Thursday, April 13, 2017
Papou, when I look back at so many of my most cherished memories, these are memories which involve you. As a child, you were undoubtedly one of the men in my life that was a role model to me, and someone that I tried so hard to impress and please. Our Saturday morning breakfasts at the Surf and Turf was not only an event that I so very much looked forward to as a kid, but looking back these events were examples of the foundational blocks that you helped lay in my life. Any time spent in your house, was a time spent surrounded by family and love. Wether it was Christmas Eve, a birthday, or just a regular Sunday evening, there were so many events that you made sure you opened your house and heart and filled it with the people that you loved. It was events like these that at an early age showed me the importance of family and the sacrifices that strong and loving families must make for each other in order for that family to reach its fullest potential. When Yiayia got sick, your strength and dedication to your wife and our family was unfairly tested and I will never forget how you responded. Watching Yiayia suffer was the most painful thing that we have ever experienced, and your love and support to her was an incredible thing to witness. From you, I learned so much about my marriage and the vows that I took and I hope that when God challenges me that I can respond with your strength and dedication. Over the last seven years, it was a tremendous joy watching you with your great grandchildren. Most kids don't have the opportunities to experience life with great grandparents, and watching you experience life with Harper, Everett, Makena, Charlie and Patrick was such a joy. I can't explain the glow that came over you when you were in the presence of your great grandchildren, but it was special. Now that your gone, I feel a large void in me, but because of how you lived and what you taught me, I know that I must and I will fill that void with family. I love you, I miss you, but it gives me joy to know that somehow, somewhere, you are experiencing the next life reunited with Yiayia. <br><br>Love, Nick
