I remember this like it was yesterday, watching the news and this appeared out of the blue, and my very first thought was "I hope it's not Sergei, I hope it's not Sergei, I rather it be her than Sergei, I hope it's not Sergei". And then finding out a while later that it was him, not her. Heartbreaking.
It was Sergei that my eyes & heart drew from the start ~ laid back, easy going, intelligent (voracious about learning), friends with everyone, concerned even about the Zamboni Driver, chatting with him, flashing that shy half smile, humble, overjoyed to have a baby, be a father, upset at himself for the few bobbles he made in the FS, telling a surprised Scott H. that he didn't enjoy skating, he only did it b/c it was his job, wanting to see the world, wanting his daughter to learn English and see the world as well. So many dreams, a wish list.
Ah, memories, but he's in a better place now and can do whatever he wants, including traveling the world at his leisure. Truly enjoy Paris, instead of having to worry about competing all the time.
A single rose to Sergei on the anniversary of his death. *insert red rose emoticon*