This couple—Alex and Natasha—I've known since I was five years old, as they were our across-the-street neighbors. When I came back home, they were extremely supportive—much more so, in fact, than my own parents. In addition, Natasha gave me tremendous support throughout my long and arduous medical ordeal of 2002. Update: We lost Natasha on March 1, 2003. This photo of her (above, right) was located at the front of the church where her memorial service was held, and is the way I remember her from my childhood.