Oh man – Where do I begin? Nick was unique. He was a thinker, an observer, and he had a kind, caring, generous, loving heart who was always very loyal. The relationships he had with those around him were more important to him than others realize. He respected and admired Salina. Whenever Nick and I went on walks together or had long periods where we could talk freely, he would talk about how he craved on-on-one time with her, and always felt better after those moments. I remember recently when we got coffee at this little coffee shop in old town San Juan Capistrano and he talked about how Salina and how she knew him really well. I also remember when we went to the Sawdust Festival together and he helped pick out a card for Salina’s Birthday – another instance of just how thoughtful Nick was. Nick also loved the staff and clients at South Orange County Detox and Treatment. I could tell by how he joked around with Alex and how he would lovingly jab at him over rival hockey teams that he truly enjoyed Alex’s company. Both Salina and Alex took the time to talk and listen to Nick, especially Salina, and I know he always appreciated those times. He also loved Travis like a brother. He would laugh like I’ve never seen, with him. He appreciated how Travis could let himself loose and have fun being the outgoing extrovert.

Nick was a great artist, as well during art group he always created awe-inspiring work in such a short amount of time with so much depth, meaning, and symbolism behind it all – All mirroring who he was – Deep, meaningful and symbolic. I’m going to miss him and the relationship we had. I’m going to miss the names we called each other. I’m going to miss calling him “Nikolai.” I’m going to miss the Don Francisco’s he would leave me in the morning before work. I’m going to miss talking about music, about art, photography, hearing the trips he took when he saw his brother (whom he loved held dearly), hearing about the funny stories surrounding his co-workers; going to miss the desserts he would let me taste that his sister had made for him; going to miss hearing about his tagging adventures; going to miss the talks and connection we had – I’m just going to miss him. I’m going to miss the awesome Birthday Cards/Art that he invested so much time into for everyone. I’m going to miss seeing how much enjoyed playing guitar when we played together. I’m going to miss his sense of humor and his laugh and smile. I miss when we were roommates together and would watch “Family Guy” and crack-up together. I wish I could’ve gotten to do things we talked about doing together. I just wish I would’ve had more time with him. It is going to be tough saying good-bye to Nick – things have been tough, in general, with him gone.