Death of His Sons
While Sam was in The Philippines, his 27-year-old son Phillip was killed. Sam turned inward, started drinking heavily, and could not pursue his interests in art.
Sam dealt with his grief by returning to art. He worked tirelessly day and night on paintings in what is now called Phillip's Room at the Chapel. According to Chapel employees who watched Sam, "it was as though he was possessed by depression and anger. Finally, his body and mind could take it no more. Sam broke down, and stopped."
Sam's children urged their father to take better care of himself, and took over all business responsibilities at PMI. Sam left for The Philippines for an extended period.
On October 14, 2012, his son Tim Butcher, the inspiration for many Precious Moments pieces, died.
Read more about this topic: Sam Butcher
Famous quotes containing the words death and/or sons:
“We often see malefactors, when they are led to execution, put on resolution and a contempt of death which, in truth, is nothing else but fearing to look it in the face—so that this pretended bravery may very truly be said to do the same good office to their mind that the blindfold does to their eyes.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)
“Many people now believe that if fathers are more involved in raising children than they were, children and sons in particular will learn that men can be warm and supportive of others as well as be high achievers. Thus, fathers’ involvement may be beneficial not because it will help support traditional male roles, but because it will help break them down.”
—Joseph H. Pleck (20th century)