On August 14, 2019, with deeply broken hearts we said goodbye to our glorious Samona; Mona to her family and Sam to her friends.  She was a  treasured part of our tribe and we are an incomplete family without her.  Kyle, Gage and I - 'Momtie' and 'the baby bros' as Mona referred to us, remain heartbroken at her loss.  We know that as loved and cherished as she knew she was, at times she also lived with tremendous anguish.  We take comfort that she is finally at peace, and that we will all be together again one day.

Those of us lucky enough to have earned her trust and love know how beautifully she gave that love to others. Wrapped in humor, goofy gifts and her signature quirky ways, her love and dazzling smile had the power to make you feel special. She had family seemingly everywhere, but through the decades, Momtie, Mona and the baby bros learned to count on and hold each other so tight we'd leave fingerprints! I'm so proud of how she learned to love so ferociously. 

Along with a family tree made up of many diverse and distant branches, she was firmly rooted in two perfect friendships - Julie and Quinn.  With unconditional love, unwavering support and fierce loyalty - both Julie and Quinn loved and continue to love and protect their Sam.  For many years before her death, on the day of her death, and every day since. We are eternally grateful for you and to you both! Here's a little taste of friendship fun: 

We recently lived and loved each other through August 14th - the one year anniversary of her passing.  We continue to share her story and encourage support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They were of tremendous help to us as we struggled through overwhelming grief, and as I stepped away from my career and grappled with how to protect and help my boys emotionally navigate the loss of their beloved sister.  On August 27th, they will be publishing my blog about Samona.  We invite you to share through your networks and help spread awareness of concrete steps you can take to help prevent suicide.

All donations will be split between the AFSP national office and their Georgia chapter - to recognize the very special place that Atlanta held in Samona's heart.   

We have set our goal at $12,280 to honor her birthday of 12/28.

Thank you for your care and concern over this most difficult of years.  And remember - if you are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide - please reach out for help.  You are loved and irreplaceable.

Momtie and the baby bros

Somewhere a journey begins at the end of the worldly existence we know... Somewhere a path stretches over the stars, and rivers of memories flow... Somewhere a silence is heard far away and the brightness of day fills the night... Where the trials of life are resolved into peace when a soul finds its way to the light.