to my dear blogging friends,
I had thought this day would never happen. My fingers feel frozen as I pick at the jumble of letters I must try to arrange into thoughts and words.
Today is Nick’s birthday.
Late afternoon on Tues, September 14, after a few months of struggle, Nick lost the battle. He left peacefully holding our hands, but – oh it’s going to be so hard. We all were there. I kept calling his name. I so miss him already.
Nick was from Athens Greece though born on the island of Kefalonia. He started out in the merchant marine in his late teens and then moved to Canada. After much hardship of working as a janitor, he went to cooking school. The rest is history. His restaurant became a great gathering place for many years and everyone loved his cuisine from kebabs to pizza, He had a Celtic soul because he loved the Emerald Isle and the misty highlands of Scotland. He made a mean Irish stew with soda bread and Bailey’ s cheesecake. Everyone loved his fabulous meals, his deadpan jokes and warmth- and oh the stories!
I really thought he’d pull through this and we’d be together traveling for many more years. He was my life through good and bad and his humour kept us going. I bet a lot of people didn’t know he was a drummer and played in a band long ago which is why he enjoyed my brother Dean’s music. He loved my mom and dad and at every celebration his touch was in Mom’s kitchen (with her permission of course!)
His music was eclectic, from Opera to rock, and traditional Greek and Celtic music. Our travels were wonderful whether to the misty Isles or to Mexico or to Peter and Becky’s place in Penticton, not to mention our fossil runs to Courtney.
I kept begging him to fight and after a few days in ICU he wanted to come home. The last words he heard from me before they intubated him and placed him in a coma. were- don’t worry, I’m right here and then we both said, I love you. . And now he isn’t here or maybe he is behind me, or in the garden. The veil feels very thin. I can’t imagine the rest of my life right now.
You squeezed my hand as I spoke to you and you left quietly with a tear and a sigh. You are off traveling again but for now I cannot go and so my darling
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Till we meet again God Speed, a chuisle mo chroí and Agapemou,
Hold those you love close, every day!
-Wait! We are still driving the coast of Kerry and stopping at Paidi O’ She’s Pub for refreshment and music before heading on. Or you might find us at Greyfriars Bobby’s pub in Edinburgh. How Nick loved that story!
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So I’ll drink today, love,
I’ll sing to you, love
in pauper’s glory, my time I’ll bide
No home or ties, love,
A restless rover, if I can’t have you
by my side. ( Rankin Family)
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Oh Cybele I’m so very very sorry. Thinking of you my dear friend and sending much love
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I am so very sorry to hear this. May your good memories sustain you. xo
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thank you Darlene!! Yes many manay memories though I am mostly crying . They say it gets better.
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My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Take care. Sending you love – Suzanne
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Dearest friend, I feel your immense sorrow which you have so poignantly conveyed in your heartfelt account. You cannot see me, but I do hope that you can feel me trying to comfort you. There is no distance that love and friendship cannot cross. I am deeply and sincerely sorry for your loss. May you always find solace in the love you you shared. Love never dies.
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Oh my heart is breaking for you right now. I hope with time your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Sending hugs and love on the wing. 🥰💕
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I‘m sorry for your loss, Cybele. May the lord send an angle to comfort you
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Sorry to hear about your loss Cybele, my deepest condolances
I will keep Nick in my prayers
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May you find peace with your memories, Cybele.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences and many prayers.
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My dear friend. My sincere condolences. I send my love ands support.
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My deepest condolences, dear Cybele. I feel your pain. My the spirit of God give you strength to pull through this.
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So so sorry this mourning is yours, Cybele.
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Very sorry to hear this, Cybele. Take good care of yourself. Adrian
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Oh, Hannah, I’m so very sad for you….your loss will be unbearable for what seems forever, but you will find ways to manage. Sending Virtual hugs and lots of love Sue
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I’m truly sorry for your loss, Cybele. May you find the strength to handle the grief, and may all the memories that you shared always be with you.
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My heart is with you
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Much, much love to you xx
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. From our family to yours our condolences go out to you and your family. Take care All our love
Janice, Irma and the rest of the Benedetti family
On Fri, Sep 17, 2021 at 11:05 AM the runes of the gatekeeper’s daughter wrote:
> the dune mouse posted: “to my dear blogging friends, I had thought this > would never happen. My fingers can barely pick at the jumble of letters I > must try to arrange into thoughts and words. Today is Nick’s birthday. Late > afternoon on Tues, September14, Nick lost the ba” >
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My dear Cybele, I’m so sad for you. Your sense of loss must seem quite unbearable right now. Nick sounds like a wonderful man and a great partner with whom you’ve shared so many good times. I wish you peace in your grief and send you many hugs. xxx
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I cry for you, I do cry for you.
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I share your immense sorrow and feel next to you and your family. You retain a lovely memory of Nick, your heart will never be empty.
Glauco
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I am so very sorry for your loss. A wonderful life lived and shared. You will be in my thoughts. Do take good care.
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