Nils was always the fun uncle. Despite being a paraplegic, there was never a moment when anyone viewed him as incapable. He carried himself with a strength and presence that made him seem truly invincible.
There are countless memories I could share, but one stands out most clearly. I believe it was Christmas at Carol Finn’s house. Whenever Nils was back on the East Coast, I would always find a way to keep him on his toes. In fact, I don’t think there was ever a family gathering where I didn’t insist on taking his wheelchair so I could play with it. Looking back now, I realize that, in a sense, I was taking his legs—something I didn’t fully understand at the time. It certainly explains why my mom was always scolding me for it.
On one of those occasions, I accidentally ran over his foot. He cried out as if he were in tremendous pain, and I immediately broke down in tears, sitting there in his wheelchair, overwhelmed with guilt. Then, he began to laugh and said, “Nicole, I can’t feel my feet.” I remember being so confused, thinking I must have hurt him badly. That moment led to a meaningful conversation where he explained that while his legs were still there, he could not feel anything.
From that day forward, I saw him as invincible. To me, he felt no pain and embodied a level of strength I had never seen before.
Even after that, I continued to take his chair whenever I could. He never once told me to give it back. I would roll around, often causing a bit of chaos, and he would always cover for me—taking the blame because he knew my mom would be upset. That was simply who he was. Nils was incredibly selfless.
He understood that whenever he attended family gatherings, he might end up sitting off to the side because I had taken his “legs,” yet he never complained. Instead, he allowed me to be a child and always made me feel loved and supported.
He will be deeply missed. The impact he had on my life is immeasurable, and it is something I will carry with me always.
You will be missed forever, Nils. I promise I will find your chair again in the next life.
With love,
Nicole Jorgensen
