I met Sonia in 1969 or 1970 and we became close friends. In 1972, I moved to Woodstock, where she lived and became my mentor in town. Her generosity in introducing me to her friends and colleagues allowed me to know people I might never otherwise have met; it also gave me the opportunity to have the best job in Woodstock.
Those are the tangible effects of our friendship. Less tangible and more important were the deep respect and love I have always felt for Sonia, the companionship of her children, and the friendships I forged with others due to her dear love for me. I well remember long nights making music before fires in one or another of our mutual friends' homes, a particularly special night in Vermont with Margaret MacArthur and other musicians, and countless nights of food and talk in Shady.
Sonia, I can scarcely believe you are no longer on this plane. Your crystal voice sings on this website, your beautiful face slides by in the photos, and I write to you from far away in Mexico City. You are farther away still, but close to my heart in spite of all.
Love--a word too small.