Dear Sam,

Today marks ten years since you left this earth.

I never thought I would see this day and now that I’m here, life looks so . . . different.

Nashville has certainly changed. Our old neighborhood has grown, and our property value has more than doubled! We did a good thing, building our first new house in 2004. And yes, the freeways are still a mess. That’s one thing Nashville can’t seem to get right.

The kids are okay. It would shock you to know that your daughter followed in your footsteps and tried her hand at lighting gigs with some of your former colleagues. You’d also be proud to know that she did well despite the challenges of being a girl, much less your daughter, in a local industry that would never allow her to thrive. Our son has made us grandparents. Our grandson is pretty darned cute. And so smart. I see glimpses of you whenever I’m with him.

You would also be so proud of all the LOTD (Lord of the Dance) kids—all grown, some married with families of their own, and all doing well. Cian got married and is the proud papa of THREE boys! Carly has four boys, Areleen has four boys, Dearbhla has a son and a daughter, JP has two girls . . . and the list goes on. What a time it was on the road with that show! The best fifteen-year-ride with some of the most talented, fun kids and production staff.

I never thought I would have to imagine a life without you. When you were sick and we talked about what I would do after you were gone, you told me it was okay to find someone else to share life with. I know you worried about me being left alone. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you and after thirty years of partnership, who could I possibly trust? Even in your last months, we worked together to map out our financial future and I’m so grateful to you for that.

You’ll be happy to know that I found someone. In fact, he’s a former colleague from the radio station. Remember all the folks from KZEW-FM? Well, ironically, you never met Michael. He left the station four months before we started dating. In 2015, Kathy and Marlyn planned a thirty-year reunion of the radio station staff and record reps we used to work with. It was the first time since you left that I was around folks we knew from our Dallas life. They were sad to hear of your passing, but really glad I made the trip. And after thirty years, I saw Michael again. We hit it off, saw each other again five months later when I went through Dallas on business, and the rest is . . . well . . . recent history. Michael and I celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary next year. He loves me so well and loves our kids, too.

I wanted you to know that I haven’t forgotten you. How can I? Thanksgiving week still stings a bit. I shun Black Friday shopping and try to breathe my way through the holiday weekend. The memories are still there, even after ten years.

I guess I wanted to say . . . thank you. Thank you for growing up with me and loving me through those thirty years together. You were right—I found love again, our kids are now adults, and life goes on. I hope you’re having a heavenly time with Baja, Jason DeLeu, and Bob Butler. The world now is a baffling place. Do what you can to put in a good word for us.

Missing you, but happy again.

Ronei