When you are a new person in a community you probably never know as much as you’d like to about the people you meet. It makes no difference if that person got there a week before you arrived or has lived there all their life, your knowledge is limited.

After I wrot this column Sam passed away. It was a shock to me becuase although he was sick he looked good and talked positive. Sam is one of those people who will leave a hole in so many lives that may never be filled. He was the type of man you know for only minutes in your life that will be remembered for hours in the future. May God grant eternal rest for Sam.

A lot of people who move to the lake area have had very successful careers before arriving here. For most of them that was in the past and living around here is a new life for them. They may attend church, join groups, participate in volunteer work or enjoy their hobbies. You may be in the same church, club, volunteer for the same groups or enjoy the same hobbies.

Your knowledge is generally limited to the time you spend with them. There may be an occasional comment that allows you a glimpse into other aspects of their life, unless something happens that allows you to get a look into other areas of their life or their past. At those times you find out a little more about who they are. At that point you realize that, like you, they have several sides to them.

Last Saturday I got to see one of the other sides of Sam Groves when my wife and I attended a benefit for him.

Sam has lived in this area long before we arrived. We’ve only known Sam for about a year. Sam and I have talked on the phone several times before I met him. From the moment I met him I knew why my wife always talked so highly of him.

I was impressed with his southern manners and his high energy level. Due to his work, he did not get a lot of sleep the night before we met, but he still met us for lunch with the energy of man who had a full night’s sleep.

At that time I knew one of Sam’s other sides was his love of bluegrass. I also knew, like many of us, he had a grandson. His grandson is Matt, and means the world to him. Like Sam, Matt enjoys bluegrass. They used the basement of the Observer’s old offices for practicing.

Recently we learned that Sam has cancer. The cancer was caused from asbestos and has taken its toll on Sam, but he has a great outlook about his recovery.

Last Saturday was a warm comfortable evening with a slight breeze. Just warm enough that if you didn’t move around too much the heat would not send your sweat glands into overdrive. This was one of those evenings when you say okay, God got it right.

When we drove into downtown Littleton, Main Street was lined with parked cars. There were only a few parking spaces left. The people from all those cars were there for one purpose. They were young and old. They all had a connection to one man – Sam Groves.

Prior to Saturday I had read about all of his involvement and contributions to the bluegrass community in the area. To be honest I was impressed but didn’t give it much thought.

When we arrived and I saw all the men and women outside and then inside I realized that his accomplishments and status in the bluegrass community was more than meets the eye. I was about to be another part of Sam’s life that I knew nothing about.

When we walked in Sam was seated by the door to allow him to meet each person as they came in. Sam asked me to sit by him, which I did. We chatted for a while and he brought me up-to-date on how good he was feeling.

That was about all the time I spent with Sam that night. His time was spent listening to the music he loves and talking with the people who consider him a friend and fellow bluegrass aficionado.

We were there for a little over an hour. As I watched and listened I realized that his love for those who were there was a mutual one.

Early on the emcee commented that Sam was a part of the bluegrass family. When I looked around it was obvious that this gathering was much like a family reunion. Like a family reunion the age range of the people there was from toddlers to seniors.

Many of them greeted each other as if they hadn’t seen them in quite a while. Once the initial greeting was over they acted like they had been together for years.

As the various people and groups played Sam was enjoying it all. He loves what I know as the string instruments. He plays the guitar but according to what I’ve read he is known for his mandolin solos.

Saturday night there were more guitars, banjos and other instruments around than I have ever seen at one place. The performers ranged from pre-teen to seniors. Several of the groups consisted of the young kids playing with the family. They were families within families.

Many of the performers played their own songs as well as their favorite bluegrass music. They all had as much fun playing as Sam did listening to them.

As I was driving home I knew that I had just been privileged to look into one side Sam’s life that makes him a very special person. After all, how many of us can say that we would be a reason for over a hundred people to gather with one weeks notice to hold a tribute and show their love for us.

Thanks Sam, and get well soon.