A Tribute
to Semen "Sam" Zhivotovskiy
A MESSAGE FROM EMILIYA:
Sam in action:
Check out these clips of Sam in action; making music and lighting up. Then scroll down to the bottom and your own :-D.
"Sam, here's to you!"
Let’s celebrate life together. Record a video or take a picture of yourself dancing, singing or making music. Jump down to see other tributes.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Coronavirus Relief Fund by GlobalGiving's Disaster Recovery Network. Your donation to this fund will support immediate and long-term relief and recovery in vulnerable communities during one of the most challenging times we have collectively faced.
Or donate to The Caregivers' Project whose mission of the CareGivers' Project is to create a place to express and reflect on the complexities of being a caregiver for an elder and provide resources, support and benefits to the health of caregivers.
Thank you so much for your generosity and love. If you’ve made a contribution, please email me (emiliya@theflourishingcenter.com) and tell me as I won’t have a way of knowing otherwise, and I’d like to properly thank you. ❤️
THank you everyone for your submissions!
A message fromPaul Silva
Emiliya,
I’m back from sea and am finally able to post this! Sending love and big hugs straight to YOU! You are an amazing woman and daughter for making this site, and I created this video to commemorate your father and you. My time in isolation has inspired me to learn new things, and this is the first completed project of my new hobby. It is far from Hollywood, but we have to start somewhere 🙂 Blessings, love, and a poem to your father, and to you Goddess!
In a world of never-ending mystery
Lies an object of hope
A hope which can never be destroyed
For it exists not in the realm of material
But in the realm of emotion
A realm more powerful than all
The emotions that mold seamlessly into those who accept them
Yet a single emotion shines brightest
The object of hope is this emotion
This emotion is………..LOVE.
Your Friend,
Paul
A message fromFabiana van der Heiden
Ever since this tribute was established for your father and I saw his photo with the accordeon, I thought of this song - Adiós Nonino (Farewell father) - in this video performed by Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova. I'm sorry this got posponed until now. But I hope it will still bring comfort whenever it is needed.
This song pulls my heart strings. It is sad but hopeful, passionate yet peaceful.
I want the music to fly up to the heavens for Semen and into the hearts of the living who will remember and cherish the memories of your father with love and warmth.
And for you Emiliya, I want the melody to lift you up and wrap you in a loving embrace whenever you hear this song. I'll be thinking of you too as of now :).
Lots of love,
A message fromApril McNally
Emiliya,
I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I hope fond memories provide some comfort during this very difficult time.
A message fromMelody Joyce
Dearest Emiliya,
I share your sorrow, send prayers, light, and music. You're an amazing, inspirational person, and I am deeply moved by this celebration of your father's life. I celebrate you both, with honor and humility.
The photos with the song with me and my friend are from a special, sacred spot on Lake Michigan that always bring me calm and solace. I share them with deep and heartfelt consolation and love.
A message fromDavid Pollay
Here's to you, Sam!
Your spirit lives on through your incredible daughter, Emiliya...and your love of music. In your memory and in honor of Emiliya, I wanted to share one of my favorite songs/poems. I think it will resonate with you and Emiliya.
Love,
- David
It' s called "Lullaby (Good Night My Angel" by Billy Joel:
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Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)
Billy Joel
Goodnight my angel, time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you've been asking me
I think you know what I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
Then you should always know
Wherever you may go, no matter where you are
I never will be far away
Goodnight my angel, now it's time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs you sang for me
When we went sailing on an emerald bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark and deep, inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me
Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart there will always be a part of me
Someday we'll all be gone
But lullabies go on and on
They never die
That's how you and I will be
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Billy Joel
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
A message fromConnor Schutt
Emiliya,
This news brought tears to my eyes, my heart is hurting with you right now... I never met your Dad, but I think the way you're honoring his life is freaking TREMENDOUS!! I know you're resilient and am confident you will grow through this experience as a stronger Emiliya! If I can be of any support to you at all please please PLEASE reach out, my line is always open! Sending love and healing energy your way🤙🏼🧡
A message fromLina Aristizabal
A tribute to Sam.
A message fromBrigid Kaye
Emiliya,
I share with you from my heritage
An Irish blessing...
