My Name is Sam

Hi, my name is Sam.  You look lonely.  I'm lonely too cuz my best friend moved away.  Would you like to be my new best friend?  We can go play on the tire swing.  Some of the other kids are afraid of the tire swing, but I think it's great!  Come on, it will be fun.  I'll show you how to make it go really fast!  Or not so fast, if you don't want to go too fast.  Don't be afraid.  Come on!


My name is Sam.  This is my first year in junior high just like all of you.  Junior high can be tough, I hear.  I want to make it less tough.  I want to make sure everyone's voice is heard.  I want to make sure the cafeteria doesn't stop giving us the pudding everyone loves, if I can help it.  I want to make sure the teachers are nice and fair.  Maybe some of you don't want the teachers to be fair.  Maybe some of you want special treatment.  If that's you, then don't vote for me.  But if you want to make sure everyone is treated fairly and you want to have some fun events, too, then vote for me, and I'll do my best to make you proud!  Thank you, and thank you to Chris for convincing me to run for the student council.


My name is Sam.  I'm in ninth grade, and this is my science project on the effects of hand-washing on bacterial growth.  Basically, kids are gross and too often we don't wash our hands.  This is what happens on our hands when we don't wash them.  This is what happens when we just wipe them off.  A little better.  Here's with water and here's with soap and water.  I did a trial of 15 kids from my school.  I also surveyed them to find out if they wash their hands properly before I did the test.  After seeing my results, eight out of nine of the kids who didn't wash properly before said they will wash properly now.

What's really interesting though, is that as gross as this first dish looks, not all of that bacteria is bad.  The problem is that some of it is.  I learned through studying different kinds of bacterial that some bacteria is really good.  You need it.  But you can get good bacteria from things like yogurt.  You shouldn't try to get it from doing something silly like not washing your hands.  My experiment proves that hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease.  Thank you.


My name is Sam.  I know I'm a little younger than most of you, but I'll be in college next year and I really wanted to check this group out.  I love bicycling, and I'm not just some little kid who dings a bell on the way to school every morning.  I'm also not some jerk who lost their driver's license and has to bike.  I bike because I want to.  It's a challenge.  I like challenges.  And this is a challenge that I can make personal.  When I ran for student council president, I got second place and that was that, though I did win the next year since the person who beat me transferred schools.  In my ninth grade science fair, I got second place and I got a nice ribbon, but I didn't get to go to the state competition.  Both times, there was someone else who beat me.  With biking, it's just me and the road.  I can challenge myself every day to be faster than the day before, and most days I am, though I'm reaching a plateau.  And that's why I'm here.  I want to learn to be faster and stronger and better, and of course to have fun, too.  Sorry if I talked too long.  That's all I have to say.


My name is Sam.  I'm a physics major and computer science minor.  I want to work in a lab with other people making better somethings.  Cars maybe?  Or airplanes?  Or maybe even bicycles.  I might end up being a mechanical engineer instead.  We'll see.  Anyway, I'm happy to be here and I hope you are too since we're going to room together for the whole year.  My friend Chris is going to a school down the street, so we'll probably hang out quite a bit, too.  We can show you around the city if you're from out of town.  I grew up here and Chris has lived here since first grade.  Anyway, this year will be fun, so don't worry.


My name is Sam.  I tried to get my friends Chris and Casey to come along, but they're not quite ready for this kind of thing yet.  Chris is close.  We've been friends longer.  Anyway, I'm really excited.  I've saved up from my part time job for months to afford this.  Jumping out of a plane, free falling, having the parachute deploy and pull you back.  It's going to be a blast!  And what Chris and Casey didn't realize, but I do... what we're about to do next is safer than the car ride here and back home!  At least if you took a car.  I rode my bike.  But anyway, I'm pumped.  Chris, Casey, this one's for you!  You're coming up here next time!


