Last week I lost the love of my life. Her name was Nina, but she was known to most as Niki. She was John Karlen's biggest fan. She had a memorial cement plaque made with JK's service in Korea installed at the college where she worked - Aiken Technical College in South Carolina. John thought the world of Niki. The last Fest we attended, Niki had found a Broadway playbill type thing that JK had starred in. He signed it for her and thought it was the greatest thing in the world that she had come across this thing. We talked to JK often. He was always interrested in what we were cooking on the grill, steaks, veggies, you name it. He really adored my Niki.
There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am. I miss her so much. She was a published author, wrote a book about the Graniteville train wreck. She was a reporter at heart and ran down the street from our home to photograph the disaster, with no thought of her own safety. The picture was published through the API - worldwide. She was interviewed by several corps across the country. Niki had a heart of gold. She often cooked big Sunday dinners and brought them to people in our community less fortunate than ourselves. She made my life so wonderful, never a thought of herself. She brought me much happiness and joy throughout our daily lives. I'm going to miss her. My life is so empty without her. She made me so wicked happy every single waking day. I am so lost and lonely. Anyway, say a prayer for her. She loved Dark Shadows, and adored Willie. She loved Old Man Frid too. Christina Pilz is going to post some of Niki's stories on her website. I will forward the web address when I am settled. I have come back to New England to be with my family. Anyone that wants to send me a hug may do so. I need it bad.
Bless you all. Niki loved you and so do I.
