 I remember Eli the most as a baseball player.  Even though he was somewhat limited in physical activity because of his condition, he wanted to play the hardest position - catcher.  I remember especially a 6th grade game at Cisne.  He was catching and it was hot as usual that day.  Home plate was extremely dusty.  Eli made several great stops and a diving catch of a pop up for the out.  Eli's mom had taken a picture of Eli standing behind the plate, mask off, looking toward the infield, dirty and sweaty.  It was a true picture of what a catcher should look like.  I stapled that picture on my bulletin board in my P.E. office and it remained there until my retirement in 2011.  Whenever I was experiencing a down day I could look at that picture to remind me that it takes hard work to accomplish some things.  I have always loved that picture.  I am sure Eli is missed by many people but his memory will always be with me.  Greg Nelson - Former coach - Albion,IL

Today is your birthday...and your mother has been bugging me for ever to do this so what a better day than today to finally do it...you were more to me than my little (big)cousin you were a brother...i will never forget all of our adventures we would do during the summers growing up we were always up to no good but those are the memories that i will remember the most...i will never for get sitting on your pedal for your breathing machine so you could play your stupid play station games...or just last year when your mom would go away for a couple of days and i would call you to make sure you were up, had a shower, gotten dressed, eaten, taken your medicine, and done your breathing treatment...you would always answer the phone with a smile on your face (sarcasm) but you were always ready for work...i know you are with your dad and you are having an amazing time catching up with him but i am a selfish person and i want you here with us...but i know that one day i will see you again...and until then i will always love you..Happy Birthday bud!!!

I was fortunate to meet Eli at clinic about 4 and a half years ago.  I remember thinking that he reminded me a lot of my younger brother, so I really enjoyed bantering back and forth with him.  When he would come back for a visit every 3-4 months, he always had another story to tell about hunting, traveling, spending time with his family, friends, etc.  I will never forget when Ellen and I fooled him into thinking he had lost a bet between the two of them, when in reality he had actually won.  The expression on his face when we finally told him the truth was priceless!  Ellen, you are an inspiration and an amazing mom.  I am so sorry for your loss.  You are missed and will never be forgotten Eli!

Eli was born 5 years before I was. We were just cousins but he was also the closest thing I had to an older brother, even though there was quite an age difference between the two of us. I knew I could always count on him to be there for me and to protect me if I needed it. I remember when we would have games against Edwards County and I would be cheering. The bleachers were packed and I was searching for my mom up in the stands. I finally found her. She was sitting right next to Ellen and Eli on the Cisne side. I took just one look at Eli and saw that he had on an Edwards County shirt pointing at it and all I could do was shake my head and laugh. After we won that game I walked right up to him and pointed to my uniform. He just grinned that special grin of his and shook his head. He always came to watch me cheer whenever we would play over there and I could always count on him and Ellen to be my biggest fans at those games. I don't think I got the chance to tell him this and I'm not sure if he knew it, but I'd get so excited for those games because I knew I'd get to see him and that always brought a smile to my face. The truth is I admired and looked up to him. Literally! The last Christmas we had together it was just him and Ellen that came, Lydia couldn't make it. Every year we would draw names for gift cards or some other small gift because there's so many grandkids and they couldn't afford to buy everyone gifts. That year it was gift cards and scented foamy soap. I was sitting right next to Eli on the couch when his name was drawn and I'm thinking he'll take the money of course. Boy was I wrong. They asked him what he wanted and he replies, "I want to smell good!" and then he took the "good smelling soap". He never ceased to amaze me, and with Eli you had to know to expect anything from him because he would always surprise you. Then after a while they called Lydia's name so Eli said he'd pick out something for her too. And of course Lydia "wanted to smell good too" so he got another thing of soap. He then leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Lydia's not getting this soap." and then grinned real big. He always knew how to make everyone smile and he knew how to live life like you couldn't imagine. I was 17 when Eli left. But through those years I got the privilege of being born a cousin to such a special person. He taught me so many things that I'll never forget. Heaven received a perfect angel. I might of lost a big part of my life but I gained another guardian angel. And everyone knows I need as many of those as I can get. And he has truly done an amazing job at that because he's kept me safe ever since. The memories we've made will stay with me for the rest of my life and until I get to see him again. It's been pretty rough but just like a big brother, he's helping me get through it. We all miss you every day. I love you Eli!

