As you probably know I have been MIA for the past week on my blog and Twitter, it has been a tough week getting to grips with the fact that one of my closest friends Sam sadly lost her battle with her brain tumour. I have to admit I have just wanted to mope about the house since I heard the news, hence the no blogger or tweeting.
I have been undecided about whether this is a good idea to include on my blog, no one wants to read sad news, but to be honest I kind of feel that Fashionista Barbie is in some part my diary and I also wanted to share with everyone why Sam was so special to me.
I have known Sam for many years, we first met in Coleridge Halls at Marjons, we didn’t live on the same floor in our first year at university but I remember Sam and her mum Joan from the first day. One thing you could always rely on from Sam was a smile, seriously happy personality, and she was super friendly to me and even though we did different courses we were friends throughout uni and she was one of the few people I left calling a true friend.
Since I heard the news I have been in a bit of shock, of course I knew that her tumour was terminal, but if you knew what a fighter Sam was you’d have thought the same that she had time on her side. I have to be honest I just wasn’t ready for her to go, which is probably why it has been so hard dealing with.
Sam was such a good friend to me over the years: she introduced me to the crazy world of cheesy mash; was my bunking off partner when we fancied a trip to Alton Towers or Woburn Safari Park; was the person who I have watched way too many Friends episodes with; who always bought me comical presents; she alway answered her phone no matter where she was * truly addicted to her mobile*; she was so generous even when she didn’t have much *I have many an argument over who was paying for dinner!*; who introduced me to the world of hoodies *I think it was the sports student in her*; took me to Malta and showed me just the pool *she was a sun worshipper*; and most of all she showed me how to be brave when the odds are stacking up against you.
What I want everyone to know is what an inspiration Sam was. This is a girl who wanted nothing more than to be a PE Teacher, she adored kids, and she was one bloody good teacher, and even when her tumour stopped her from teaching she picked herself up and still lived life to the fullest. I also loved how much her family meant to her, she loved being an aunty and was always telling me stories of what Brandon, Taylor and George had been up to, as well as being one hell of a daughter looking after her mum.
What I will remember most about Sam is her infectious personality, always up for a giggle, loved life, and brought so much joy to so many people, and I am so fortunate that I had the honour to call her my friend. One of my favourite pics I have of Sam is this one with my boyfriend Paulie, only she would work those boobies!!!
Her sister posted this extremely cute piccie of Sam on Facebook showing her on her first day at secondary school and I just love it.
Samantha Emma Ryan: May 4, 1979 – June 28, 2011
Sam you will be missed, but I am glad to have known you, to have been your friend, and will always treasure our memories together. This Friday will be hard to say goodbye, but in true Samantha style she wants everyone to wear brightly coloured clothes – love her so much!!!!
