the hospitals. I don't believe her work here is done yet.
On October 13, 2023 we will be hosting a Sami Strong #LightUpMBC Glow run in her honor. It is a 5K Walk/Run that will be in Punta Gorda, FL at Laishley Park and all the proceeds will be donated to MetaVivor for more research. There is an in-person and a virtual option. Shirts will be sent to every registrant when you sign up by October 1st. Click here to register.
I have no doubt that the heavens were rejoicing when God called Sami home and that she was greeted at the pearly gates by our savior with His words "Well done, my good and faithful one. You have run the race and now you're home." This loss has left our hearts here with pain and sorrow, missing a huge piece of our puzzle that will never be healed or filled but I can envision my sister in her glory arriving at her eternal home. We sang All Sufficient Merit in church a few weeks back, finishing up one of Sami's favorite chapters in the bible. I stood there worshipping with tear-filled eyes because I could envision my sister at the cross when He called her home, the song painted the perfect picture. I honestly wish I could have been there to witness it because I know it was more beautiful than words could ever explain. I'll share the lyrics with you below.
"All-sufficient merit, firm in life and death
The joy of my salvation shall be my final breath
When I stand accepted before the throne of God
I'll gaze upon my Jesus, and thank Him for the cross
Yes, I'll thank Him for the cross."
In Sami's final hours she told us to not be bitter, that Jesus loves you, and to teach the children, to give them the opportunity to love Jesus the way she does. Like Pastor Frank said at the service, which you can watch below, things like this can make you bitter or better. Sami said do not be bitter, so everyday of MY forever I am going to work on being better. If you haven't seen it or just need to find peace in her rest, the link to her celebration of life is shared below.
I want to say a quick thank you to Jordanna Hammer, for jumping in last minute to stream Sami's service and for recording it for me. We appreciate all you have done for us. Also a huge thank you to AJ Fisher, Jeff Walsh, and Uncle Jay for saying yes when I called and asked you all to speak at the service. None of you hesitated and every word spoken was perfect. Thank you Liz Kitts for sharing your beautiful violin talent, it was always Sami's favorite to listen to and brag about. Pastor Frank, thank you and our Freedom Bible Church family for always being there through every season with open arms, prayers and comforting words.
In true Sami fashion, I am going to finish this blog post with a challenge. Maybe you don't have a relationship with Jesus, maybe you don't believe, maybe you have questions you feel silly to ask, maybe you don't want to commit the time it takes, but today I challenge you. I challenge you to go out of your comfort zone, to search for belief in something bigger than you or I could ever imagine. I challenge you to love Jesus the way Sami did, because it will bring you a peace you never knew was tangible.
Signing off for my sister, my best friend, my role model. I can't wait to see you again and I fully expect you to be waiting at the gates for me. I love you forever.
XOXO,
Mandi