Remembering Sam Hathcock....Remembering Kim McNeill

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Posted by: Steve Hardwick
Date: Jul 21 2020 9:34 AM

Some People Come Into Your Life And You Just Know You Will Never Be Able To Replace Them

Each time that I place flowers for families at the Angel Of Hope it rips at my heart and soul and I have placed hundreds of arrangements there since it began 4 years ago..

Today I placed flowers at the Angel Of Hope for my best friend Sam Hathcock and for another close friend’s wife Kim McNeill.

Sam And Kim were both called Home yesterday by their Lord And Savior.

I don’t think Sam and Kim knew one another but they both HAVE something in common.

They both HAVE A HEART OF GOLD.

So many times I’ve been told that I will be blessed for doing the Angel Of Hope and I always respond the same way...

I Have Already Been Blessed

Sam and Kim are two great examples of how my life has already been blessed.....
Just by knowing them has already blessed my life tremendously.

Sam and Kim both had cancer and fought the battle heroically a very long time.

During their battles they both were always more concerned about others than themselves.

Sam along with his long time friend and business partner Jay Pate always donated to the Angel Of Hope and to the Cake Fundraisers For Children With Deadly Diseases.

Many times Sam wouldn’t speak about his health issues...instead he wanted to speak about the Angel Of Hope and the fundraisers and always ended it by telling me he was very proud of me.

Sam left a message on my voicemail a few weeks ago and I am so thankful that I didn’t erase it.
In his message he said, in a emotionally choked up voice,

“ I love you, I appreciate you and I hope to see you soon..Thank you Steve”

I love you too Sam, I appreciate you
And hopefully not soon but I hope to see you again my friend.

Kim McNeill throughout her battle supported my cake fundraisers and the Angel Of Hope.

Many times while she was in UAB Hospital her loving husband would call me to order poundcakes to give to the nurses at UAB.

Each time I called to check on her the conversation went from “We are all doing great” 
to how she could help someone else.

Each time I asked if they needed anything...” We are ok “

I never had the honor of meeting Kim and that is my loss....
but I have many friends that did know her and they all say the same thing.....

A wonderful wife and mother
A wonderful friend
Very giving 
Enjoyed life
And a very dedicated teacher who loved all of her students

Sam Hathcock
Kim McNeill
Thank you for coming into our lives...WE will never ever be able to replace you
We will always love you 
We will always miss you
We will always remember you

Steve Hardwick

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