May God give you,
for every storm, a rainbow,
for every tear, a smile,
for every care, a promise
and a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
a faithful friend to share,
for every sigh, a sweet song
and an answer for each prayer.
And until we meet again,
may God hold and keep you
safe in the hollow of her hand.
Love,
Brigid
A message fromNancy Norton
Emiliya, you are a remarkable person and such a loving daughter that I know Sam must have been so proud of! I am sure that your Dad is watching down on you with such a twinkle in his eyes and love in his heart. Sam...here's some music and some great dancing to celebrate the Greatness of your life!!
A message fromBob Gower
I'm thinking of your Emiliya. Sending love to you and your loved ones.
A message fromCassie and Max Fishkin
Tribute to Sam
A message fromCassie and Max Fishkin
Tribute to Sam
A message fromCassie and Max Fishkin
Tribute to Sam
A message fromKevin Blaushchild
Tribute for Sam.
A message fromdebbie cohen
I am thinking of you, Emiliya. Thanks for inspiring us to dance together here. 🙂
A message fromGreg Ciresi
Dear Emiliya
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Your life is a reflection of his beautiful soul.
"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again." -Maya Angelou
Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world.
Much light and love.
A message fromdaria maneche
9823 Regent Street
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A message fromLatha Dandu
My condolences Emilya. I have never met your Dad, but came to know more as we interacted in CAPP class and in the message in the video that you shared. As elders say it is blessing when kids are around when someone are in critical state and nearing the end. Your dad will guide no matter where he is. Lots of love at this difficult time.
A message fromShannon Polly
I lost my papa too.
A message fromJOSE-PEDRO MARTINEZ
This is to you SEM. This is the way, from the balconies and terrazas, how everyday we express clapping hands in honor to our caregivers and show our resilience singing “I will resist” how we fightIng against this “pandemia”.
From Spain with love big hugs!!!
A message fromBetsy Pool
Dear Emiliya,
We have not met but your story of your father touched me deeply. In the end, we are all one human family and you are clearly a light within our collective. I wish for your father a beautiful transition to other realms and for you and your family much grace as you navigate his transition, and joy in your memories of your life with him. I share with you a recent video of my beloved jamming with a very dear friend, as we were all in lockdown together. Sending love and warm wishes, Betsy
A message fromSveta SYDORAK
Dear Emiliya,
We are deeply saddened by the death of your father. This is a terrible loss for all of us. He was part of our family… and he will always be remembered as a loving, caring, and kind person. He will be deeply missed…and he will always remain in our hearts.
May God put him in a special place from where he will be watching over us, the people who love and cherish him.
Rest in peace and quiet, our dear Sem!
A message fromDelvina Miremadi-Baldino
I am so saddened by this news about your Father and I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope in the coming days and weeks you can share many happy tears and laughs thinking of all the joyful memories you had together. Sending big hugs! And here’s a little video Of my twins that will hopefully bring a smile to your face during this difficult time.
A message fromSylvia
Tribute to Sam.
A message fromAnthony Simeone
Emiliya, I'm so sorry for your loss. As one of the countless people you've inspired through positive psychology and your gentle wisdom, I wish you happiness and peace.
A message fromMonica Steuer
Dear Emiliya,
You are truly a light in this world. Thank you for sharing with us your tribute to your father. I can tell he was such a special person and much loved by you and his family. A beautiful soul!
I remain in awe of your strength and serenity under such difficult circumstances and my heart goes out to you. Know that you’re not alone and that so many of us love and appreciate you.
I will be sending a picture or a dance to celebrate your beautiful father! Rest In Peace dear Sam. 💙🙏🏻💙
A message fromOlga Gribova-Boet
"Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." In memory of your father, Emiliya.
