<01bec4b7$b9e1e100$LocalHost@db10>...
> You may notice a distinct reduction in the amount of witty and intelligent
> posts on this group during the next week. That's because I'm off on holiday
> all next week. Bye. I'll send all of you a postcard. :-)

This is a true tragedy to all those connected to UKSF.  Though I try
to be strong and assured in my posts, I just don't think it's worth it
any more.  But alas, while tears roll down my face as I type, I shall
endeavour to find the strength to honour Chris' memory.

I'll always remember the first time I met Chris Applegate.  It was a
warm Spring morning back in '94.  I had just left school, and was looking
for meaning in a world, where confusion and hatred reigned.  Maybe
it was fate, or maybe it was just a wonderful coincidence, but as I 
entered that nursery, I noticed a man paying unusually close attention to 
those kids -- which is understandable, for I'm sure we're all aware of
Chris' terrific heart.  "Mother Theresa of Highbury", I'd call him, and
he'd always just smile... you know, that warm smile of his that called
out for you to smile too.  And I did.  Oh, how I smiled.

That summer was easily the best summer of my life.  We cheered on
Brazil to the world cup, and we celebrated wildly as Conchita Martinez
captured the ladies' title at Wimbledon.  Tennis was his favourite
sport you see.  Of course, he only seemed interested when it was
a woman's match, and particularly when the competitor nearest the
camera was serving.  Not really sure why. 

But after that, we didn't see each other all that much, as we both went
our separate ways.  Sure, there were calls and letters.  Even the 
occasional e-mail regarding the Archive, but it wasn't the same.

And now he's gone.  Departed to a better world.  A part of me will
always feel guilty for not staying in touch.  Maybe I could have done
something.  I don't know what.  Just something.  And maybe, just
maybe he'd still be here with us today.  

My only hope is that Nostradamus was right, and Doomsday is indeed
tomorrow.  For, only that, and the hope of a reunion with Chris
will sustain me now, in my winter of discontent.  

I only wish I had the chance to tell him how much I cared... how much
we _all_ cared.  And let this be a lesson to us all.  When you see a
post on UKSF stating the most ridiculous and moronic opinions
you've ever heard, don't flame.  Tell them how much you care.  Except
if it's Red Devil, of course.  Flame him as much as possible.


A grief-stricken Mike