The following was the posting right after Sam's Day!

To see video and pictures of the day, click here.

As a host of volunteers unloaded the U-Haul in the darkest hours of October 19th, 2007 little did they know what was going to occur over the next 12 hours. As Sam Malek arrived at his little coffee shop that Friday morning, he didn't realize that his life would be changed forever, as would ours. To read how "Sam's Day" started, click here for the original posting.

Throughout the day, Sam kept referring to me as his guardian angel. I was only a vessel used by God for a much greater purpose. His guardian angels were the St. Louis people that poured out their hearts, their hugs, and their patronage.

Sam's Day is a great reminder to all of us that life can change in an instant, and that by holding to your faith, things will turn around. When I speak and do Life Coaching sessions, I tell people in turmoil, "Remember that it is always darkest before the dawn. Right now it could be 5:30 AM, and the sun is just about to peak over the horizon." For those of you that are going through trials and tribulations, such as Sam was, remember to spend a moment in time focusing on someone else, and you will be amazed at how quickly your own life will change.

When I wrote Sam's story on this website and sent an email in the wee hours of October 9th, little did I know the impact it would have on so many lives. So many have said this shows the power of the Internet... NO, it shows the power of the people! Thousands of people supported the day by purchasing in excess of $10,000 of coffee, hot dogs, smoothies and t-shirts in order to show Sam we want him to be successful. It is not just about what we did as a community on Friday, but more importantly it is about what we can continue to do going forward.

Sam's Day changed Sam Malek's life forever, but more importantly, I think it changed many of our lives for an eternity. So many have asked me, "What is your next cause?" My initial response was, "Two weeks ago I didn't even realize I had a first cause!" Our next cause? We don't know; it is whatever path God leads us down. It may be next week... next month... next year... or next decade.


Live your life with passion,

Laurie Calzada

P.S. I would like to personally extend a huge thanks to two people, Corey Nappier (event coordinator) and Joann Stauffer (GM of St. Louis Bread), who dedicated hours of their own time and resources to organize Sam's Day. "Ladies, we couldn't have done it without you!"