I will always have a place in my heart for Eli and his family.  I think of them often and wish this could all be different.

I remember one summer Eli came up to the house and I was frying new boiled fried potatoes well he may have been skinny but the boy could eat, he ate 3 skillets of those potatoes. I had to peel more potatoes for the rest of us, Eli was the only person I knew that could eat that much and never gain a pound.

Where do I begin...I met Eli in the fall of 2004 when we become freshman at ECHS. We had homeroom together, so at the end of the day we were always together. He would talk my ear off, whether it was about girls, the school work he did, or his bowel movements. He sure could talk about anything. Within a couple weeks he had already picked out my nickname, Tubby. Eli weighted 130 soaking wet with clothes on, if that. Me, on the other hand, was more of the "husky" type. For the next four years of school, that was the only name he called me. Most people get mad about having nicknames like that, but coming from Eli, you knew he meant no harm. Just like Hillari said, he was dealt with some rough hands, but after talking and being with him you couldnt tell. You ever needed a pick me up, you'd call Eli. You wanted to "cruse" town and listen to loud music, you'd call Eli. If you were walking around town and heard really loud girly music or the soundtrack to Titanic, it was Eli. When he got his ears pierced and put the diamonds in everyone called him a girl (ok mainly I did. After all he did call me fat lol) but if he didn't have his "bling" in, it wasn't Eli. Eli's style was different but that's what made him special. I've spent many days hanging with, crusin', or just sitting and watching the Red Sox play with Eli. Those memories I had with him will always be a part of me. He will always be my best friend!!

When Eli was little and I watched him and Lydia,   he never wanted to be late on Wednesday because that was the day we had pancakes and he REALLY enjoyed them.     We still have pancakes on Wednesday.    Uncle Rick let Eli use his 89 Chevy in 2008 for the prom.    His date was Clare Whitehead.   Just so you know,   I still have not been allowed to drive that vehicle---not even in the drive-way. :)
Aunt Lesa

I'm the Grandma Kris who lectured him when he got his speeding tickets and I saw his name in the paper.  I would think I was being serious and then he would give me that mischievious grin and I would end up huggin him.  My granddaughter noticed one of those hugs at the ball park and said if I knew him thaat well, how come I didn't introduce her - - after all "he was hot"!  I so miss seeing that grin and those sparkling eyes.  I loved picking on him.
Kris Brock-Jones

Oh Eli...a true "one of a kind" individual that has been a huge blessing in my life. From our pre-school days to our "real world" twenties, we always had a special friendship that I've never had with anyone else, nor will I ever have again. His quirky, carefree personality would always, without fail, either make me laugh OR roll my eyes….some of his little puns (he just thought they were so darn cute) made me want to laugh, but I sure as heck didn't want him to think he was any cuter than he already thought he was! I have never really been drawn to anyone like I was to Eli…I just wanted to be there for him.  I absolutely hated some the hands he was dealt in life—He didn't always let them get him down on the outside (and I admired him for that), but I knew deep down he still had to deal with them. Because of that, it just made me want to give him a gigantic bear hug every time I saw him…to comfort him and be a good friend to him. For instance, when we were freshmen in high school…Eli made a bid to be my prom date our junior year—2 years away—I just responded with something to the effect that that was a long way down the road. But just like Eli, he didn't give up…for 2 years—and I absolutely couldn't tell him no after all the effort he'd put forth. I'll never forget the look on his face when I told him that I'd go with him….talk about priceless. We were kind of like partners in crime, like when we blew up a couple of Mrs. Shupe's mixers in the Home Ec. Room—we were supposed to be making cakes for a cookout for FFA week…we needed a lot so we doubled the batch and didn't put enough water in…needless to say we sort of interrupted her class because sparks started flying and the smell of burnt plastic infiltrated the entire room—we more or less caught her mixers on fire because they couldn't handle such a thick mixture! She wasn't proud…Oops! Or like when we would cruise after school and we would listen to our “cruise jams” and he could hit the high notes to some of the songs better than I could! Talk about sad!! Or when I'd talk to him in the summertime when we were in middle school and he would proudly tell me he hadn't showered in a week, and that he'd even mowed and had baseball practice every day….(OMG Ellen, that's your son, haha!!)….But that WAS Eli, to a “T”…..Our friendship was the kind where we'd go a couple/three months without seeing or talking to each other, but as soon as we would reunite it was like we had stayed in touch the entire time, and had just talked the day before….I imagine the day when we get to see each other again….just like we had talked the day before. xoxo

