My heart is heavy today with sorrow because I just heard of the passing of Francis (Goose) Gosling. Goose was my very dear friend and loved brother in Christ. I will miss him more deeply than words could ever describe. I will remember always his smile, terrific sense of humour, bright and alert mind and deep faith in God. His was a life greatly lived. I feel grateful that God allowed me to become friends with such a remarkable person.

To all of Goose's family and friends, I join you in mourning his loss and celebrating his life.

The fullness of Goose's life and his passing has led me to ponder the question: "What is the value of a life when it is finished on this earth?'' When everything is over, when there is nothing left that we can do, where we go and what lives on after us become questions of utmost importance. Where we go is a matter between God and each of us. Goose answered that question years ago by placing his trust in Jesus' death on the cross as payment for the penalty of his sin and he placed his trust in Jesus' resurrection to life as his hope for eternal life with God. I have done the same and have no doubt that Goose right now is in the joyful, personal care of the one he loved the most -- the Lord, Jesus Christ. Death is often spoken of as eternal rest, but I'm not too sure Goose is resting. It wasn't his style. I think he is running and laughing all the way through Heaven. This thought makes me truly smile.

What lives on after us here on earth for many is some cash, perhaps, real estate, stock, some collected items, children and the deeds we have done while here. The material items are soon transferred to others and become their property. The children and the deeds, however, remain the lasting legacy of our lives. Good deeds leave a good legacy. Selfish, hurtful and evil deeds leave a dark legacy. Goose Gosling didn't just leave a good legacy. He left a great legacy. Although he had no children of his own, he made the children of Bermuda his very own. Through his years of coaching young people and his tireless work and support of Young Life, (a non-denominational Christian ministry), thousands of kids on the Islands of Bermuda were given a chance to have an adult friend who cared for them unconditionally. These same kids were given a chance to travel with Goose to great adventures in other parts of the world. Most importantly, these kids were given a chance to know God through Jesus Christ in a personal way.

I met Goose around 1980. By that time, he had already spent many years as an influence for good in Bermuda, his beloved Island Country. Goose was so dedicated to helping kids that he built a special "club room'' on the side of his house just for kids. The result was that kids had a place to go after school and on weekends to play ping-pong, have sodas and just "hang out'' with positive people who were committed to helping them succeed in life by first knowing God. This room hosted countless Young Life evening meetings.

As an afterthought, Goose had wondered what to do with the space left under the "club room''. He told me he could park his car there, but since he had one car (and it was at least ten years' old), there was still much open space.

So, he decided to build a small efficiency apartment with a bathroom, kitchen, closet, enough room for a couple of beds, and a dining room table. This room holds a special place in my heart. Goose made this apartment available to people in Christian ministry, free of charge. Many spent their honeymoons in "Goose's little hideaway'', and the rest of us were able to have a place where we could go to vacation and refresh ourselves. I would never have been able to afford to travel to your beautiful Country if it had not been for Goose's generosity. I have stayed with Goose many times over the years. Those treasured times are eternally etched upon my mind.

This is not all. Several years ago, my wife became ill and the medical costs for her treatment were very high. Goose heard about this, and very quietly sent funds to help with these medical costs.

If you never met Goose then I am sorry. Those of us who knew him have deeper and more faith-filled lives because of him. He was a prince among mere men and a servant of the living God. His life reminds me to give more generously, laugh more often and love until I think I can't love anymore, then love a little more.

Many of us have lost a dear friend. Bermuda has lost a national treasure. I am sorry for all of our loss but I find comfort in the fact that I will see Goose again and we will spend the rest of eternity talking, running, worshipping and even laughing with joy at the feet of the one we love -- Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rev. Don Mook, Senior Pastor, The Fellowship Church, Florida Goose was a great friend February 16, 2001 Dear Sir, With scores of others who knew him, I feel a personal loss at the passing of Francis (Goose) Gosling.

We shared a friendship lasting some 40 years, from the time in 1961 when he asked me to coach the Ramblers FC, which he formed in 1958 and mentored until 1964. Ironically, our final meeting proved to be last October at the 40th Anniversary of the Ramblers FC.

The links in the chain of our friendships were forged by sport at all levels in Bermuda from clubs to international; but the great joy of his life was Young Life.

Since our last meeting a few months ago we exchanged correspondence and in a recent letter he wrote about not having children of his own; "... that wasn't in his plan. I think he'll leave me with kids until he's finished with me. What a blessing!'' So passes a gentle man -- a gentleman -- and we should be grateful for his legacy.

TOM WARREN Canada Well done team! February 18, 2001 Dear Sir, To our National Under-17 players, coaches, families and supporters I say thank you for giving your all in the recently concluded tournament. With my fingers crossed, I believed that you have triggered something inside us Bermudians which is important to the soul of a people. You gave us an opportunity to think "Us'' instead of "Me''. What we experienced at the almost-completed National Sports Centre on Friday night was unforgettable! Our team played with class and conducted themselves as their coaches had demanded. The fact that their head coach, Kenny Thompson, teaches at CedarBridge, and most of the players attend that school, is sufficient evidence that the students have the potential to do something well. It's up to us to transform their commitment in soccer to commitments in other areas, including academic performance.

To my Jamaican friends, "Nuff Respect''. May your team go on to represent your country well in the tournament.

But do not forget that our youngsters only gave you a glimpse of what the future holds! I trust that we won't have to wait for too long for what should be the inevitable rematch, whether the venue is Kingston or Bermuda. We will go wherever our young men go.

You see, my Jamaican friends, whereas your teams have always enjoyed the fanatical and everlasting support of its government and people, we have just witnessed a historical U-turn of our Country's emotions regarding international sporting events! Our sporting public appears ready to overcome its shyness about attending contests, no longer willing to withdraw their physical support because of illegal conduct on the part of some fans whose behaviour we should leave to the proper authorities.

To the BFA I suggest the following: Make bold decisions, try new angles and watch Bermuda support you! DR. EWART F. BROWN, JP MP Minister of Transport Hamilton Thank you P.A.L.S. February 15, 2001 Dear Sir, Through the medium of your newspaper column, I would like to express my gratitude to P.A.L.S. for taking such wonderful care of my husband Peter during his 20-month battle against cancer, which, sadly, he lost in December.

The P.A.L.S. nurses were truly "angels of mercy''. They were extremely professional and competent. Their caring manner extended not only to Peter, but to our whole family.

We will always be grateful to Anne Brown, Joanne Armstrong, Shirley Higgs and Josie Wright for providing the assistance which made it possible for Peter to remain at home during his illness rather than be hospitalised.

Lindsay Manderson completes this wonderful team. Although not involved in his care, she showed concern for Peter. We were assured that we could call on these wonderful nurses at any time for help, which we did.

Unfortunately, none of us is immune to cancer and Bermuda is extremely fortunate to have P.A.L.S. who will provide support for all cancer patients without charge. However, this invaluable care would not be possible without the financial support of P.A.L.S. by the people of Bermuda.

Thank you for allowing me space in your newspaper.

JANET GRAYSTON Flatts