A message fromIrina Mihaescu
Emiliya, you have inspired me more than you know despite such a difficult circumstance in your life. We share a similar beginning to our story, my parents are also engineers, arrived in Canada with $1,000 in their pocket and an 8 year old who didn't speak English. I am sorry for your loss and all the hardships you've endured throughout your life. You are such a beautiful example of making lemonade out of lemons...Your dad left in peace with you by his side supporting him and transitioning him to the spirit realm with your songs. I hope he can recreate, in spirit form, this song which has become one of my favorites; a "water blessing" song that I play alongside the handdrum and puts me in a liminal space, a space neither here nor there but fully magical, a place I am sure your father is relishing in this moment from his spirit realm. So much love to you and your family. May you be well!! May you be Blessed! May you always find your father in the little moments of song and dance that are around you!! Sam, don't forget to sing her a song and remind Emiliya and the rest of your family that you are still there, supporting them from afar. Blessings through this transition gateway!!
A message fromDan Stillman
For you Sam. Rest In Peace 🙏🏻
A message fromsarah bunkin
Dear Emiliya, I have not been reading many emails these days, probably because so much of my life has moved online that I am trying to simplify where I can. But, I am glad that something made me read your email about your father. Thank you for sharing with us about your dad's passing. I loved this email and feel very grateful for all that you offer.
In gratitude,
Sarah
A message fromAllison Sobel
Dear Emililya,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt experience with us during this very difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss. Your strength, courage, authenticity and love have touched me deep in the core of my being; my heart. While I have not met you, nor your beautiful father, Sam, I feel connected to your heart and wish you much strength, courage, love and long life. May his memory be forever a blessing. I share with you this song called SHINE as it reminds me that life is a celebration! That each of us can shine bigger and brighter together. Hoping this message and song illuminates you now and always. <3 Allison
A message fromFeliciana Tello
With all my heart Emiliya sending oceans of love. Thank you for inspiring me always and once again because of you and now your Dad here’s a video of my mom singing to us !
A message fromAra Simmons
I offer this wee tribute of a radiant heart to you Emiliya as your father ascends. With much aroha (love). Ara
Whakataka te hau ki te uru
Whakataka te hau ki te tonga
Kia mākinakina ki uta
Kia mātaratara ki tai
E hī ake ana te atakura
He tio, he huka, he hau hū
Tīhei mauri ora!
___________________
Cease the winds from the west
Cease the winds from the south
Let the breeze blow over the land
Let the breeze blow over the ocean
Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.
A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.
A message fromJanet Schrager
Dear Emiliya,
I was a daddy’s girl too. My heart is with you.
Love Janet
A message fromNancy Chen
Hi Emiliya, I am so touched by what you went through, the way you dealt with it and the positive outcome we can achieve from the worst thing ever happened in the human history. I learned a lot from your sharing!
The video I shared was played by my 17yr old son at a concert in Brampton, Canada on March 7. The recording quality is not ideal and he is not very satisfied with this performance. But it was a Russian piece and we were all very touched by his music on that night. I guess Sam may like it too if he could hear it.
To Sam, RIP.
Nancy Chen
A message fromKajal Dhabalia
Dear Emilia,
I have no words to adequately express my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. In the face of grief you carry yourself with so much strength, resilience and love—you never cease to inspire me. Im certain your family must looking down on you with so much love and pride. Sending boatloads of love, peace and prayers your way.
Xoxo,
Kajal
A message fromJeff Ginsberg
Dear Emiliya, know that you possess beautiful light which you share with others. I hope this song brings you some comfort. Jeff
A message fromMary Morency
Here's to you Sam. We thank you for giving the world your beautiful daughter, Emiliya. May you rest in peace and know that she is surrounded by people who love her.
A message fromEva Suzuki
Dearest Emiliya,
We are connected via Havening. But today we are connected as simply humans.
The thing that keeps humans surviving to me is that we are creators. How wonderful that your dad was the ultimate creator, one who creates music.
I offer this song by two incomparable humans.
A message fromOxana Holtmann
Sending you and your family my love. Feeling deeply touched by your story and your dad's life story and his music.
A message fromKrissy E
Emiliya, Take comfort knowing that your Dad feels your love for him everyday (Yes, present tense on purpose). He enjoys being with you and takes great joy seeing that he raised a child with such a loving and giving heart.
I enjoyed the video you shared of your Dad. I know you are missing him greatly and I am so sorry for that.
A message fromKenna Zimmer
Although I didn't know your dad, I know that he raised a wonderful, intelligent and thoughtful daughter. Sending love to you and your family during this heartbreaking time.
