I began reading your book at 8pm on Tuesday night and finished the book at 2:30am the following morning. This is the first book I have ever read from cover to cover without a break. This is a very special book and it will leave a lasting impression with anyone who reads it.

There are a number of reasons that I connected with your story/journey.
As a youngster, I played hockey on ponds and a creek (Pincher Creek) sometimes with open water. But just as Sam was fearless, in spite of warnings from our parents, we invariably ended up living life for the moment and with the sun beating down and the wind behind our backs, we pretended we were the Dave Keon's, Johnny Bower's and Frank Mahavolich's of the next generation.

That was 40 years ago and they remain some of the fondest memories I have. And I think the key reason these memories are so vivid and alive is that we were "fearless" and lived every minute to the fullestYou have demonstrated an incredible amount of courage to make this journey, capturing the essence of the journey in written form, and sharing it for the benefit of all who read your book. If one believes that learning only takes place if there is a change in behavior, this is one book that has affected me on a broader scale than any of my previous readings. I believe it has the potential to add new dimensions to my life and increase the magic of my experiences with my children by renewing my connection with internal resources that I have left dormant for many years.

It is clear that Sam was unconditionally loved by his family and that he also had a great capacity to demonstrate his love for his parents, siblings, school mates and teachers. Having read this book, it will be impossible for me not to think of Sam when I see caterpillars and butterflies or geese flying in formation, and I will now be able to think of Sam in the "light".

Thank you for having the courage to write this book.

Sincerely yours,
Keith Thomson

   - Keith Thomson, Father of 2