A thought for Super Sammy, and his beloved family

As long as I can remember - camp has been monumentally important to me....my closest friends, my fondest memories, my greatest experiences (as a child and as an adult and Jewish professional) have developed as an extension of my involvement with URJ-sponsored Jewish camping.
And this week has been the greatest gift: though I don't go up to OSRUI for another 10 days to serve on faculty, our segel *family* has proven to be a most wonderful, sacred, tight-knit community as it has reached out to provide support for one of our youngest beloved member Sammy Sommer (son of my dear friends Phyllis and Michael) who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. 
We all have great expectations for his complete conquering of this situation; more so, this has been a very powerful opportunity not only to support the family, yet also to raise awareness of such disease within our greater Jewish community and beyond.
Strange as it may seem because of circumstance, I feel blessed to be part of this *kehillah kedosha* particularly at this time.

Super Sammy - I know you will kick the stuffing out of this disease...and continue being a blessing to all of us who know and love you!

The desert can be like dessert

Had a great weekend in Santa Fe for Alana and Joel's wedding. The entire time was spectacular - all the events were wonderful, the weather was perfect, the people great, gracious, loving and fun...and the "down time" wandering the shops and streets couldn't have been better. Man, I love the desert southwest.