Originally written on Wednesday 25th January, 2012. Published here in remembrance of a beautiful and loved man.
Dear James,
Thank you for the contribution you have made to my life. I feel blessed for having known you.
When I think of you, I think of someone so creative and with such so much flair. I remember watching Suit Up and being so proud that this little production evolved from the mind of someone I knew. Your skill behind the camera and love of visual mediums is clear.
My earliest memories of our time together, spent mostly in the virtual realm, would be your arrival on OzFreaks. You were a little late to the game. Whilst we were all discussing the ins and outs of Freaks and Geeks you had still not seen all the episodes. You were an Undeclared fan boy and very passionate. JCriquet, as you were known was an articulate and witty individual and soon became a forum regular. I think Adam “Splash”, even labelled you our mascot/cheerleader as you had so much spirit.
Your contributions to our conversations were always welcome. You kept me company many a night when we were both going through our “post-high school where-to-now slump”. I think if there was someone I could guarantee would still be up at 4am it would be you. It was always nice to see your name on the list of online users when I couldn’t sleep and needed a distraction.
One thing that set you apart from the rest of us was that you were always so social. I think whilst some of us resisted for a long time you encouraged meet-ups and helped forge friendships in the “real world”. Your travels around Australia saw you link in with so many of us and you always managed to pack your OzFreaks sweatshirt. An indication of your commitment and love to our cause. I believe that is the only piece of OzFreaks merchandise in existence to this very day.
I was pleasantly surprised when you accepted an invitation to my wedding. It meant a lot to have you there; having travelled from Adelaide for the occasion and you caught my garter also, poor you! I do wonder what became of it. Thanks for being there for me on that important day. You looked so stylish and had the best dance moves on the floor.
You have by now seen how much the news of your illness has affected people. I see that so many of your beloved family and friends have rallied around you and I know that you are so, so loved. I can only hope to have the same level of love and support there for me if and when I need it.
I think of you fondly, always and I wish you much love and strength. Thanks for being a part of my life. My one, only and most loved Adelaidian friend.
Much Love,
Natalie “geekynat” Morgan (van der Loo)
