Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. You can call me Sam, almost everyone does. My mom and husband are the only people that call me Samantha, and it feels a little too formal for me. I was born in Baltimore and have called Maryland my home for my entire life. I have a huge love, however, for the West Coast, and apparently have a thing for states that start with the letter M. I don’t get to travel as much as I’d like to, but I have visited some beautiful places, and left a little piece of my heart in Maine and Montana. My husband and I dream of moving one day, and those two states are first on our list.
If you know me, you know that I can be a little intense when it comes to my love for my dog, and pretty much all dogs in general, especially rescues. I haven’t been blessed with any human children (yet), and while my biological clock is ticking pretty loudly these days, you can find me filling that void with lots of belly scratches and slobbery kisses. My dog’s name is Honey Cornbread, and she’s even sweeter than the real thing. She’s a rescue from Alabama who makes me smile even on my worst days.
I’ve been married for over 7 years to a bearded hunk that I surely don’t deserve. I think he’s God’s way of trying to make up for the daily pain I’ve been given. My husband really is my best friend and has a way of making me laugh that no one else does. He works hard as a high school teacher every day, goes straight to practice where he coaches a bunch of smelly wrestlers, and more often than not, comes home and does the dishes AND the laundry if I’ve been having a bad day.
My parents are my rocks and I know without a doubt that I would not still be here fighting without them. My mom has devoted the last 16 years of her life to trying to figure out what’s causing my pain and my Dad would do absolutely anything to make me smile. I have a brother who is the smartest guy in the world and has black ringlets that most girls would die for.
I’m an avid reader and know every word to every song on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. I believe that nature is healing and although it might take me a little longer than I’d like to get there, on top of a mountain is where I find my peace. I’ll take a camping trip in the woods over a trip to Vegas any day. If I’m not out in nature, I’m happiest in my favorite chair with a good book and a cup of tea, or on my yoga mat, at the end of a gentle routine.
I’m an introvert in the fullest sense and it’s taken me a lifetime to learn that I don’t have to apologize for that. I hate small talk and wish I could socialize at a wedding with ease and grace like my sister-in-law, but get me one-on-one with a cup of tea, tell me your life story, and I’ll be the best listener you’ve ever met, and probably your biggest fan. I live for people’s stories. Maybe that’s why I hate small talk so much. I know there’s more to you, and I want to dig deeper. It’s scary though to tell our stories. Its taken me years to be brave enough to introduce myself to the world. My story always felt a little too rough-around-the-edges. But if we’re honest, aren’t we all a little frayed and weathered?
Like I said, I couldn’t be happier that you’re here. Sit down, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), take your shoes off, and stay awhile. My hope is that in sharing my story and my pain, others may feel a little less alone in theirs. Life can be so hard, but also so beautiful, and we’re all doing the best we can with what we’ve been given. If you feel moved by my story, or want to share yours, please drop me a line in the comments or send me an email. It’s so good to do life with you.
