Sammy, I Love You

by Sally Nielsen

An inspirational true story of devotion, courage, and determination in the face of great tragedy—a story that will touch your heart. Sally Nielsen is a wedding planner whose own wedding plans were turned upside down when her fiance suffered a catastrophic stroke, leaving him completely dependent on her and his family for all his needs. When others said she should put him in a home and get on with her life, Sally refused. Sam was the love of her life and she was going to stand by him regardless. As Sally fought to bring back the man who was her world, she wrote in a series of diaries about her hopes, her anger and her frustration, but above all else her ever strengthening love for Sam. With searing honesty, Sally recorded the highs of each small step in Sam's recovery and the plummeting lows of her own depression and loneliness. These are those diaries. Sammy, I Love You is an incredible story of devotion, courage, and determination; but more importantly it is an inspiring love story that will make you value every precious moment with the ones you love.

166 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for so powerfully demonstrating unconditional love. Your story has accompanied me on my car trips for the past week as I listened to Sammy, I love you on audio. What a big, beautiful heart you have. I too am a Brisbane girl who met my husband-to-be (also Sam) at QUT around the same time you & your Sam met (we also married the month before your scheduled wedding in 2010). I can’t imagine the heartbreak of watching Sam come so close to death on so many occasions and the strength required to nurse him during his darkest of days. Your optimism and unwavering commitment to Sam (despite experiencing depression yourself) has left such a big impression on me. I lost my 41 year old sister to Cancer in 2020 so I understand how unpredictable and unbelievably cruel like can be. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. I hope Sam is resting peacefully now and you have continued to shine your light in the years since you both appeared on Australian Story. I hope one day our paths cross so I can thank you in person for making the world a better place ❤️

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so heartbreaking, I really felt for Sally and the friends and family of Sam :( After reading this it just makes you want to hold and kiss your loved ones.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sammy, I love you is such a wonderful, heartfelt book that I couldn’t put down. I read this in one sitting which is unusual for me as I’m a slow reader. I didn’t have a dry eye the entire book.

I can’t even begin to imagine what Sally went through as well as her and Sammy’s families and friends. It’s such a horrible, scary experience for them all especially for Sammy and they were (and probably still are) so strong through it all. I admire Sally so much for being one of the few people in this world to stick around when she could have given up and moved on with her life. It just goes to show that true love is out there. We need more people like her.

Even though this book is more of a diary, it’s still beautifully written and I’d recommend it to anyone to read.

This book deserves more than 5 stars for sure!