Sam's Day

Exactly twenty years ago, Martine gave birth to a baby boy. During an ultrasound days before, we found out that our baby had a neural tube defect that is, as they say, incompatible with life. Ten minutes after birth, Sam died...

Quite a few years ago, we decided that May 4th should be a family day for us. To celebrate life and the impact Sam's short life has had on ours. This impact not only consists of sad memories. There is also his actual birth and the fact that we were able to hold him and love him. A very positive and fond memory for us. Our families and friends have supported us and are still there for us whenever we need it. And we are very grateful we now have three wonderful girls. Life is good.


Today we spent Sam's Day at home, mostly. I also did some chores around the house and I prepared for the phototrip to the Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast) in France. I will be one of the two guides for a group of 14 participants. I have to leave very early tomorrow morning and pick up some of the participants on my way to the hotel in Wimereux where we will be staying.


After dinner, we first watched the Remembrance of the Dead ceremony and afterwards we saw the movie "The Bad Guys" with the five of us. Quite a fun cartoon movie and I especially enjoyed recognising the voice of Richard Ayoade, well known (by me at least) for his role in "The IT Crowd". A very nice family day!


It has become a tradition to take a photo of the girls on Sam's Day, so here you go: a picture of them and Joey at the Widde Meuln windmill. We first did this back in 2011. The window you see in the background, by the way, is the same window as is shown on my wedding picture from 2001.