Eli was the closest thing I ever had to a little brother. The summers I spent babysitting him and Lydia hold a lot of memories for me, playing baseball in the yard, wrestling in the living room, watching The Horse Soldiers and Heavyweights about a million times, and sometimes driving each other totally nuts. And I certainly wouldn't help just anyone wash a cat. I smile every time I drive past the first rest stop in Indiana off of 64 because he always needed a bathroom break as soon as it came in view. One of my favorite parts of coming back home for Christmas was always Ellen, Lydia and Eli coming over for Christmas lunch, aka the grease fest. Even during the years that hanging out with his old babysitter probably wasn't "cool", we always had a good time during those afternoons. I can say without a doubt that my life is better because Eli was a part of it.

I remember Eli was always a good friend to me.  I don't think we ever really argued or fought.  I can remember the basketball goal in the basement.  That was always super fun, and we used to play Triple Play Baseball on the playstation.  It touched me so much, that I bought it for the computer not shortly after to the dismay of my mother.  I remember the time I went with you guys to Evansville for one of his treatments and the 5K.  I could never beat him at pizza eating contests at Brian Winter's birthday parties either.  I remember we were always bummed that he couldn't stay the night.  He always had to do his treatments and it was always funny because he would do them in his underwear.  He had one of biggest hearts and such laid back demeanor.  We drifted apart a bit in high school only because of differing class schedule and the 6'3 giant stopped playing basketball. I am still a little upset about that, especially after playing with him at LP.  I am glad that we were able to rekindle our friendship while playing ball together at Little Prairie. He has one person in China who will always remember him.

Eli was not only my cousin but he had his "big brother moments" he took me to school when I was a freshman in high school and he kept his eye on me making sure I knew where I was going. I have many childhood memories of Eli from going to bible school together to having bike races and scraping a few knees along the way. I will forever cherish every memory. We all miss him and his smile!

Eli was in my 7th grade science class. He was always a happy kid never let his medical problem slow him down. He loved sports. I remember when he was playing baseball and there were days he acted so tired in class, I really worried about him. But Ellen would be there after school, with food or meds and motherly love and he would go play his heart out. He was on the basketball team that year and won a Regional championship in grade school, he loved to be active. He will always be remembered for his " quick" smile and playful attitude at school and in life. Continued prayers to Ellen and Lydia.

Christmas is next week.     I have Grandpa and Landon taken care of.    Wish you were here to see everyone and join in the celebration.   Honey,  you will be missed so much.    Who will sit on the couch with Grandpa and watch TV?   Lois is getting ready for "grreasy Christmas".   Food will all be good,  as usual.    Having a Illini party on Saturday night.   You know who is coming---watching a basketball game.    Should be a good time.    
Luv you,  mom

I truly enjoyed getting to know Eli over the last 7 years.  I loved Eli's smile and his relaxed attitude.  I admired his willingness to share his love for his family and friends through the stories he told.  He had such a strong bond with his family and friends and it was clear that, not only did he love all of you, he felt the love as well.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

For many years now, without fail, I got to see Eli every 3 to 4 months at our clinic.  Ellen did such a great job taking care of him and went above and beyond her duty as a mother to keep him healthy.  Eli always had fun stories to tell us but my favorite memory was when he brought pictures from his Disney World trip and showed ALL of us.  You could tell he had a blast!  He is so missed by our team.

Ellen, I had the fortune of meeting Eli in your office. I wish I could have got to know him   He appeared to be the son all parents hope for. You may have lost an earthly son but you picked up a Guardian Angel only God could provide.

