I got banned for a month about a month before VMK closed. I spent the last month of VMK's life wishing I could play. I was unbanned a few days prior to its closure, however, so I just talked to friends mostly.
I remember the last person I talked to was an awesome guy named PMFan. I couldn't stay up until VMK closed, so once I logged off, I knew that it was over.
I never really kept in contact with any friends I made on VMK. It's sad. I really wish I did.