Remembering Sam Allen Monroe, II
Sam Allen Monroe, II, son of Linda and Sam Monroe, passed away on November 9, 2009 at the age of 37 from a heart attack. The Monroes have received many calls of prayers and support that they wanted to share this message with their Aramco friends.
Sam II with his dad, Sam.Photo from Linda Monroe
Dear Family and Friends,
Linda and I were out recently driving toward the cemetery where our son, Sam II, was buried early in December 2009. It had only been a few days since the graveside service. The sky was dark and foreboding and the mood was somber. As we drove east down the street, a rainbow came into view. From where we were, the end of the rainbow seemed to end over the cemetery. Linda commented that it must be for Sam. I agreed with her.
In the darkest times, God is with us and now we feel like Sam is watching over us also like a guardian angel. It is not easy to remember our blessings in the midst of tragedy. The rainbow seemed to remind us that even when the sky is threatening, God still provides us with hope for the future.
It has been a challenge this Christmas season for us to stay focused on what is right and good. We can only imagine God's anguish over the crucifixion. Christmas will always be a little more poignant for us.
We focus on making a positive contribution each day. Sam would have wanted that. He was such a wonderful motivator and encourager. And so we thought of all of you and each of you. You have touched our lives in a positive, uplifting manner. We thank you for all your prayer, support, and sympathy. We appreciate having you in our lives. We have so much more to be thankful for than the struggles.
You have all been wonderful in attending the services, sending cards, preparing meals, and even sending in gifts for the trust for the boys. Your presence in our lives has been a blessing to us.
Many of you continue to ask us how we are doing. We are doing well physically, adjusting mentally, and staying strong spiritually. Our faith will see us through this period. Our family will provide the strength going forward. Our friends will support us. And God will always be there for whatever we need.
Jason and Amanda continue to adjust to the changes in their lives. Jason's accident last year and Amanda's broken arm this year have not dampened their spirits and hopes for the future. Brian, Tracie, Lindsay, and Megan continue to be great examples of how we might live our lives. Brian has been a rock for Jason, providing him with physical therapy, mentorship, and encouragement. Tracie supports Brian and makes it easier for him to handle his brothers' tragedies. The girls are just being their terrific selves.
Andrew, Brison, and Luke miss their father and find it hard to believe. They are coping and have gotten back to doing as many normal things as possible. They have a good support network in Salem and we pray daily for the healing they need and deserve. Sam is most certainly watching over them.
We did not know it but each of you was a rainbow for us during the stormy time. And so we again thank you for showing all of us the love and support which gives us strength to face each day knowing that there is a rainbow out there somewhere, waiting for us to discover it when we least expect it, and telling us that there is hope. We will now think of Sam every time we see a rainbow. We will think of the Light of Jesus that is always there for us in the darkest times. And we will remember the light that was Sam in this world with love, fondness, and happiness. We pray you enjoy a new year full of joy, happiness, love, hope, friends, and family.
Love,
Linda and Sam Monroe
Dhahran and Ras Tanura 1976-1980