…we had a special thing going…

I had gone out to run some errands this afternoon, and came back to see an email entitled “Another Dr. Who Death” in my inbox. I opened it, wondering who it might be. I never expected it to be Elisabeth Sladen. I think the world stood still for a second there.

The first episode I ever saw of Dr. Who was “Robot”. From the moment I saw Sarah Jane, I loved the character. She was spunky, tenacious, and even if she did scream a bit, always there when the Doctor needed her. No other companion ever struck as deep a chord with me until Donna Noble — and I think it was because of their similarities that I liked Donna too. Amy also has many of the same characteristics.

But, as I was to discover, it wasn’t just Sarah Jane I loved. As I began to move in the circle of Dr. Who fandom, I had the opportunity to meet many of the actors and actresses involved. I was fascinated by the whole “fanzine” phenomenon and decided to do my own. And so “From the Notebook of Sarah Jane” was born. I learned a lot putting together those 10 issues. More importantly, they offered me a platform from which I started a fan club for Lis. She was very loving and generous about it. She sent a photo to be used as the official club photo. She sent letters to be included in the newsletters. I’ll never forget the day Brian called to tell me personally that Sadie had just been born.

Every time I saw her, she was gracious and beautiful. Including TARDIS 2008 in Chicago year before last. I am so glad I got that last opportunity to catch up, to tell her how she had inspired several of my characters, to present her with a copy of one of my books.

I have lost a dear friend, even though we hadn’t kept in touch. I hope she has gone on to greater adventures…