Copyright Š Kate Polley. The right of Kate Polley to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act. All rights reserved. First published in the UK in 2014 by: The Solopreneur Publishing Company Ltd. West Yorkshire WF9 1PB www.thesolopreneur.co.uk The publisher makes no representation, expressed or implied, with regards to the accuracy of the information contained in this book, and cannot accept any responsibility or liability. Except for the quotation of small passages for the purposes of criticism and review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except under the terms of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 without the prior consent of the publisher at the address above. ISBN - 978-0-9930569-1-8 Printed in the U.K. by Charlesworth Press, Flanshaw Lane, Wakefield WF2 9LP Illustrations by Alex Latimer
A message from the author – Kate Polley Sam and Finn is the story of my twin sons, one of whom died unexpectedly 12 hours after birth. Originally written for my surviving twin, Finn, it is a book for all children and families who have experienced the loss of a twin, sibling or child. It is a story of hope. By sharing Sam’s message, it is my wish that those who have experienced the heart breaking loss of a child will find some comfort and peace. “Love is like life, merely longer”-Emily Dickinson
Thank You To my family and friends - thank you for helping give my precious Sam a voice; and for standing by me, when I needed you most – you all know who you are. Hannah, Erin, Finn and Jude, my gorgeous children - each of you is so unique, thank you for being you. Samuel Polley – thank you for choosing me, you have taught me so much. “I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)” – EE Cummings
Kate Polley lives in Cape Town, South Africa, together with her husband, Peter and their four living children – Hannah, Erin, Finn and Jude. You can connect with Kate via the Sam and Finn Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/samandfinn or via email on samandfinnbook@gmail.com A donation from the sale of every printed book will go to Kate’s chosen charities.
For Finn, my little survivor and Sam, my boy with wings
This is the story of Sam and Finn who grew side by side and chin to chin.
Finn jiggled and wriggled inside mom’s tum,
Sam was peaceful, the quieter one.
Finn couldn’t wait to be set free,
but Sam had other plans, you see...
...he was an angel, not meant for earth, but sent to keep Finn safe till birth.
And when Finn had grown big and strong, it was time for Sam to move along.
He whispered gently in Finn’s ear: Even though I cannot stay, I’ll still be with you every day.
The time has come for me to go, but I love you more than you’ll ever know.
I am the brightest star in the night sky,
a butterfly flapping way up high.
I am the dancing summer breeze,
and the golden autumn leaves.
I am the sand that tickles your toes,
and the sun that kisses your nose.
I am the sparkle in your eye,
and the salty tears you cry.
I am the dimple in your cheek,
and your grubby little feet.
I am the golden curl of hair,
and the depth of your blue-eyed stare.
I am the gurgle in your laughter,
I am ... your forever after.
Your brother and twin I’ll always be, for I am you and you are me. So when you feel sad or just a bit lonely, take a moment and think of me. Look in the mirror and right on cue, I’ll be smiling back at you.
THE END