SAM Connection

Samuel Berry Shaer

Son, brother, cousin, grandson, friend, and so much more.

STAY

Sam had a tender heart and a tortured mind.

Sam wrestled with anxiety, depression, self doubt, and fear on and off for 6 years.

On May 11, 2023 we lost our precious Sam to suicide at the age of 20. In an effort to spread awareness of the need for suicide prevention and to lift the stigma connected with suicide we have offered shirts and bags that give people the message that they are valued and should “Stay;”.

The S.A.M. CONNECTION will also provide assistance to furthering education in Christian counseling for individuals who wish to serve here in the Rio Grande Valley.

Samuel sought out his friend he noticed had wandered off.

When he found her, he gently asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

She replied, “Not really.”

So Sam simply answered, “Then I’ll just sit with you.”

That was Samuel — never forcing words, never demanding explanations, just offering the quiet comfort of his presence. In a world that often tries to fix pain quickly, Sam understood that sometimes the greatest act of love is simply refusing to let someone sit alone in it.
Sam chose to see the good in people. No matter if they saw it or not.
He was intelligent and witty, often throwing things far over your head, leaving you pondering conversations days after.
He took seriously being the best big brother possible.
He was a peacemaker his entire life.
He loved art and music
Sam played in the rain.

Our reason

Memorial

4K Timelapse Video

I was never measuring you the way you measured yourself.
I didn't need perfect words or constant "I love yous" to know you cared.

I saw it in the way you showed up, in the way you tried,
in the way you wanted to be better.

You're not a failure, Sam.
Failures don't love this deeply.
Failures don't worry about the people they leave behind.
Failures don't write letters like yours.

And I love you

But time is doing something I never asked for-softening the edges of you.

Your voice no longer reaches me the way it used to, and I catch myself straining to remember the exact shape of your laugh.
It you could see yourselt the way I see you, you wouldn't be apologizing.

You'd be staying.
So I'm not mad
I'm just wishing-with everything in me- that you had stayed to realize your "nature" wasn't a product of some mistake, but an opportunity to grow and to rise.
Long enough so you could have realized

You were enough.

-Eli

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One life at a time.

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