Meet Sam
My name is Sam, born in Miami, Florida. My current home is in Locust, NC, where I and my family moved to in 1995. In 1995, we bought an old non-producing cotton farm. We then spent the next 20 years rebuilding and adding to the house, and reclaiming the woods that had taken over the fields for the last 40 years or so. Three years ago, we planted a small apple orchard so we are settled here for the duration (I think). In 2023 we opened up the farm as an airbnb and a respite for caregivers and facility to hold events for the brain injury community. After facing TIA’s, open-heart surgery, and neuropathy, I’ve encountered some speed bumps. But these challenges only fueled my determination to keep living life to the fullest. As I embark on a mission to give back to the communities that supported me, I’m excited to share my adventures on the trails. Join me as I recount inspiring tales from my rides and the incredible stories I discover along the way. Together, let’s celebrate resilience and the joy of connection!
A BRIEF HISTORY of when each of these challenges came into my life. I had my first TIA in 2019 and a second TIA 2020. Although all symptoms were to go away, my short-term memory and some cognitive issues were and are still affected from the TIA’s. I was not able to return to work after the second TIA and soon retired. After the second TIA I was diagnosed with severe neuropathy in both feet and moderate to severe neuropathy in both legs. Then in February 2022 I went to the ER and on February 22, 2022, I had a triple bypass and a stent in the fourth artery. I point these out only to say I am on a journey with some challenges, not the end of the story.
2 Corinthians 3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
I GET IT!!
I UNDERSTAND the loneliness, frustration, and sadness, of a brain injury. I understand the thinking that I am the only one in the world with this problem. I have been there thinking will it get any better, or is what I have permanent. And where did all my friends go. Although everyone’s journey is different, there are some commonalities between us.
FOR THOSE DEALING WITH NEUROPATHY, I understand the burning in your feet and the pain you have when you walk, the balance issues that are caused, and waking up in the middle of the night with your feet on fire. And the realization that when you walk you sound like a horse coming down the street because of lack of muscle control.
AND FOR THOSE FACING OR HAVE HAD OHS (OPEN HEART SUGERY), I understand the feeling you get when you are told you need OHS and the questions you have about the surgery and the recovery after the surgery. The angst that may crop up, the emotional impact it has, and the thought “Am I going make it through surgery”.
IN ALL THESE CHALLENGES, I have learned there is Hope, even though I may not have seen it at the beginning of my journey. In the early days I did ask is there hope in getting better and moving on with my life.
Why start now?
MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY revolves around embracing every opportunity to witness different trails wonders firsthand, whether it’s the bustling streets of a major city or the serene landscapes of of the rural countryside. Each journey is a chance to immerse myself in diverse cultures and marvel at natural and architectural marvels.
More importantly is the joy of sharing these experiences with others, through storytelling, photography, and personal connections. By recounting my adventures and stories from others on the trail, I aim to paint vivid pictures that transport listeners to distant destinations and ignite their curiosity about their future.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others not give up, have hope, no matter what their circumstances are. To encourage others move forward and their own goals. To provide to others what they have provided me, a listening ear and encouragement during tough times with an illness, a person that understands the challenges that come with a brain injury or other debilitating illness.
