This time of year I am grateful for many things – I am especially grateful for the people in my life: family, friends and professional peers and mentors.

Camping lost another hero this year with the passing of Phil Cobb, my dad. He was a quiet leader in Maine camping, following his father and grandfather into the profession and marrying a dedicated camp enthusiast and future camp director, my mom. As a teacher and educator in Princeton, Phil was known by many people by his broad smile, strong work ethic and friendly style of teaching and interacting. As a camp director and owner in Belgrade Lakes, Maine, a school adminstrator in Princeton, New Jersey and a family man, his dance card was full. At camp he was seen with his camera in hand documenting the summer’s events or teaching in a sail boat, driving the motor boat or picking up camping trip groups in the Big Blue Truck. Every Friday night in the summer he arrived at camp and every Monday morning he was back at work in Princeton. A volunteer for Maine Camps – attracting families to Maine to choose camps in Maine, his dedication to youth, education and camping was larger than life. Later in life, his dedication continued with his work with the senior Peace Corps in the Philippines, with Maine conservation, volunteering at the Maine Attorney General’s office – focused on helping others and staying connected to youth and education.

In this holiday season, I think poignantly about those who are important to me – intentionally taking in the moments with friends and family and cherishing the here and now.