Daniel and Nikki have known each other since they were very small. Their birthdays are so close in days that we often had to discuss who was doing what on what day so no one would ever have to choose whose birthday to attend because...who could choose between these two???? Both have loving free and artistic spirits. Both are wise and thoughtful souls....and no matter what time passed between them, they would always reconnect in some way. They grounded each other...they were best friends.
I was fortunate enough to have an amazing visit with Nikki just shortly after her and her boyfriend Riley's return from Europe just a few short weeks ago.
Nikki shared some wonderful memories with me. Both in spoken word and even some in print. For she was amazing enough to have printed off some conversations her and Daniel had, while reconnecting on more than one occasion. Along with some heart searchingly poetic "Daniel-speak", She also shared a poem he wrote for her (albeit edited for grandparents eyes)
It's as beautiful as she is...and the world should know it...and know her.
i guess i'm just sarcasm bound safely in sincerity
i convey the words and add sound so people hear me
and i'm as lost as any other of my finally found brothers
i wouldn't replace any of them for anyone,
no others could compare to the friends i've got.......
but there's one special lady, god i love her like crazy
who's always got my back, despite all the wack
shit i've done, run straight back, she's the one
its miraculous the spectacular spirit of this Achilles girl
so this one's especially for you, look i finally did it
this is finally the song you've deserved and now you get it
when you're this emotional, like a roller coaster or an anti soldier
you need the kinda people stable, you can hold onto like a boulder
so when you find those giving ones, who never ask for any return
well it matters and lifts the whole weight of the world
you keep them close to your heart, but closer to your soul
even if sometimes you end up acting like a complete a**hole
but if they love you like they say they do,
then they know that's gonna happen too
and they wont ever spit at you or get picky
so i know when i feel like sh*t
and honestly just want to quit,
i think of the best friend i've ever had, that's you Nikki
I don't know if everyone can appreciate these words but what he was saying was that Nikki's friendship endured all things. She loved him no matter what he did, who he was...and no matter how imperfect he felt, she never judged...just offered her loving words and encouragement, believe me,Daniel didn't feel completely understood by many people in his life....
Thank you Nikki, for loving this boy "who thinks in song". His care, respect and admiration for you was never ending. Your talent and "spectacular spirit" made his life richer. Thank you for showing him how to be "light" and to embrace his flaws and face his demons. He felt safe and not judged by you....a gift so rare in friendship.
You truly were his boulder. And your painting of Daniel, I will proudly hang in my home forever.
Happy twenty first sweetie xo
