Elaine,
Thank you so much for sharing your essay about Sam! I agree with others that it should be shared with Sam's family if at all possible. If he was a member of a bike club, it could also be posted to their newsletter. I am sure it would mean a great deal to all who knew Sam to see what an impression he made upon you in such a short time.
Your situation really affected me because of the things I've been through in the past year and a half (my own serious bike accident and losing my dad in a car accident) so I felt like I could empathize completely with your fear of riding again and the tumultuous emotions you've been experiencing. Glad I could be of some small help in articulating some of what you have been grappling with. You've been through a couple of very significant and difficult experiences of loss, and allowing yourself to express your feelings will go a long way towards your healing process.
Emily
Emily
2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow