...What to say? What words are adequate?

Sam was a good friend, a good activist, a good man. But that does not capture Sam.

Sam was warm and witty, prophetic and profound. But that does not capture Sam.

Sam was compassionate (but never conservative!), committed, complex. But that does not capture Sam.

Sam will be understood best not by the list of all his attributes, all that he was and all that he did.

Rather, Sam will be understood best by the empty spot he leaves behind in our hearts, our movement, our world. That place that can not be filled, that irreplaceable gift, was Sam.

We are going to miss you, dear friend.