Michelle at Masai Mara, Kenya. Copyright © Bob Rosenbaum 1997
Michelle Sampson (1956-2009) was an amazing travelling companion, whether you were
wandering around the lower east side of Manhattan or the vast savannah lands of Kenya.
No single image could possibly reveal the energy, beauty and wonder that
was Michelle, but with her passing last week after a heroic and eventful struggle,
I sought a moment that provides a taste of Michelle's special grace. I found one such
moment here, with Michelle absorbed in a personal bow-and-arrow lesson with a Masai
warrior. I remember that he and his entire clan were really enchanted by her —
they had seldom seen a Western woman take such serious interest in their livlihood.
Michelle had the gifts of transparency, sincerity, easy humor, and an insatiable
thirst for knowledge which she shared unselfishly with anyone within shouting distance,
until her very last moments on Earth. Like many, I loved Michelle very much and am
deeply thankful that we could celebrate life together for a time. Hey Michelle, I'll
be thrilled to hear about your flights among the stars!
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