Impact in space

In a few years, there may be as many things floating in cyberspace as there are in outer space.

But some things in cyberspace - some small, singular bits of the human heart - will stand out nonetheless.

Consider the e-mail that Andrew Humphries sent to famous Duke University men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

"Coach K" was mulling an offer to leave Duke after 24 years to take over the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. A glamorous spot in the sport's highest echelon.

Humphries, a 19-year-old bleed-blue Duke fan, pleaded with the coach to stay. Humphries told of how he grew up fantasizing of playing for the coach, but settled - more than eagerly - for being his biggest fan.

The e-mail might have merely floated off into cyberspace. Instead, it made an impact. Krzyzewski turned down the Lakers and told a news conference that Humphries' e-mail had brought him to tears and reminded him how special his bond was at Duke.

The coach's wife, Mickie, even left a grateful message on Humphries' cell phone.

"She said the e-mail really meant a lot to her and her husband," Humphries said.

You never know what a difference a few words from you will make.

Even in the vast reaches of cyberspace.