A message fromHeather Koehn
I am so very sorry for your loss. What an incredibly brave experience, both on the part of your father and your part. Thank you so much for sharing. So many people need to hear this. Much love to you.
A message fromLewis Schiff
Em, we are all the products of our surroundings, most of all our families. Given that, your parents must have both been amazing people to have created someone as special as you. I'm sorry for your loss and especially for these awful circumstances. Your training in mindfulness gave you the tools to be present but it's still a time for us to send you all the good vibes we can muster your way. That's what I'm doing for you now on the occasion of the loss of your dad.
A message fromJulie Fischer
Emiliya,
Sending love, light and prayers to you. I am currently in CAPP 82 and yesterday we watched the module on gratitude...I know that when both of my parents died it was one of the biggest things that I focused on...amidst my grief and sense of being untethered, I was so grateful for their lives and for the gifts they gave me, in all of their messiness and imperfect ways. Your dad is so proud of your being:) XO
Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. -Rumi
A message fromYaser Zagzoog
I heard the news about your father passed away.
I really wish you a good luck and i know that you are in difficult time now and memories for the loss of a father.
Wishing you the best and may god protect you and all of your family.
Best regards
A message fromKaren Ward
Emiliyia - I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your dad and your family’s experience. My heart is with you all. My sister recorded a version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah for me as a birthday gift and I wanted to share it with you in honour and celebration of your father. Sending so much love. xK
A message fromSheryl Sarnak
Dearest Emiliya:
I never knew your father, but knowing what a loving, caring and compassionate person you are, he must have been the same. I love this song and especially this rendition. Wishing you Long Life!
With love
Shery
A message fromSuze Kopynec
Suze here from CAPP 34, APPC, FSG, B3 , and more. I recall the stories of your Dad and know how very close the two of you were. He’ll continue to take care of you through his treasured lessons and ever-present love, and through your own lovely inner spark that he ignited.
I am sharing a video from a livestream piano concert by Maestro David Michael Wolff, that occurred a few hours ago and essentially shared through words and music how Covid-19 is impacting us all. 🤗 ❤️ 🙏🏻
A message fromJoy Heller
1725 Clocktower
A message fromMatthew Slaybaugh
I'd like to share this music, "All Blues," which often soothes and uplifts my troubled soul.
Emiliya, thank you very much for sharing the videos of Sam, they are full of joy and beauty. I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and comfort.
All of us in the CAPP family will have you in our thoughts, sending our strength and love.
A message fromMadelaine Roig
This was a zoom dance party I attended today. This song, I Will Survive, definitely apropos for what we are going through, but also speaks to how our spirits survive it all, including death.
A message fromHeather Riley
Emiliya:
I, too, lost both parents as an adult. It is a very surreal experience. You are not really an orphan, but you still feel lost and at sea. You feel like you should know how to cope and what to do, but you feel lost because your parents are people you went to for advice in situations like this. I am thinking of you and sending you strength.
A message fromSadia Mahjabeen
Dear Emiliya,
I am so sorry to hear that. My sincere prayers for him and all of your family!
A message fromSarah Haykel
God bless you Emiliya and your beautiful Soul and Family during this time of loss and transition. Love, Sarah Haykel
A message fromMarina Hood
Dear Emiliya, sending you my sincere sympathy on the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sending you hugs and lots of love. Here is a clip of my daughter Nicole singing impromptu a cappella when we were visiting the Church of Saint Anne in Jerusalem two years ago. It's our tribute to your dad.
A message fromYehudis Meshchaninov
Emiliya-I’m thinking of you and all the good you do in this world. You have been instrumental in helping me to share my gifts as well. You’ve given your father so much to be proud of! May all of your positive work for humanity continue to give him pleasure as his soul soars ever higher. My heart is with you!
A message fromJanet Rossbach
Emiliya, Fathers and daughters have such a very special connection. I hope you can imagine him continuing to root for you, to adore and cherish you, and encourage you whenever you need it. He will always be in your heart.
I send you my most sincere condolences and while I know there are lots of logistics to manage, speaking from experience I hope you will take some time for you. Take a few days to just be, not do, and feel what you are feeling and take care of your heart and soul. You are so remarkable at taking care of so many other people; I am sure those of us in your classes would be happy to go on hiatus for a few days if you need some space and time to grieve. Just let us know.