Ellen, I will never forget having Eli in my second grade classroom. As I can't give exact details, but I remember that Eli was always a happy child and brought a lot of laughter to the classroom. But if I remember right he did not enjoy having to leave the room to go down and have his treatments.  For the one thing that I will always remember is that Eli lost his dad that year. I will never forget how he came back to school after the funeral and he was being so strong for all that a little boy had gone through. For I am very thankful that I had that school year to watch Eli grow and change to what all this life handed to him. He will be greatly missed! Your Second Grade Teacher, Mrs. Ellis

I remember Eli as a little man who knew more than most about life. Cystic Fibrosis and the loss of his father taught him much about the fragility of life. While in the third grade, he was learning multiplication, cursive, and making seed collections. But, he had already learned some of life's most important lessons. He knew family was important, that complaining was fruitless, and that a good game of tag and basketball can make you feel happy. Eli will always hold a special place in my heart. He will never be forgotten.

Where do I begin?  I have many memories of Eli, with most of them occuring in the nurse's office at the K-12.  From the time he was 10 until he graduated, I saw Eli every day at least once, and during basketball season twice.  I had the wonderful pleasure of "beating on him" in addition to his nebulizer.  He would get aggravated at me when I would ask him questions during chest PT and not stop for him to answer.  I'm sure he got tired of making trips to my office day in and day out.  I know he couldn't wait to get on with his day, because on several occasions I caught him trying to shake his medication out of the mouth piece to get his treatment over with quicker!  Can we say ornery? :) He just smiled at me when I told him I saw what he did & not to do it again.  Eli smiled not just with his mouth, but with his whole face, and that's what I remember most.  Love and hugs to you Ellen!  Eli lead an active life because his Momma took such good care of him!  Praying for your strength and peace on this journey.

Buddy,   Volleyball girls are going to Bloomington again this year.   Remember the good times we had making the trip?    I will be listening to the radio this year and cheering while I work.    Ms Oxby is doing her usual awesome job.    Take care and keep that star shining    
Love, mom

Dear Ellen and Lydia, I cannot imagine the feeling of such a loss you are experiencing for Eli.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and I think of you often.  I didn't know Eli, but I am sure that he was a great person-- as well as the two of you are.

A fond memory of Eli was when he looked at you with that cute little smile. It made you wonder what he had been up to or just what he was thinking. He was a real trooper when it came time to leave the classroom to run to the nurse for treatments and  to take his seeds. Also before afternoon snack time it was down the hatch with more seeds to help him GROW! 
We thought the world of him, all boy and was of course the teachers PET!
He will be greatly missed. 
Linda Collins, 1st. Grade, & Joe Collins, 4th. Grade Teachers

Ellen,so sorry to hear of Eli's passing. He was a great young man. He really embraced life. I'll really missed not seeing him in clinic.

Ellen and Lydia, my wife and I wanted you to know how very sorry we were to hear of the death of Eli. Having buried both of our children, we know somewhat of the pain you are going through. We often speak of losing someone yet when we know where they are we know that one day we will see them again. I know you have that hope and that will keep you going. In his love, Gary & Opal Hall

Ellen,

We are so very sorry for the loss of your son, Eli.  Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Ellen and Lydia, I am so sorry for the loss of your son and brother. I enjoyed working with him and teasing with him out at Gillards. He was a sweet young man.

Ellen, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your precious son, Eli. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. God has welcomed another angel to heaven.

Ellen and Lydia, Our prayers and thoughts are with both of you. Eli was such a wonderful young man and we know now he is being hugged by Jesus. Love to you both. Angie Garrett

Ellen, you and Lydia are  and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.  Much love and comfort to you both!

Ellen and Lydia, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the sorrow that you are going through. Just know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Ellen I am so sorry for the loss of Eli. You will miss him terribly for a long time.
Buring one of your childred will be the hardest thing you will ever have to do. You are in my prayers Ellen.

Ellen and Lydia, I am sending love and prayers of comfort for both of you at this time.  Hugs my dear friend.

Eli will be missed so much.  Our love and prayers of comfort are with Ellen and Lydia.

OBITUARY

Eli Longbons Sams

June 21, 1990 – July 1, 2012

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