Love you mama🩷 Siblings are truly the best gift in life and losing them is such a indescribable pain. Both of my brothers have played such meaningful, yet different roles in shaping who I am today that I truly don’t think I could ever choose one over the other in terms of impact. One of them gave me the gift of love and friendship—he is the one I can laugh with, lean on, and simply be myself around. He has become my best friend and confidant. His presence makes me feel safe and supported in the most natural, comforting way. The other lent me advice, guiding me through deep mental struggles. He understood the darker parts of my life in a way no one else could. Because he had been through his own share of struggles, he never judged me—only offered the kind of support that comes from real understanding. Each of them brought something unique and irreplaceable into my life, one showed me how to love and enjoy life, and the other helped me survive it.
Who cut the onions?? haha... We were so blessed to have Garrett as a brother. He definitely helped us survive this world - for you more internally and for me mostly externally literally saving my life multiple times in different ways. I'm glad we could balance out your light and darkness. You have grown into such a beautiful soul and Garrett and I are honored to have helped shape you. Thank you for always being my sweet baby sis. I love you and will always be here for you, and will do my best to help you survive this world as well now.
Also, please don’t think I’m too weird, but they printed the picture of the three of you framed it and it’s now on the “family” wall in my hallway. I think my favorite picture was of Gay wearing the football helmet❣️ Gay was my very first babysitter; I remember growing up thinking she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. Thank you (as always) for so honestly sharing your emotions & life ♥️
I don’t remember ever seeing that picture. Football helmet? Must have been the powder puff game. Or was it a catcher’s mask? She played her senior year.
Nikki, you and Jim have both paid tribute to your siblings in a tender and loving way. How blessed you were to have them in your lives, leaving you with such beautiful memories.
What a brave story sharing your sister, Gay. You are fortunate to have 2 sisters. I also have 2 sisters and we are a force when we get together. Sisters have a strong bond. Like you still hearing her voice in the shoe store. You know just what they are going to say. You were a good care taker and honor her with this post.
I remember Patrick calling me and sharing the news that Gay had transitioned from Life to Spirit. You three sisters were always stronger and closer together, which was beautiful to see. Missing Gay always. Her calm and gentle soul touched so many lives.
Although every one of my siblings has brought incredible things into my life—and I appreciate each of them more than words can express—my sister Nikki has had the strongest impact of all. She is not only my closest friend and confidant, but also someone I deeply admire and look up to. She is truly part of my core being, and I am forever amazed by her gift for putting feelings into words. Love you, sis! ❤️
Sibling friendship! What a beautiful idea that all parents should encourage.🫶💞🫶
Agreed! My mom had 9 siblings, and she was close with all of them, even though she was nearly the youngest.
So beautifully written Nikki. Someone once told me there is no grief without love. So true!
You are truly blessed to have such loving sisters, and the ability to call up your warm memories of Gay.
Thanks, Ellen. I count my blessings every day.
Hailey, this is deep and full of incite. I’m not surprised as I watched them both shape you. 💕💕
Love you mama🩷 Siblings are truly the best gift in life and losing them is such a indescribable pain. Both of my brothers have played such meaningful, yet different roles in shaping who I am today that I truly don’t think I could ever choose one over the other in terms of impact. One of them gave me the gift of love and friendship—he is the one I can laugh with, lean on, and simply be myself around. He has become my best friend and confidant. His presence makes me feel safe and supported in the most natural, comforting way. The other lent me advice, guiding me through deep mental struggles. He understood the darker parts of my life in a way no one else could. Because he had been through his own share of struggles, he never judged me—only offered the kind of support that comes from real understanding. Each of them brought something unique and irreplaceable into my life, one showed me how to love and enjoy life, and the other helped me survive it.
Who cut the onions?? haha... We were so blessed to have Garrett as a brother. He definitely helped us survive this world - for you more internally and for me mostly externally literally saving my life multiple times in different ways. I'm glad we could balance out your light and darkness. You have grown into such a beautiful soul and Garrett and I are honored to have helped shape you. Thank you for always being my sweet baby sis. I love you and will always be here for you, and will do my best to help you survive this world as well now.
Also, please don’t think I’m too weird, but they printed the picture of the three of you framed it and it’s now on the “family” wall in my hallway. I think my favorite picture was of Gay wearing the football helmet❣️ Gay was my very first babysitter; I remember growing up thinking she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. Thank you (as always) for so honestly sharing your emotions & life ♥️
I don’t remember ever seeing that picture. Football helmet? Must have been the powder puff game. Or was it a catcher’s mask? She played her senior year.
Absolutely beautiful
Nikki, you and Jim have both paid tribute to your siblings in a tender and loving way. How blessed you were to have them in your lives, leaving you with such beautiful memories.
Thanks, Mary Jo. I wouldn't know how to get through the grief without the memories.
What a brave story sharing your sister, Gay. You are fortunate to have 2 sisters. I also have 2 sisters and we are a force when we get together. Sisters have a strong bond. Like you still hearing her voice in the shoe store. You know just what they are going to say. You were a good care taker and honor her with this post.
Thanks, Pam. As you know with your sisters, I will always love her.
I remember Patrick calling me and sharing the news that Gay had transitioned from Life to Spirit. You three sisters were always stronger and closer together, which was beautiful to see. Missing Gay always. Her calm and gentle soul touched so many lives.
Thanks for sharing Laura. Calm and gentle, but fierce!
True!!
Although every one of my siblings has brought incredible things into my life—and I appreciate each of them more than words can express—my sister Nikki has had the strongest impact of all. She is not only my closest friend and confidant, but also someone I deeply admire and look up to. She is truly part of my core being, and I am forever amazed by her gift for putting feelings into words. Love you, sis! ❤️
AWWE, thanks Helen. You are my best friend, as well.