I am one of the millions that has been deeply affected by Pete Seeger and mourn his loss,  I’m also rejoicing in my good fortune – I was entitled to share the earth with him. I am compelled to pay my respects, but I am at a loss. I woke up on Tuesday morning to the news of his passing and have been overwhelmed with thoughts and memories of him ever since.

I have had the privilege of meeting Mr. Seeger on several occasions, listen to his wisdom and be moved by his music. A perfect example of Mr. Seeger’s kindness is the first time I actually met him. In the early 90s, I used to volunteer at Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival when it was held at WestchesterCommunity College. Pete and his wife Toshi founded the music festival in 1966, to raise funds and consciousness of the problems the Hudson River and earth were suffering from, as well as uniting the community around the river. I believe they have been more than successful in delivering their message and uniting the communities over the years. I usually volunteered with a friend but, one year, plans changed and I ended up volunteering by myself. Not a big deal as there was always a friendly, community aspect to the event and you never really felt alone. During lunch one afternoon, I sat by myself at an empty table. Then an older gentleman asked if he could sit with me. At that moment, I really didn’t know who he was but after a few minutes into our discussion, his voice gave him away.  We had a lovely lunch together and welcomed more people to join our table. Afterwards, we wished each other well and then departed. I always had a deep respect for him but after our chat I was left with a profound reverence than cannot easily be articulated – even today. As so many people have noted during this time of mourning and reflection, he never had the airs of a celebrity; when interacting with Mr. Seeger – it was human to human. That was his magic.

Over the years, I became ever more charmed with him, his message and delivery. I know I am not alone. In 2011, I felt an urgency to tell him how much I appreciated his dedication and that he was such a magnificent role model for us all. He was 92, and I was not sure how many more opportunities I would have to tell him. My plan was to tell him at the Hudson River Revival in June. Luckily, I found him early in the day. I walked up to him with Mathew. I introduced Mathew and myself – he already started to look uncomfortable, as he knew I had more to say. Although, I was very nervous, and knew he would rather move on – I was able to tell him how much he meant to me, and thanked him for all his efforts and what a difference he has made in my life. I REALLY want to hug him, but I  respected his obvious need for space. He simply replied, “Oh, it’s not me, it’s all the volunteers that make it happen.” I corrected him, that without him in the first place, we would not all be there to celebrate. He smiled and walked away.

I was fortunate to see him perform several more times after that day, but it seems so unbelievable that last June was the last time I will have ever seen him perform.  Although, we were blessed with him for 94 years, it just doesn’t seem enough. Thank you Mr. Seeger, may you rest in peace.