GRATITUDE -

  GRATITUDE  

Hello to all!!  

I am writing this not only to reflect so I can gain some perspective, but to also let everyone know what happened to me.  First off thanks to all my family, friends and fans that reached out to show their love, support, thoughts and prayers.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by so much love. I am really going to be just fine, however I am super, super lucky, or maybe blessed, or maybe protected.  What ever you want to call it I am just so grateful it wasn't worse.  I'll try to make this quick. 

Long story short I was down at my house on the beach in Cholla Bay Mexico with my girlfriend and friends.  After a wonderful kick ass weekend full of music, swimming in the ocean, beers and seafood and an awesome ride on a cruise ship, we settled in back at the casa.  Later that Sunday evening we lit off some fireworks (from the USA) and bottle rockets (from Mexico) on the ocean in front of my house. This is something I very rarely do when down in Mexico and frankly (I don't really like fireworks) and haven't done in many years, but in the spirit of 4th of July weekend we decided to light a few off.

(this guy was awesome)

I know you know where this is going.  The only large bottle rocket I went to light off did not shoot up in the air .......... uhghghg = shit ! ... Instead it immediately exploded in my face and arms.  I immediately hit the ground and was unconscious for 5 minutes or so.  When I came to, it felt like a bomb had went off with a pulsating and painful ringing in my ears.  With the help of my terrified girlfriend and friend, we ran up the stairs to the mirror in the room and it was then that true shock set in as I looked at a face covered in blood and burns.  I was rushed by Cheryl and Trent to the only emergency room in Cholla Bay but no one was there.  Thankfully, Cheryl drove to a near by resort where someone was able to call an ambulance.  When I arrived at the hospital, the doctors we're able to take care of me, clean all wounds and stitch me up (there's a lot more to this story but I'll keep it short) 

 In the end I had pretty severe explosion type wounds on my cheek under my right eye as well more stitches on my head and arms, not to mention bad burns on my face, fore arms and a ruptured ear drum - pretty much can't hear in my left ear right now.  I was able to get back to my doctor in Arizona around 11:00 am on Monday morning.    

       

THE GOOD NEWS:  Even though I am in a lot of pain, I am healing well and in good spirits.  My hearing should come back 90-100% within a week or two = hopefully.  The burn creme I put on daily seems to be working really well.  Hopefully I get my stitches out on Friday and then I will know whether or not I need some corrective plastic surgery, but I know it's pretty amazing what they can do these days.  Hopefully I do not need it and I can just talk like Scarface mang!

GRATEFUL:  The truth is I am extremely lucky, blessed and protected.  1 inch higher and I loose an eye.  If my I loose part of my hand or fingers, I never play guitar again.  1 Inch to the left or right and it hits my nose or blows off my ear.  If the shrapnel hits me in the throat, neck or heart or hits an artery I might not be here. 

Heroes:   Trent, Cheryl, Paramedics, Doctors 

CHERYL:   I love you so much.  Your bravery, strength and quick thinking saved me.  You have been an angel and a powerful healer showing nothing but love and support.  I am so sorry for the trauma this must have caused you.  Thank you for your unconditional love and your beautiful spirit.

Thank you again to all my family, friends and fans who reached out to me with your love, thoughts and prayers.  I love you all so much.  I will see you soon enough ....... with a far grander outlook on life.

Peace & Prosperity, 

Sammy