There is a story that is legendary in the dining hall at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT. It goes that one day in July of 1993, Mr. Newman sat among a group of children during lunch during a session at camp. This wasn't uncommon as Mr. Newman would come and "hang out" during the summer at camp where he had a cabin and liked to fish in the pond. On this day in particular though, Mr. Newman joined a group of kids for lunch and enjoyed the frivolity of the afternoon. As kids passed around the plates of food, one boy was in charge of doling out the Newman's Own Lemonade that made it to the table for every meal all summer.

When this boy made it around to Mr. Newman's glass, he snuck a furtive look at Mr. Newman. He paused and looked at the carton containing the lemonade and a likeness of Mr. Newman. He looked more obviously at Mr. Newman and then once again studied the image on the carton. In a moment of clarity and concern, the boy looked at Mr. Newman and said in a soft but determined voice, "Are you missing?"

That was our experience with Mr. Newman as counselors and staff at The Hole in the Wall Gang. Sure he was the patron of the camp and an American icon. But at camp, he was that old guy who would hang out and sometimes fish. He was that guy who would ask if everything was going okay and would offer his dock for the kids to fish near (because that's where the big ones hid.) He would ride his bike around camp, sunglasses hanging from one ear, in search of a cribbage game.  And it seemed that he was always a bit amazed by the beauty of relationships that developed and were nutured at these very special places.

We remember Mr. Newman  as real. As real as the Skin Horse from "The Velveteen Rabbit." He was worn well and tattered because he was so loved. If he only knew how many he provided opportunities for well beyond what he could observe. Kids became well, young adults changed their life trajectories, and some of us even found our humility in his presence.