My name is Sam.  I'm going to be your TA for this class.  A little about me?  I ride my bike everywhere.  I like to play intramural flag football and soccer, so football and futbol.  And I've jumped out of a plane twice, the first time just me and the instructor and the second time with my friend Chris.  Still working on Casey.  Oh, and I'm a senior, but I'm double majoring in physics and mechanical engineering, so I'm going to be here for another year after this one.  Then I'll be a super senior, I guess.  That's probably enough about me.  I want you to know that this class is awesome and as long as you pay attention, you're going to have a lot of fun.  Questions so far from your first two days of lecture?


Well, my name is Sam, and I've always been really honest so I'll tell you that I'm really nervous.  But I can also tell you that I'm well qualified for this job.  This will be my first full time job out of college, but I've worked many part time jobs before.  When I first started out, it was just at the campus bookstore, but junior year I joined a research team and then senior year and fifth year, the professor wanted me to be his TA, so I did that and worked with lots of other students.  Some of them even said I made the class better, so I considered that a success, and it demonstrates that I can work with well others when I'm in a leadership role.  I can also work well with others cooperatively, as my work on the research team demonstrates.  We were trying to develop a new, lighter material for use in airplanes.  It was a long shot for such a small team, and I admit the best we did was come up with a potentially cheaper way to produce some already existing materials, but that's still something.  Is that enough of an overview?  What other specific stuff would you like to know?


Hi, my name is Sam.  You're going to be my mentor on this team?  It's great to meet you.  I'm excited to get started!  I know I won't be doing much at the beginning, but that's okay.  Anyway that I can help is great.  Now, can you help me get started at my workstation and introduce me to some other folks?  Oh, right, you know what you're doing.  Sorry.  Okay, lead away.


Hi, my name is Sam.  I'm new in town.  Just got a job that I started a couple months ago.  This is actually the longest I've been in a town other than where I was born.  Plenty of trips and stuff when I was younger.  But anyway, a big reason I moved here was because it was more biker friendly than my old town.  Well, that and there was a great job offer for me, the best I could hope for.  Sorry, that probably sounds too braggy.  I'm just here to have fun.


Hi, I'm Sam.  Yeah, you probably remembered from last week.  Yeah, I like you bike.  What do you do for a living?  Oh, so can you get me a discount then?  Ha, yeah, I know, sorry for asking.  Okay, I suppose we could go out for drinks later.  I like to reward boldness.


Hi, it's Sam.  Oh hey, Chris!  You got a new phone number?  You're calling from your fiance's phone?  What!?  Chris!  I didn't know you were that serious!  Well good for you.  I wish I was there.  Okay, you're right, I love it here, but I do miss you.  You have a date set yet?  Oh of course I will.  You didn't even really have to ask.  I can bring a date though, right?  Yeah, it's going pretty well.  Not as well as yours obviously.  Yeah, I guess we'll see.


Hi, my name is Sam.  Yeah, I've been Chris's friend since first grade.  They're a great couple aren't they?  Perfect together.  Anyway, would you like to dance?  No, I'm here alone.  And it's okay if you don't know how to dance very well.  I'm not the best either, but I can teach you.  At it's basic level, dancing is all about counting.  As long as you can count to four, you'll be fine.  At least this kind of dancing, anyway.


This is Sam.  Chris!  Why are you calling me from your honeymoon!  You're crazy!   Yeah, you're so nosey.  It was a fun night, but nothing more than that.  No, not even a phone number.  Now get back to your new spouse, you crazy!  Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.


Hi, my name is Sam.  I want you to know that, as the new lead for this team, that I work hard so you don't have to.  Okay, that was a lame attempt at a joke.  But seriously, I want you to know that just because you're young doesn't mean you can't do great things.  I'm young, too.  I've only worked here for three years.  I'm ambitious, but I understand that not everyone is like me.  If you work hard and you aren't afraid to talk yourself up a little, you'll go far here.  If you aren't as ambitious as me, that's fine, too.  There's a place for everyone on this team, as long as you contribute and love what you do.  If you ever aren't loving what you're doing, talk to me.  Passionate work is more valuable than putting in extra hours every time.