Sending hugs,
Janet
A message fromMaya Kova
So deeply sorry for your loss. May his memory always brings smile to your face.
Here's my dance of life❤
A message fromCharlie Gilkey
This is one of my favorite songs for the angels that come to teach us and then leave us to find someone else who needs them.
Big love, EZ.
A message fromTina Morgan-Aziz
Emiliya we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. 🙏🏽 Here is my little one Dalia expressing her joy through dance.
A message fromAlison Rakotonirina
I am grateful you were able to be with your dad these last few days. So
sorry for your loss. Much love.
A message fromDave Grice
A tribute to Sam and his love of music. Sam, I 1st want to say I beginning to understand your love of music. Thanks to Emiliya & a sample coaching session with her, I am now just days away from 100 days of practice in a row & am starting to feel what I'm sure you felt for many years.. pure joy and feeling & expressing it. Music is also a big part of our family including 1 of my boys as a music therapist. I celebrate the life you shared with others of joyful expression and with your amazing daughter.. who continues to shine her light brightly in so many ways to us all.
A message fromTamara Lechner
Not measurable. Beyond place and time, there is always love.
A message fromRoxanne DaLomba
Better than Before community dancing for Sam
A message fromDushan Bosotov
My most sincere condolences for your loss. Sending you hugs and love!
A message fromDoug Uhlig
My condolences Emilya. I am honored to have been with you on video when you were taking care of your dad and saw how dedicated you are as a daughter and how much you loved him. I can only guess that you had a complete relationship with him and that he will continue to guide you from above. Much love at this difficult time.
A message fromMargo Singaliese
Dear Emiliya,
I understand your great love for your Dad, since I shared one with my father. During his life I played for him this tribute, My Pa, by my idol, Barbra Streisand. I’m sure your Pa was just as great. Sending love.
A message fromDebbie DeVoe
For Sam, Emiliya, and anyone needing an extra boost of perfectly imperfect love <3
A message fromAle De bolaños
Dear Emiliya, we have never met in person but your work has made a great impact in my life ( soul). I want to share a small text from Jorge Luis Borges, who became blind early in life. Yet, he said: "Ahora, todo el mundo está en mi interior... Y veo mejor, porque puedo ver todas las cosas que sueño". = " Now,all the world is within me... I see better, because I can see all that I dream of". Emiliya, your dad will be forever with you. And you will keep knowing and loving him everyday. A huge hug Emiliya.
A message fromSharon Ogren
His Journey
By Ellen Brenneman
“Don’t think of him as gone away,
His journey just begun,
Life holds so many facets
This earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched...
For nothing loved is never lost
And he was loved so much.”
A message fromRebecca Reynolds
For Sam, who I never met but who’s light and joyful heart is so clearly in Emiliya. His soulshine is reflected in her ability to cheer a room with music, dance, and laughter. The legacy is you Emiliya and the way you have used those gifts to transform the world. I love you and hold you close. With immense love, and protection,
Rebecca
A message fromSid Efromovich
I was deeply moved by this video of an orchestra coming together during a time when uplifting music is most needed.
A message fromBiana Elliott
I thought your father was a wonderful man, kind, smart, funny and extremely welcoming. I’m so glad I had the honor of knowing him and respecting him.
A message fromKirsi Rouhiainen
Thank you Emiliya for sharing your sadness and grief with Better Than Before! I feel there’s so much healing happening in this group. Your father is so very proud of you!
A message fromAndy Proctor
This is a tribute to Sam Zhivotovskiy who recently passed away due to complications with coronavirus. I’m not a pro. I just learned cello last year. Here’s the thing. I didn’t know Sam, but Emiliya, his daughter was one of the reasons why I learned to play the cello. While in the course she teaches about positive accomplishment and grit, I believed I could learn anything if I put my mind to it. So that’s what I did with the cello. I’m now 36 and I started when I was 35. You can do almost anything if you believe in yourself and practice deliberately. Thanks Emiliya and thanks Sam for raising a daughter who is having such a powerful positive impact on the world.
A message fromAnna Grundström
Hello, here is one of my favorite songs.