In the quiet corridors of memory, there exists a cherished chapter that resonates with both love and loss—the story of my beloved son, a radiant soul who graced our lives with his presence. His laughter echoed through the canyons of our shared experiences, and his spirit was as boundless as the Arizona sky he so dearly loved. With bright blue eyes that mirrored the vastness of the landscapes he roamed, he found solace and joy in the simple pleasures—hunting in the rugged terrains, casting lines into the tranquil waters, and conquering the heights of majestic mountains during hikes that etched stories into his adventurous heart.

This blog is not just a collection of words; it's a tribute to a life that embraced the untamed beauty of nature. His love for hunting and fishing painted the canvas of his existence with vivid strokes of passion, while the mountains served as both a sanctuary and a playground for his adventurous spirit. Arizona, with its warm embrace and scenic vistas, became a backdrop to the chapters of his life—a place where memories were etched against the backdrop of sunsets that mirrored the hues of his vibrant personality.

A triple sport athlete, he weaved through life with the agility and determination that defined his character. Lacrosse and hockey were not just games to him; they were expressions of his fierce competitive spirit and camaraderie with teammates. The rinks and fields were arenas where he showcased not only his athletic prowess but also the depth of his dedication to the sports he loved.

Join me in weaving the threads of remembrance as we navigate the delicate landscape of love and grief, celebrating a son who, though gone, will forever remain alive in the echoes of our hearts.

I Hate This Month-
Samson Walters Samson Walters

I Hate This Month-

I miss everything about Samson. How can it be nearly a year when it feels like I just saw him? I hate that I’ll have to say “a year,” as if grief should be finished, as if I should be “normal” again. But I’ll never be. Half of me is gone, and always will be.

I’m not ready for the holidays—another birthday, another Christmas without him. Last Thanksgiving was our last together. I can’t even put up fall décor, knowing it was the last thing he saw before everything changed.

I just want him back. I know I won’t get that, but it’s what my heart longs for. I want him here, laughing, playing hockey, living life with us.

I love you, Samson. Until we meet again, I’ll always be thinking of you.

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I Miss My Brother
Samson Walters Samson Walters

I Miss My Brother

Gabe writes a touching tribute to his brother. He shares the memories he holds onto, and some of their fun moments growing up together.

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Life
Samson Walters Samson Walters

Life

Going through the motions of life, after losing a son. The challenges life brings.

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Just existing
Samson Walters Samson Walters

Just existing

7 months of loss, and the changes it has made to our family.

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From Friends 💙

A letter from Hans
Samson was my best friend. Truly was my best friend. I’ve know him since 3rd grade but met him in 6th grade because we went to different elementary schools. A core memory I have with him was the last day of school in 6th grade me and him were just looking for trouble, we filled up red solo cups all the way to the top with water, we would go around the halls and fake trip and spill the water everywhere. We thought it was the funniest thing ever. Me and him got closer throughout the years biking around Hugo and biking all day long so far away from home. In the summer during elementary school, we just got done biking around the whole day it was me, Samson and Easton. We were chilling at diamond point park when these drunk teenagers pulled up on us in their car, they were yelling stuff at us and got out of the car and Samson was chirping them, and told them to get the heck out of here. They eventually left but one of them left their phone on the ground we took it and biked away so fast with it. It was karma. They came back and we’re yelling they’re going to get us and to give them their phone back. We left the phone at the park and Samson hid in your boat under the cover in your driveway. That was a fun night. One time when Samson got his license, he would pick me up and we went to cub to get steaks. Dude really knew how to make a tasty steak. He would tell me all the time when I was acting off or mad. He would say dude be positive and he would always make sure I was happy and positive. Your son was truly the best friend to have. One time me Samson and Payton were headed to a girl's house and we played the song-Percolator by 438 Tok. We said this is our song and we were so hyped up. Every time I listen to that song I think of how me and Samson were just bumping this the other day and saying this is our song dude. Your son was very smart he knew so many things about cars and how to figure things out, he was a good fisherman and hunter. Micheala, all I have to say is thank you for bringing him into my life. He truly changed my life forever and I will never forget my bro, my best friend, and best wingman possible.
- Hans

