Goodbye, Our Sarah Jane

[cosmic_llin]

I still can't quite believe she's gone.

Elisabeth Sladen shaped my fandom life for years, and without knowing it, she had a huge influence on my life in the 'real' world, too. As Sarah Jane, she inspired my wardrobe choices, my writing, and my very first fanvid. I devoted hours, days and weeks of my life to chronicling her appearances in Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures for my website. I watched her episodes of Doctor Who and SJA whenever I needed to relax, or cheer up, or feel a bit closer to home. I even bonded with the Russian children I taught over showing them SJA in class.

Not only that, but having Season 2 of SJA to focus on and get excited about helped me to deal with my own mother's cancer diagnosis, and watching The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith helped me to come to terms with some of my family issues.

Most importantly of all, through Sarah Jane fandom I met some lovely people, many of whom are now an important part of my life. Including my BFF and Awesome Twin, ladyvivien, without whom I would never have met my wonderful carawj, and silly_cleo who has become one of my very favourite people.

She never knew me, but the gifts she has given me will stay with me for a very long time.

Comments

[claudiasharon.livejournal.com]

She was AWESOME. I want to buy SJA now.

I cried when I found out she died. It's so sad. :( She was only 63! *kicks cancer* Stupid cancer, taking people we love too soon.

[elder-goddess.livejournal.com]

"The universe has to move forward. Pain and loss, they define us as much as happiness or love. Whether it's a world, or a relationship...everything has its time. And everything ends."

That's from School Reunion. I actually squee'd when Sarah Jane first showed up on screen in that episode. I mean, I knew Sladen was one of the two featured guest stars in it, and I was excitedly looking forward to seeing it, but when Sarah Jane showed up on the screen it took me straight back to the days when Classic Who was new and the character was so much FUN to watch.

All the female New Who companions have been galactically awesome, but Sarah Jane is still the finest of them all.

[minerva-fan.livejournal.com]

Such sadness. She brought so much joy to our lives, and I'll bet she would be the first to shrug it off. Sarah Jane, Girl Reporter, was such a role model for me growing up. I wanted to be smart and bright and daring, while still maintaining my adorableness and girlish sense of fun. Just. Like. Sarah. Gonna miss her something awful.