"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage." Psalm 27:13-14 To our dear friends and family: From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your steadfast prayers over the past few days. As many of you know, Sam is currently in ICU at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. On Saturday morning, November 4, 2023, Sam was preparing for game day in Oxford, Mississippi. While cooking breakfast for the family, he suffered a fall that resulted in a fractured skull and associated injuries from impact. The emergency medical team and other first responders were dispatched to the Millette home and arrived mere minutes after receiving the call. Sam was transported via ambulance to Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Mississippi where he was evaluated in the Emergency Department. After consulting with the neuro surgeon on call, the decision was made to airlift Sam to Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee for an emergency brain surgery. Following surgery, the family learned that Sam had a blood clot at the cerebellum in his brain. The cerebellum is the lower part part of the brain that controls certain movement, coordination, and motor functions. The surgeons operated on the back of Sam's head and performed a procedure during which the blood clot was removed and a portion of the skull bone was removed to allow for swelling. By all accounts, the surgical team believe Sam's surgery went as well as possible. Every minute counted in the heroic efforts to successful preserve Sam's life on Saturday, and the family is extremely grateful for the incredible work done by all medical professionals from the first responders, to the emergency department, to the neuro surgical team, and ICU staff. At this time, the physicians cannot determine whether the blood clot cause Sam to fall, or if the blood clot formed as a result of his fall. When the fall occurred, Sam was momentarily alone in the kitchen so the details of how he fell are unknown to all for now. However, God's hand was on Sam that morning as he was found within a matter of minutes. Presently, Sam is still in ICU at Regional One. Post surgery, he remained medically sedated to prevent any brain hemorraging. Of note, he has not been conscious since his intubation in the Oxford Emergency Room - a measure that saved priceless time upon Sam's arrival in Memphis for surgery. As we discussed with his neuro surgical team, the 72 hours following surgery are critical. We have seen progress daily - including Sam's efforts to breath on his own, his positive maintenance of vital signs, and even subtle responses to physical touch. At this time, the main objective of the medical team (as well as the family) is to have Sam wake up from his current state as prolonged periods of sedation and intubation can lead to medical complications we all wish Sam could avoid. We encourage continued prayers for healing, for patience, and for peace. Throughout this entire journey, we have seen God's miracles at work and we remain faithful that He is in control and His timing is perfect. Likewise, we believe that God is not done working through Sam on this Earth, and we will once again see the twinkle in his blue eyes, and feel the warmth of his dedicated love. Yet, there are many, many miles ahead in his recovery, and we call on his prayer warriors and all angels to carry him through this critical period, and the unknown peaks and valleys of his path. We hope to provide daily updates on Sam's progress, as well as his setbacks, so that we -as a team - can purposefully pray for his needs. He is our Sam, our Papa, our "Pops", and our "Coach." He is beloved by many, and claimed many as his own. We rally around him now, in this time of sickness and trouble, in fervent prayer and with the deepest hope, that he will conquer the obstances before him. We remain faithful in the Lord's name and in His divine providence. Let's go, Sam. ...and of course, Hotty Toddy!
An obituary for Sam Millette was published today by Heritage Funeral Home. Details regarding the services are included in the obituary as well as a tribute to Sam and his incredibly legacy. Please follow the link below to access the beautiful obituary. You will also find this writing on the Heritage Funeral Home (Moss Point, Mississippi) website. We encourage you to share this writing with all who knew and loved our beloved Sam.
Friday, December 1, 2023: Visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Heritage Funeral Home 9721 MS-63 Moss Point, Mississippi 39582
Saturday, December 2, 2023: Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3702 Quinn Drive Pascagoula, Mississippi 39581
Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3702 Quinn Drive Pascagoula, Mississippi 39581
Reception following the Funeral Mass Pelican Landing Event & Conference Center 6217 Highway 613 Moss Point, Mississippi 39563
The Millette family will be wearing red and blue at all services as a respectful nod to Sam's love and dedication to the University of Mississippi. If planning to attend services, the family invites you to join them in this tribute as we honor the remarkable life and legacy of Sam Millette.
Thank you for your endless love, prayers, and support.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Sam Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Sam's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
