Sally Nielsen - Sammy, I Love You

Published by Allen & Unwin in 2012

Copyright Sally Nielsen 2012

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ISBN 978 1 74237 974 6

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D edicated with love to my soulmate Sam, who described our love in this poem:

The most beautiful thing in life

is when two people truly connect

one to say I Love You

two to say it with respect

Its not an idea you flirt with

it comes from deep within

every time I look into your eyes

it smacks me on the chin

Sal, you are incredible

you knock me off my feet

I never thought it could happen so fast

but you are just so sweet

Everything about you

is so incredibly sweet to me

from the way you laugh so sweetly

to the way you look at me

Its a feeling I get when Im with you

to love when Ive never loved before

I feel so incredibly lucky to

have found that one girl I truly adore

It hurts so much to leave you

when things are going so great

but one thing I know for sure is

we were brought together by fate

A shooting star once told me

like an angel from above

that the girl lying next to me

was a girl I could truly love

I write this little poem

to really let you know

that even though Im going away

our love can only grow

The only way to end this poem

is to once again let you know

I love you, I love you, I love you

more than I could ever show

love, Sammy

(written by Sam in June 2006, as a farewell gift upon his departure on his three-month overseas working holiday)

Sam, you have given me a gift so powerful only the lucky ones behold it: love.

I love you,

Sal xxx

W ithout the incredible support of Sams Army we would not be here together:

The Goddards: John, Leslie, Josh, Luke, Viviana, Myles, Klara and our darling Leila. Your continued support has allowed us to grow together once again, to fight this journey as one.

The Nielsens and Blakeys: Dad, Mum, Amanda, Jono, Jake and Alyce. You always made me feel unconditionally loved and at home, even in the darkest of hours. Your guidance has lit the path I have walked down, and brought me peace and serenity. I love you all.

Louisa, Symone, Michelle and Lisa: you have always listened and provided a place of solace for me. Each of you have kept my feet on the ground, my mind clear, and from some of you, a very necessary stiff beverage in my hand!

The Hillstone Girls, Hans and Jens: you never once pushed me for answers, and you always allowed me an environment where I wasnt the girl whose fianc had a stroke... so thank you.

Ritchie and Kate: your dedication to your mate is astounding and we have always appreciated the support. You kept me on my feet.

Sams boys: you know who you are and what you have done to support us and accommodate our needs. Sam will never forget the love you have all shown him.

Selwa, for giving me new opportunities in life, showing me that a light does always shine and for looking out for methank you.

Kate Morton: thank you for introducing our story on Australian Story . Without that connection, and your wonderful influence, this book would never have been published.

All the medical staff who worked so hard to keep my Sammy alive, you have the hardest jobs, and youll never realise how incredibly integral you have all been to our journey.

The rehab teamthank you for being so patient and continually pushing Sam to the next level.

To the carersDylan, James and Jessewhat a tough job, but you always keep Sammy smiling and well looked after.

And finally my darling Sam, the light of my life. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy, when skies are grey (and blue).

L ife was good. In fact, life was great. It was the end of summer, and the days were warm and clear. As the sun set over the back deck of our brand new home, I glanced over at Sam playing with our two dogs, and thought just how lucky we were.

Sam and I had met in the winter of 2004 while I was in my first year of Business Management at the Queensland University of Technology. This particular day, I was crossing the middle of the university grounds with my friend Mark, and we happened to run into his twin brother, Luke, who was walking in our direction with a tall, handsome, vibrant guy. He lit up the space instantly. He was gorgeous, sweet, and had a smile that said I am trouble, but you will let me get away with anything. In a particularly cheeky voice, he introduced himself as Sam Goddard, and gave me a once over. I knew he liked what he saw and I felt an instant attraction. A rush of excitement ran through me. The boys chatted about Sams upcoming eighteenth birthday party, as I drifted in and out of conversation, thinking about this handsome man.

Before I knew it the conversation was over and we were walking in separate directions, each with one half of the Evans Twins. To this day I still remember looking back and seeing him look back at me, that cheeky smile wrapped around his face.

The months went by and I was busy with work and uni. A few friends of mine from school invited me to an eighteenth and I agreed to go. As we pulled up to the long grass driveway of the house, the car got stuck in mud and so did our heels as we jumped out of the car with excitement. I dont entirely remember the party, except that it was Sams, and I saw him doing exactly what he does bestbe the life of the party. It was another brief encounter.

The seasons passed and I dont recall seeing Sam again, until two years later. I had spent three months travelling overseas, to London, Paris, Germany, Vienna, Prague and many other beautiful places. I had only been back a short time when the long-term relationship I was in ended. On Easter Sunday 16 April 2006 friends pulled me out of the house and into town to party it up. My best friend Symone and her boyfriend Adam were part of the group, and so was Adams good friend Sam.