Cecilia And Tim Norwood
Dear Sam – what a complete shock to get the call from Bill this morning that you were gone. Losing both you and Ruby so close together has left a huge hole in our hearts. 96 years is helluva long time to hang around, but wow, did you ever leave us some great memories in the 25 years we knew you! From the first day we moved into Bryan Place, not knowing a soul, you started your move into our hearts when you appeared in our garage, started poking around in boxes, then introduced yourself as "Sam! Mayor of Bryan Place!" At first we didn't know what to make of you, but it didn't take long for us to appreciate what we'd been missing, because we'd never had neighbors like you and Ruby! You were always there, keeping an eye on us, watching our house when we were gone, chasing the neighbor kids out of our plum trees, hollering at the paper boy when he threw the paper into the bushes, harrassing me every time I came outside about why I didn't come visit you more. You were a piece of work, alright! Tim was always Ruby's 'boyfriend,' and I was always your 'girlfriend,' and boy could we rag on each other! When you moved away to live with Saundra and Bill, we knew it was best for you both, but we missed you terribly. We treasured your cards and letters and pictures and phone calls – and even when you could barely hear what we were saying, you were still making us laugh! We especially treasured our visits with you both, too far and few between but every one anticipated and remembered, especially our last visit with both of you last May. Dear Sam we will always remember you and love you dearly. I'll bet all the other men in heaven are insanely jealous of that huge shock of white hair of yours! Go make 'em doubly jealous: grab Ruby's hand and get to dancin'! Love to you both from your Bryan Place "Girlfriend" and "Boyfriend."

