Life and Death

My choice for today... a pair of damselflies starting new life.  I thought this was appropriate on a day that we learned of the passing of someone dear to us, Ollie Nikoloff.  

You may recall last year when our beloved Aunt Millie lost her battle with lung cancer.  Ollie, her companion of 40 years, was at her side when she passed, and in the months following her death, he mourned.  His adult daughter and her husband moved in with him - a blessing so that he would be with loved ones, rather than alone with his memories.  This winter, he decided that he would come to Florida, as he and Millie did every winter to escape the cold upstate NY winters.  Apparently, his health took a bad turn shortly after he arrived - he passed on February 19 with his daughter and granddaughter at his side.  

His final days were spent surrounded by his closest family members.  He was 88 years old.  He lived a full life, he loved passionately and was loved in return.  I am honored to have known him and I hope that he is out there somewhere now with Willie and my father-in-law, having some good wine and some laughs.  

Rest in peace, Ollie. You will always be in our hearts.

Don't ever forget to tell people you love them - you never know when it will be too late to say the things we should all say.  

Good night...

Debbi