Dream On

I spent this past weekend reflecting on a friend I known long ago. He left this world 22 years ago and though our time knowing each other was brief, I’ve never forgotten him or the light he brought to this world.

I ought to share a bit of personal background first. In high school I was such an introverted and shy person I rarely spoke to anyone but my friends. I suppose it came from moving a lot as a kid. I, the new kid, was always being being made fun of. My best friend, Maria, had moved out to California right after graduation with her mom and brother. I missed her something fierce, so I saved up, bought a plane ticket and went to visit her the summer after we graduated.

Upon arriving in San Diego Maria introduced me to Sam, her boyfriend. I’m not exactly how, but Sam made me feel at ease soon after meeting each other. I could see why Maria loved him. He was one of those rare people who were really truly beautiful, inside and out. Maria, Sammy and I spent two wonderfully crazy weeks running around southern California, sometimes with Carlos, Dusty or Terry. We even forayed into Mexico for a day. We waded in the ocean. Sam even taught me how to play part of Areosmith’s Dream On on his guitar. To this day, every time I hear that song, I think of him and smile.

This trip was the first step of me coming out of my shell, of not being afraid of showing the world who I was and that I really was worth knowing. Yes, this still is a struggle for me and quite possibly always will be. However, this trip out to California visiting Maria and Sam I began to allow myself to trust others. It was a start I am forever grateful.

Love and light to you Sammy. You were a light to all those who loved you and we were lucky to have had you in our lives, no matter how brief.