There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains. Three years ago today our sister, Nikki, entered the deep blue for the last time.

“I’m moving gently forward over the wild and beautiful unexplored world below me. I am floating in silence and breaking it up with the sound of my breath.

Above me there is nothing but shimmery light; the place where I come from and will go back to when I am done here.

I am diving. I am a SCUBA diver. I’m going deeper past the wrinkled rocks and dark seaweed toward a deep blueness where a school of silver fish wait. As I swim through the water, bubbles burst from me, wobbling as little jellyfish as they rise.

I check my air. I don’t have as much time as I need to see everything, but that is what makes it so special.” – Bridge to Terabithia

I have a framed photograph of Nikki in my office lobby that I walk by nearly every day so that I’m often reminded of her. People who come into my office ask me all the time: “Who’s the lady in this photograph?” And then I quietly explain. And then I remember.

When I think about Nikki and the events surrounding her disappearance and subsequent memorial, inevitably I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for MY life, those that I love and care for, and for all of the wondrous experiences that I’ve had. It feels good to honor her in this way.

But today, I want to remember her LIFE. Nikki, wherever you are, please know that I remember your generous heart, your friendly spirit, and your bright smiles. Today, I’m sending love and warmth to your family and friends along with the hope that they may find peace and comfort in happy memories.

You, too, can honor Nikki today by taking a few moments to reflect on your friends, your life, your dreams, and most importantly, those that you hold closest to your hearts. Remember that each and every moment is precious. Live that way!! Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

She succeeded.

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"Fish, I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends." ~ The Old Man and the Sea

A very touching tribute.

I'm still speechless after all these years......

At least she's in good company and I hope they are all together diving deep in crystal clear water shotting huge fish!!!!


Thanks for looking over all of us as we continue to enjoy the sport we all love. I see a little of all of you in the ocean everytime I dive.

PJ


PS.....Thanks for sending the big fish my way on occasion!

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I dive with the fallen who I know are watching over me! RIP Jeff, Nikki, and Johny...may you be hunting in 100+ ft viz with stacks of fish. You will be missed my friends!

Rachel and I think of her often mostly around the SPO time since that's where we first met her years ago and always spent the SPO night partying together. She is deeply missed by all that she gracefully touched.

Amazing tribute!!!! Hopefully, when we go that we have touched people like yourself so that our memory stays alive. Thanks for this post so that the family, friends and entire dive community remembers and celebrates life.

Made several nice trips with Nikki. RIP

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Steve Moore 305 849 0866
steve@keysmobilediving.com
www.keysmobilediving.com

Very nice Lisa. Have a pic of Nikki and Jan over my desk at home that brings back great memories of her and others that gone way to young! Rest in peace Nikki.

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She is surely missed by many.

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Aquatic Obsessions Dive Shopwww.AOdive.com
Tampa Bay Spearfishing Club www.tampabayspearfishingclub.org
St. Pete Underwater Club www.stpeteopen.com

Wow, so sad, I know you guys/girls loved her so much. I know she would like knowing you have not forgotten her! frank

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Who likes shooting grouper in 25ft ?

With love from home. I miss you,as you well know.

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http://www.spearingmagazine.com/

Thank you Petra. She must have been an amazing woman. God has been good to give us life.

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nec timor nec temeritas (neither fear nor foolhardiness.)

4 years today ::sigh:: You haven't been forgotten Nikki. 9/22

She loved this picture

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"Fish, I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends." ~ The Old Man and the Sea

She left us way to soon. Rest on my friend !

Nikki, I think of you often and know you're in a better place .
But I still miss you nonetheless .. my pictures & memories are what I hold.
You are still here. I feel you're thoughts as time continues on.....

I did not know her - But through the last few years have learned much of her. How Tragic things happen is a mystery we may never learn.

One thing I do know....She was loved and respected dearly by those who knew her. I had the pleasure of spearfishing with some who knew her well, last year during the PDO. And yes - I wore that dress - No shame and would do it again -

Even though I was the loser that day. I learned a little something about the true spearfishing community - And true they are - In every way.

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Frequently in my thoughts as the others we have lost along the way.

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Chris Grauer- "To protect, promote, and grow the sport of spearfishing" www.spearfishingplanet.com

Last trip we saw a safety sausage just float by, barnacled up. Crew couldn't understand why I wanted to leave it there. Nikki is always remembered

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FLORIDA FREESHAFTER

www.e-searider.com/store
"Fish Hard-Ride E-Sea"

A smile you could never forget.

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What a nice memorial, Lisa!

I have a picture of Nikki and Daryl Wong together that always makes me smile.

Lisa, Thanks for the very touching tribute.
It is always good to stop and reflect on life, and what is truly important.