Stay Golden Sam

Samantha Sanchez was strong, driven, compassionate, loving, and a little bit crazy. She was my sister's best friend. She used to come over and baby sit me at our house down in Chandler, and we would talk about boys (because every elementary school girl needs advice about boys), soccer, and noodle art. As I grew up, so did our talks. My sister and I didn't always have the relationship we do now. She would criticize me and tell me exactly what was on her mind, and I would feel hurt and take it to mean the opposite of what it really did mean: that she cared.
Sam not only helped me to see that Jen wasn't being mean, but she helped me to see how much my sister really did care for me and love me. She took a genuine interest in my life and helped me make some tough decisions. She didn't always have it easy, in fact, she rarely ever caught a break. She moved out on her own at 16, worked two jobs to pay rent while still in high school, she encountered endless health issues, and ultimately found death too young.
She was driven to do amazing things. In her short life she accomplished a lot, and served as one of the greatest role models a young girl could have. She was one of the reasons I committed to being an English Major. In all honesty, I had heard from my parents for years how I would be setting myself up to live in a cardboard box. But she told me I could be successful, as a writer, as ANYTHING I wanted to as long as I believed in my dreams just as she did.
That picture, though maybe obvious, was from my graduation. She flew all the way up from Arizona to watch me walk across that stage and give my speech. She was my sister's best friend, but she was always a member of our family. Not only did we all love her, but we will all miss her greatly. The past year or so was especially tough for her, and she and my sister had parted ways. I know my sister never stopped loving or caring about her. None of us would ever stop loving or caring for her. She was quirky, a honest, fun-loving, and truly had a love for the Golden Girls and the color pink. While my sister and her had many strong differences, they had similarities that brought them together.
She had a difficult life here on Earth. She was faced with many struggles and many set backs, but she faced them with great strength and faith. I truly do believe she's got a house up in the clouds with God, and I really truly believe she rests at peace.

An English Major with Great Sadness