Sammy Somsel

On August 17th, 2000, the Somsel Family drove to the Great Lakes Training Center in Illinois to see their son. Sammy, graduate from basic training. For Sammy, this graduation was just the latest in a wonderful series of events occurring in the Spring of 2000. In May, Sam and Marti Somsel adopted Sammy. In June, Sammy graduated from Manistee High School and enlisted in the United States Navy.

The road to all these successful events wasn't always smooth. In fact, before Sammy came to Whaley in 1993, he had experienced a very difficult life. There had been broken relationships, many moves and some behavioral problems. For many people the experiences would have left them totally non-functioning. For Sammy, the experiences helped him develop an inner strength just waiting to be realized. From the first day that Sammy arrived at Whaley, we knew he was a special person.

His winning smile and eagerness to help people was a trademark of his days at Zonta House. In 1995, 14-year old Sammy was placed with the Somsels. At that time, Marti and Sam Somsel were Whaley Treatment Parents since 1980. Neither Sammy nor the Somsels were thinking about adoption in 1995. However, their relationship and love were growing. When 18 -year old Sammy was asked whether he wanted to become a permanent member of the family, the answer was yes. Sometimes our lives lead us in directions we never anticipated. For both Sammy and the Somsels that direction has led them to a special relationship. Whaley Children's Center foster families provided care and treatment to hundreds of children until the Foster Care Program closed in December, 2003.

….more Whaley stories that will warm your heart…