Hi, my name is Sam.  I work too hard and don't meet enough people and that's why my friend Chris is wasting some of our limited time together making me go to this despite being married.  Oh no, not me, Chris.  No reason for Chris to be here with a loving marriage back at home, but you know, afraid I would run out or something.  I've never run out on anything.  But yeah, I think this is dumb, and I'm not afraid of new things, just new things that are dumb.  So then, convince me this isn't dumb.  Tell me about yourself.


Hi, my name is Sam.  You're number seven out of eight.  The last six were disappointing.  Prove to me you're not.  Okay yes, I suppose I do sound bitter.  I'm usually not like this.  I'm just upset because my friend Chris made me come here when I'd rather be spending some time together, just the two of us.  Chris doesn't come visit me all that often.  Being married and having a small child makes that difficult.  But Chris worries about me, thinks I work too hard.  I don't think Chris realizes it's not just work that keeps me busy, but biking and skydiving and soccer, too.  Yes, skydiving.  Oh are you feinting interest in that one because it's the most exotic?  Okay, yeah sorry, but actually, I do assume you want to be here.  Where's the friend of yours who dragged you here today?  Oh, really?  You're kidding?  Nope, they sure are talking.  Well isn't that just a thing?  Married, too?  That's too much.  Yes, I guess I can smile, though that comment makes me want to roll my eyes.  Yes, I am blunt.  Oh, alright, I do reward boldness.  Here, you can have my phone number.  Let's talk more later.


My name is Sam, my name is Sam.  Geeze Chris, I had to say that 10 times!  I thought it was only going to be eight, but then they threw in two more rounds.  Nope, I'd say it was a complete failure.  No.  No, I don't want you to think that you succeeded at this ruse.  Okay fine, yes, we did exchange numbers but don't get too excited.  Now let's get out of this bar and go get a drink.


This is Sam.  Oh hi, yeah I remember you from the other night.  I wasn't sure you were going to call.  Yeah, three day rule, I've heard of it.  Some rules are good and some rules are garbage.  Yeah, Chris was only here for the weekend.  Gone back home now.  You really like to bike?  You didn't just run out and buy a bicycle after meeting me the other day?  Well okay, I guess I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.  Turner park?  Really a group thing?  Why aren't you in the cyclist club?  What do you have against the Star City Cyclers?  Your group is better?  Okay, yeah, well, we'll see about that.


My name is Sam.  This is Hayden.  We would like to get married.  No, we've known each other for almost four years now, we just don't want to hassle with a big expensive ceremony.  Plus, surprising our friends and family has its own rewards.  So what do we have to do?  Just sign here and here and wait in line?  Well that's easy enough.  See you on the other side!


My name is Sam, and I love Hayden.  My support, my rock.  I'd be something without you, but not the something I want to be.  I promise to love and cherish you forever, though every adventure of our lives, even though the adventure of having those three children we've talked about and though any job changes that might come up, through any tough times and easy times and every time in between.  I love you, Hayden, and I'm ready to commit to spending my life with you.


My name is Sam and this is Hayden.  We've been married for five years and have been certified sky-diving instructors for three years.  I have to tell you, Hayden is a little afraid of heights, but we both know that this experience is worth it even if you are a little afraid.  Just don't be afraid to open your eyes and see the world around you while you're falling.  And, here's my cheesey line, no matter how far you fall, the person alongside you will be there to pick you up again.


Hi, I'm Sam.  Hayden and I are so happy that you could come.  Yes, well, we've move around a bit over the past ten years, well, really in the past five, but we're ready to settle down now.  Yes, I never thought it would be this close to home, but this is halfway between Hayden's family and mine and not too far from either, as you know since you're here.  Well anyway, it's great to see you, I just saw my friend Chris walked in and I have to go say hi.