A letter from Annik
Samson was the light to life. He had the biggest smile on his face no matter what. He was the person who could make you feel good by just being in their presence. Sam had an impact on my life that I will forever be grateful for. Although Samson considered me his “Uber” he was like my little brother. The car rides..whether they were to school, to get food, or just because I knew Samson needed a ride home from somewhere will forever hold a special place in my heart. He would take the aux cord immediately and blast music, and I’d say “Sam not today i’m tired and not in the mood” he would instantly reply  with something like “No Annik we are jamming on the way to school you need to be happy and ready to take on the day”. Little things like that described Sam, he was always chasing his next big dream, he had no fear of what would happen to him because he knew he was living life to the fullest. I strive to have the outlook on life that Samson had because it left him fearless. I will forever miss Samson, our talks about girls, or me giving him some advice on not doing something that was a little dumb. He will forever be the neighborhood kid who became my little brother in a short amount of time. I love you forever Samson, and would do anything for one more of your big bear hugs, and to scream “I love you Sammy” as you walk into school. I’ll see you again, Gods got you buddy.
- Annik 

A letter from Tristan

Dec 31st, 2023. Samson, my friend of 8 years, best friend, and right hand man.. it’s New Year’s Eve and it’s hitting me that we’re all going into 2024 without you. The crash happened a month ago now and it still doesn’t feel real. I don’t know how it’s already been a month since I’ve last hung out with you or had a conversation with you. Everywhere I go everyone brings you up to me and everybody is thinking about you. Been keeping close to your mom & brother and Tom as much as I can. You were the funniest and happiest kid I ever met from the moment I met you all those years ago when we were just little young kids in our old neighborhood riding around on our bikes. You were such a high value person and your benevolent smile and positive energy always cheered me up no matter how down I was. You’re a 10 out of 10. You were one of the only real ones out there in a world full of greed and were a loyal friend up until the very end. You were like a brother to me and the one I could trust and were my right hand man. You taught me so much during our friendship and are part of what made me who I am today. You lived your best life on this planet and I’m so grateful that we got to grow together and that you were in my life. Gonna miss fishing, biking around, walking the halls at school together, joking around laughing at anything, picking you up going to things together and going on adventures, and our late night calls talking about school, everything in life, our plans, and our futures. You are like a brother to me. I’m gonna have to graduate this summer and continue my story without you and it makes me cry even thinking about it. 16 is too young. I know you fought so so hard to stay here with us in your final days in the hospital but I know you’re in a warmer, better place now and looking down on us. I’m gonna make you proud and have a nice beautiful family and get that nice house and a bright blue Lamborghini for you like you would have wanted . I love you Samson so very much and you’ll always be my best friend. Like I whispered to you and told you in that hospital, I will defend and protect your name until the day I die. You’re forever in my heart till the day I join you. Please help guide me through my life and watch over me. I’m gonna make you so so proud. -Till I see you again Samson.
- Tristan

“See you again” Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

A letter from Rosie
From the moment I met Sam he’s always put a smile on my face. I remember going to the Spirit Halloween with Sam near my house to try on funny costumes with Jayden and Addy. I remember the funniest moment when he tried those big red high heels on and danced all around Tj Max. I would always fall on the ground cause it would hurt my stomach from how hard I would laugh. I remember I was being super negative one day and Sam said these words exactly, “Buddy! Why are you being so negative? We have one life to live so why would you want to waste it actin like this?” I would always be reminded of that moment every-time I felt the need to complain. Sams long rants about his mission trip to Columbia was the highlight of my weeks. He would call me “Mrs. Portugal” and I would call him “Mr. Columbia” every time we saw each other. We would always relate to each other on how we love helping other people and enjoying the simple moments of life. Our times at the fairs and getting lost from all of the other people in our group would make me stress out but you always would keep me calm. Our favorite song to listen to together was either "Too Good" By Drake or "Wild Thoughts" By Rihanna. Sam would always do the funniest dances. His funny lines he would say when we all would hangout like “tee hee” or “ferda” I would always laugh at Sam for it because no one else would say that but you but I would no matter what use those lines anyways. And to not forget the only two black gym shark shirts he would wear to any event. I also loved the fact that Sams mom was his best friend. Sam would always say things like “my mom is so beautiful”. No matter where you were with your friends, you would always tell us about all the fun events around that he knew about and would pick us up. No matter how far or how close. Sam would always find a time to hangout with me. Samson has completely shifted my view on life. Everything he has done for me has changed everything. Thank you Samson for showing me my purpose in life. Thank you for snapping me out of my bad moods because of what you would call “girl issues fr”. I have never seen you without a smile on your face. I’m so grateful for the time we got to spent together. You were a light, you were selfless, you still are all of these things. I will always remember your amazing smile. Thank you Samson for checking up on me when I couldn’t do life anymore. I’m so grateful for being able to spend your last days on earth with you. All of your friends and family were there loving you and laughing about all the funny memories and adventures that you have had in your life.  I’m so glad we all got to be together. I love you forever Samson Walters. You are an incredible human being.