Life is hard.
You might think that having experienced a certain type of setback, fate would cut you a little slack and leave you alone in that area. This kind of thinking is pure folly, however, because sometimes we’re nailed with a series of blows that just won’t quit.
We’re struggling here at the ITF office, as we’ve lost yet another intern. It’s a very difficult time. It never gets any easier. We’ve lost a lot of interns over the years, but Nate was unique, he was the best we’ve ever had.
And I know that we’re not the only ones hit hard with this tragedy, because through the webcam you’ve all come to love him as much as we have!
People ask, are you going to get another intern right away? At this point I just don’t know. I think we’re going to take some time, review our internship policy, and re-evaluate our goals and priorities before accepting a new intern. We’ll take a good hard look at our office environment, our inventory, and our aura quotient before taking any applications.
Speaking of the webcam, I’m not sure what’s to become of it. For now it will remain up with an image of Nate’s vacant office, as a memorial to his memory.
Your support during this difficult time is appreciated.
Update: Douglas raises an important point. Memorial contributions can be sent to the ITF office, marked “Nate the Intern Memorial Fund.” Paypal accepted. Funds will be used to buy something cool for the Editor to help him recover from this loss.
11 Responses
September 27th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you because of your loss.
September 27th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
In the spirit of the season, I offer you a replacement intern.
A handsome yellow tom cat. Very friendly.
A sleek black was-a-mama cat. Only one batch of kittens to her credit.
Both would answer to ITFeline.
Free.* U-Pick. One or both.
* Recipients pays actual shipping costs.
September 27th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
Oh my. *shudder* No thank you Mark, but thanks for your thoughtfulness!
September 27th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
So, have to checked the pH in your tank lately? Also, I recommend Koi as your intern replacement. They seem to be even hardier than goldfish from my experience.
September 27th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
your world must have been truly rocked by this tragedy. Despite the many miles between us, our family feels your pain and sorrow. Nate was never one to make a big splash but was always willing to just blend in. As interns before him, I’m sure he went out on top. Did he exit on the porcelin expressway or was he carried out like he came , in a ziplock baggy? Im sure with all your pain and suffering you’ve simply forget one very important thing. Where would you like contributions to be sent?
September 27th, 2006 at 9:25 pm
My thoughts? The intern couldn’t handle the mental pressure of all the paparazzi from the webcam. Get a turtle, they’re more laidback.
September 28th, 2006 at 1:36 am
It’s so hard to know what to say at a time like this. If only I had the silver keyboard of our brother douglas. (Wonderful tear-evoking commentary, Doug.) I have a friend who has 10 turtles, she might be willing to give one up if you like the turtle idea. After a suitable period of mourning has elapsed, of course.
September 28th, 2006 at 11:19 pm
Tom, So sorry to hear of your loss. May I give you a suggestion? Maybe you should talk to my wife as I’m sure she has some excellent options. Maybe a dove(or two), very peaceful and soothing, not a lot of maintenance. Maybe a very affectionate female cat, that cannot reproduce of course and has no front claws. Both cats and birds last a while. If your interested, please contact her. You would make my life easier if you would help us reduce our pet population.
September 29th, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Oh Tom, our whole family feels your pain and suffer through the sleepless nights with you. Life is so uncertian and slippery, especially with your interns. I too get very attatched and affectionate with all kinds of little creatures, thats why I never allow anything other than honest to goodness humans to step or swim in my house. Been there, done that! My suggestion, dump the water down the toilet and throw away the fish bowl!
October 2nd, 2006 at 12:25 pm
throw away the fish bowl, that’s awful!!! I’m sure glad I saw this before I left our Wally dear read it. Wally is a wonderful 4″ goldfish, so active and responsive. loves to pucker up! :)
October 2nd, 2006 at 11:41 pm
I’d have to agree with John–especially since I was raised with his philosophy on the co-habitation of humans and other non-compatible species thoroughly engrained in my impressionable young mind! I have made one concession to my pet-loving daughters, though, and they have also been subjected to the grief of sending more than one fish down the insatiable “porcelain expressway.” I’m just waiting for the last four to go “belly-up” then we can be finished with this phase of life!