My name is Sam, and I can't have children.  Yes, we tried for years and I guess we don't entirely know what the problem is, but we're ready to move on.  We're ready to adopt.  I was scared at first, a work I don't use to describe myself very often, but I was scared I wouldn't love an adopted child like my own.  Hayden told me of course I would, but it wasn't until I met people, other people with adopted children, and saw the love that I was convinced I could be the same.  We always wanted to have three children, but for now, one would be enough.  Oh, really?  Twins?  Four years old?  Hayden?  Well, we weren't expecting that but we would certainly consider it.  Yes, we'll call you back by the end of the week.


My name is Sam and these are my children, Devin and Skyler.  Yes, they are beautiful.  I can't take any credit for that.  It's been a wonderful adventure.  I love them both so much and after three years together, we're going to add a third to our family.  Devin and Skyler are excited.  It's an exciting time.  We're here to tell you that adoption is definitely, without a doubt, 100% worth it.  It will change your life in such a wonderful way.  Plus, if you're lucky enough to get older kids like I was, you won't have to change poopy diapers.  Yes, children, I know I am embarrassing you.  Isn't that what parents are for?


My name is Sam.  I've been so many things in my life.  A friend, a student, a physicist, a teacher, a thrill-seeker, a spouse, a parent, and a friend.  Oh, did I say friend twice?  That's because that's the most important one in the list.  You can't do any of those other things well if you can't be a true friend, a good friend, a caring friend.  A friend through the good times and the bad.  A friend, even beyond death.  So this one's to you, Chris.  You were always a good friend, and you were taken too soon, and yet you had a good life.  Chris, know that Sam will always be your friend.  Always.


My name is Sam.  I think that after twenty-six years working here that most of you know me, but for those of you who are here just for the free cake, I'll say it again, My name is Sam.  Sam Decker.  And it's been a pleasure working here with all of you.  Life goes by so fast.  It seems like just yesterday I was moving here, settling down, getting the job I had before this one, before this lasting one.  It's not always clear what you want in life, but once you figure it out, you should go for it.  Me, what I want, is to go skydiving more.  No, I'm not too old, and neither are you, none of you.  If you ever want to give it a try, you can ask for me over at Thrill Seekers Anonymous.  Kind of a dumb name since there's nothing Anonymous about it, but what are you going to do?  Okay, enough of this old person talking.  Let's eat some cake.


My name is Sam.  All my life, I tried to live with passion and excitement.  To keep myself young.  My children have helped keep me young, and my grandchildren, too, and of course Hayden.  I don't know what I would do without Hayden.  Find someone else to be my support, I suppose.  Maybe even find myself.  Okay, that's not fair.  I will always have myself, but I'm sure glad that Hayden is here with me.  At least I thought I would always have myself.  Now, hearing this diagnosis, I'm not so sure.  My thoughts are rambling.  And that scares me.  I don't scare easily.  I just have to remain calm and take deep breaths.  My name is Sam.  My name is Sam.


My name is Sam.  I remember that much.  But I don't remember what I'm doing here, and I barely remember you.  It comes back to me, but it takes a few seconds.  You are the love of my life and some days, I can't even remember your name.  That terrifies me.  I don't want to die alone, with just myself.  I think, I just need to trust that even if I can't remember the people around me, they are here to care for me and help me.  I think if I can remember that, I can die with dignity and peace when my time comes.


Hello.  My name is....  What is my name?  I can't remember now.  I've said it so many times over the years and now I just can't bring it to mind.  I remember moments and flashes of things.  I remember a smiling face on a playground, a bright red bicycle, drinks in a bar, students in a lab, a new house, twins, cake, they're all jumbled up and out of order, but they are there.  Even though I can't remember who I am, somehow I know I've had a good life.  I know that because you're here holding my hand, whoever you are.  I look into your eyes and I'm sure I see myself, whoever I am.  And I see the ground rushing towards me.  It's terrifying, but I'm not going to close my eyes.  Because my name is...