Life is all about change. Sauntering through unusual roads, breaking new boundaries, learning from our yesterdays in order to survive our tomorrows—change is what rotates the earth and keeps humanity flourishing.
But the problem with change is that, sometimes, we’re not ready to face it. Sometimes, we run away from it: lock it out of our white picket fenced houses, hoping it’ll melt away under the scorching Florida sun or lose interest and fade into the background. Sometimes the pain that ties into change is just too overwhelming to accept.
And sometimes, we find hope in that pain and turn it into a legend.
When driving by 144th street to 152nd street and seeing the name “Samantha Jade Trebbi” engraved on those street signs—that’s exactly the kind of change you’ll find.
On October 11, 2010, Sam passed away due to a case of strep throat.
She was the type of person who held you with one hand while you cried and went and guarded your back with the other. Her clairvoyant eyes were able to look past what others saw, taking in a person for their authenticity, a moment for its treasures, and a life for its love.
So why shouldn’t she have a street in her name? That’s exactly what her mother, April Trebbi, asked herself a few months later. Sure, one might assume that a street should be saved for “64th Columbus Drive,” but discovering America pales in comparison to the kind of discoveries that Sam influenced a high school to make.
A year and four months ago, teachers glared down at us with those warm, sympathetic eyes as we tried to cope with the news that had just been plunged at us. Students trudged through the hallways like every limb in their body weighed an extra ten pounds, their tears forming deep puddles behind them. A guidance counselor came to help us cope with the grief; we sat in the library instead of attending class; homework’s were excused, grades slightly curved; life was painfully put on pause. It was a dark, ominous, and never-ending day. Even the sky cried with us.
But then something changed. It was like the scent of her vanilla perfume had leaked into the room, and little by little, we each started to carry a bit of her within us.
The invisible borders that had plagued the campus were dismissed—enemies became friends, friends became family, and family had never meant so much before. We showed our scars and instead of turning on one another we turned to each other. We healed together.
That was not something we were capable of on our own. That was all Sam.
Which makes it no surprise that when the petition for her street went around, it acquired over 3000 signatures. April had to get it approved by Palmetto Bay County, and then Miami Dade County. She had to have letters describing all of Sam’s accomplishments, which wasn’t hard considering she was an active member of clubs at school, a member of Girl Scouts for the majority of her life, and even spent a year raising money for her friend’s sister’s cancer treatments. Over thirty of her loved ones stood before the Palmetto Bay Council to show how much it would mean for them for this dream to become real. And so it did.
This street proves the difference between giving in and standing up, letting go and holding on, detesting your enemies and simply accepting their flaws. Everything Sam stands for is represented in every inch of that sign. She taught us to live with no regrets, smile through life’s turbulences, and to never be too serious, “wouldn’t want to get wrinkles.” Those are the types of people we should honor. Those are the types of people worth remembering; because these are the types of qualities that we will carry for the rest of our lives.
Whenever someone drives by that sign, they’ll wonder about the story that lies behind it. What can those eighteen letters possibly represent? If they look a little deeper, they’ll find a fifteen-year old girl with knowledge beyond her years. One who loved sunflowers and Skittles and could never turn down an invitation to the beach. They’ll find a girl whose family was her world and friends her life, a girl who was constantly giggling through silly pictures on Photo booth but still managed to look beautiful. A girl who took a divided sophomore class and turned them into a family.
They’ll find a message within those letters, one that will spread to everyone they know.
A year and four months ago, we could not have told you how.
Now, we can show you.
Friends and Family remember:
“There are no words to describe what an honor it is to know that the street that Sam grew up on, from when she was tiny and playing in the park with her friends, will have her name on it forever. For people to remember what a wonderful, vibrant, and happy person that she is.” -April Trebbi, mother
“The only thing I can say is that, thanks to all of Sam’s family and friends that knew the beautiful and amazing person that she always was and will continue to be throughout all of them, her memory will live on in all of our hearts and we love you. We love you Sam.” -Bob Trebbi, father
“I’m glad they named 77th Avenue Samantha Jade Trebbi Avenue. Sam is perfect and will always be remembered in a wonderful and special way.” -Zachary Trebbi, brother
“Losing my incredible, beautiful sweet niece has been unbearable for us all. Trying to explain to my kids why they lost their cousin that they were so close to is truly impossible. The street naming has given them something to smile about. We drive down 77th avenue every morning on the way to school and the kids get to see Sam’s name and feel proud. Giving them another outlet to talk about the tragedy has been wonderful. They miss her madly, as do we all.” -Aimee Dishkin, aunt
“Sam grew up on the street that is now named after her, and we all got to see them put up the sign. It was such a heart-warming event, even the mayor of Palmetto Bay was crying. Sam would have been so happy to see this street named after her and so is everyone who gets to pass by her name and keep her beautiful memory in their minds. We will never forget.” -Junior Julie Steiner
“I just miss her so much and to this day it doesn’t seem like real life.” -Junior Zuny Milano.
