Tuesday, March 11, 2014
When I was a little girl I had the honor of being the flower girl at Nikitas and Irene’s wedding. Little did I know then that the baby girl they would have (Paulette) would become my dearest friend in life. Paulette I love you so much.
I spent many of my years as a child in the company of Nikitas. Whenever I walked in a room where he was I was greeted with the biggest smile and the warmest eyes you have ever seen. You knew that you mattered to Nikitas and he would never let you forget it. In his presence there was always so much laughter and love. He was funny and gentle and loving and kind.
Nikitas ALWAYS had time for me and he truly cared how I was doing and how my family was doing. When Nikitas walked into a room it became alive because he was so full of life. He was a proud Greek man who take care of many people. I don’t think I ever told him how special he was to me, a regret I now have.
So today I will tell his family: Your father, brother, friend, husband, was a dear and loving person who was special to everyone in our family. When Nikitas was around everyone in the room was happy. He radiated such a zest for life, something I always admired.
And while my heart aches for his family and I feel so sad he is gone, his memory is so alive. He lived a life that mattered and he made others feel special, what a gift he gave so many.
His memory will live on for me in his children, 3 of the MOST AMAZING people on this planet.
Nikita I love you, I miss you, and you will always occupy a huge place in my heart. Paulette, Kosta, and George I know how very special your father was to you and I know you know how lucky you were to have such an amazing man as your father, but all of you have Nikitas in you so his memory will live on through each of you forever. I love you all, Love Denise and my family.
