Nikolaos Zeritis

Papi, you wouldn't let me in.Oh, how I wanted to be there with you in the end. Just to hold your hand. But you never let me in.You trusted the untrustworthy. You knew that I would see to it that your final exit would be peaceful for you, and your last wishes would be carried out like you wanted because we understood each other like no one else did. But you never let me in.The beautiful home that you welcomed your wife into has been completely gutted and trashed by her since you left us. Your handsome portrait from 40 years ago has been ripped from its lovely frame and thrown into the corner of your now empty bedroom floor. I wish you would have let me in.With Great Love and Great Sadness,Always your little girl,Deine Kleine Dinilein

I am Nikolaos' younger daughter. I was closer to him than anyone, and he told me he had great love and trust and respect for me. He taught me a lot in life, and I know he loved me dearly, as I did him. However, since I am not his Next-of-Kin I am not allowed to grieve for my father. His wife did not tell my sister or I that he died, nor did she invite us to his funeral. I know from my heart that my father would "roll over in his grave" if he knew the grief his wife is causing for his beloved daughters, his real blood family.At least you can finally Rest in Peace, Papi. I love you and will always remember you in my heart,Your "Dinilein"

Dearest family,My thoughts and prayers are with you. Nik taught me the value of work, and the rewards of eating well, exercise, and sunbathing. He was a dear friend to me for more than three decades. May light perpetual shine on him. With affection, David and Cassandra