I met Michelle in London in 1986 when we began studying in the same Master’s degree program at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies. Together with Sabina Gasper, also studying at SSEES, we became a tight triumverate. I soon became indebted to my two new friends in more ways that I can ever express here.

Not long after arriving in London I was hit by a truck while cycling home from class. I ended up in hospital with a badly shattered leg. Even though it was still early days of friendship, Sabina and Michelle visited me regularly on the ward. That fundamental kindness is something that I loved very much in Michelle, along with her sharp mind and wicked sense of humour. I wasn’t alone in looking forward to her visits. She helped cheer up everyone on the ward.

In hospital, I lived London life vicariously through Michelle’s vivid descriptions of new neighbourhoods or clubs she’d stumbled across. Later, when I was mobile, we explored them together. Michelle’s zest for discovery was infectious and made time in London so much fun.

When she was between apartments, Michelle came to stay with me. That was when I met all the great people Michelle knew from outside university, including Jill and her slightly scary Doberman that guarded her so well. But the best part was being roommates and experiencing so much warmth and wonderful companionship during what was a time of great change for both of us. I soon moved to Eastern Europe and then to Soviet Ukraine to work as a journalist. We kept in touch by phone and through letters and that’s how I first heard about Russ. I don’t think Michelle would have minded if I included this passage from one of her letters:

"Was I going out with Russ the last time I talked to you? We've been going out since March of last year and living together for the past nine months. He's a cute long-haired Berkeley boy, age 27; loves playing music and hiking; works in a jeweller's supply shop to finance the music and hiking habit. It's such a good [underlined twice] relationship, Susan -- I believe it's forever; we've both committed to it. Wow. That's a huge statement to make, isn't it? but it feels right. And Sabina approves! You'll get your chance one of these days -- I hope to see you sometime fairly soon."

The letter was dated June 3, 1993. Michelle and I lost touch not long after that but I thought of her often back then, as I do now. She was a wonderful person. I feel lucky to have met Michelle and to have had her as a friend.