At an age when most of us are barely out of undergraduate college and starting our careers, Sandy “Sam” Puc’ (pronounced putch) was married, with two kids of her own, and a foster parent to six (that’s right, SIX) high risk teen boys. But as Sam tells us in this interview, she was at a maturity level at least a decade ahead of her time. She was a rebellious, punk rock kid in a nice LDS family who was out on her own and living like an adult by the age of 15. Her life and journey from there shaped her into the tough, yet compassionate woman willing to help foster up to 40 kids over an 8-year period. Much of that sacrifice and love of people came from her own parents, particularly her mother, who was so giving and also took in lots of foster children.

But, when it comes to compassion, nothing comes close to what Sam has done as co-founder of the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, a unique organization where volunteer photographers take tasteful and intimate portraits of parents with their new born children who have not survived long after birth. With over 5,000 photographer volunteers around the world, this organization has become a huge force and is doing remarkable work in helping parents heal from the loss of their children and give them the only connection they have to their little ones. Sam’s story alone is probably enough to put this near the top of your list of favorite FSB interviews. But, once you hear about how NILMDTS was founded, and the passion behind it, I guarantee you’ll feel like your souled was moved. This is the first episode that has moved me to tears, so I suggest you keep a box of tissue by you. But, I promise it won’t be a downer. You’ll come away from this interview with a new appreciation for life, and for the work you do as a visual artist.

I’d also like to dedicate this episode to the memory of my mom, Saundra Alfreda Faye McIntosh, who passed away around May 25. She was one of the most compassionate women I know. Her bright smile, twinkling eyes, and compassionate heart will be sorely missed.