It was Christmas, some nine years ago, that I wrote about finding hope in Frodo's arduous journey and Sam's unwavering loyal companionship. It was a phase of life that made me relate to Frodo's declaration of "I can't do this".
It's another December, not too far from Christmas too, that I watch and write about trying to figure out how to trudge through more I-can't-do-this situations in life. Over the years, I've watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy more times than I can remember. This evening, the phase of life I am in makes the the re-watching experience add proof to that well-know phrase 'life comes full circle'.
Yeah, life's come full circle and how.
My battle with personal hardships then had my parents and siblings be the Sam to my Frodo. Now, I have an addition to that company. I could not be more grateful and thankful for my real-life Sam - my life partner - who matches Samwise Gamgee in support, loyalty, companionship and encouragement. It's still a battle with personal hardships - new ones this time around, because what is life with all sun and no clouds every now and then? As we navigate my I-can't-do-this situation, my Sam reminds me of our love for each other, our taking care of each other and our lasting partnership for life. There's strength that you draw from knowing you are loved and cared for and that a trusted someone close to you has your back.
Sam stood true to his character and word. He made a promise to not leave Frodo and did just that. Frodo allowed and accepted Sam's loyal effort in helping him through the journey. To Frodo's every gloomy "I don't suppose we'll ever see them again", there was Sam's balancing "We may yet, Mr. Frodo. We may".
And so, yeah, there come points in your life every now and then when sometimes you become your own Samwise Gamgee and help yourself through your perilous journey. Sometimes, you allow a Samwise Gamgee - be it your family or a film or an author - to help you change the I-can't to an I-can. And other times, when you get lucky, it's you and that special someone that you choose to share the rest of your life with that complete the perilous trip to Mordor and back together, successfully.
