There is a giant hole in the fabric of the earth RIP Lettie. On Sunday I emerged from the outback of rural Niger and the blissfulness that comes with being totally disconnected, into the capital Niamey and a deluge of various messages informing me of the heartbreaking news that Nix Lettie Haynes had passed away over the weekend after the most brave and hard fight imaginable against the evil that is cancer. For those that have been following this ride, youll know that Nix has been more than just an extraordinary friend and the Lettie in #LettiesRide, but an inspiration beyond measure, not just to me, but to everyone that came in contact with her during her beautiful, special, but far too short life. The sheer number of messages of support and condolence that I have received from so many people, including many that never had the privilege of meeting Lettie, but whose lives have been touched by the unique spirit and light that she emitted to the world, are testament to the immeasurable positive impact that this special human made on our planet...and will continue to do so. It isnt often in life you meet people who really deeply change your life, but Nikki Hayes has been one of those in mine...Ive never met someone with such a unique and contagious spirit for life, and it affected me massively...and Im certainly not alone as so many will testify to. At this time, words can never express the true sense of loss, but my thoughts are at this time are especially with Nixs husband, Zoog, their three delightful young children, Ty, Lia and Slater, and the rest of the family...may every strength in the world be with you all at this time. Nix, thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for showing us whats important in life through your actions, and the importance of appreciation and celebration thereof. Theyre lessons none of us who knew you will ever forget. What a legacy. To close, Id like to quote Zoogs text from Letties going away party invite which sums up Nix so beautifully... If you where expecting this to start with the usual Please will you join...the family in celebrating the life... I am very happy to disappoint you. There was nothing usual about our Nikkis life, and there will be nothing usual about her going away party. What a girl - Nikki changed lives, loved intensely, lived abundantly and fought a battle few would even dare to start. On Friday we acknowledge this life as mates and families and give thanks to our heavenly father for sharing her with us. Finally, Id like to take the liberty of extending the request from Zoog, made at the end of the invitation, to everyone reading this and following #LettiesRide, Flowers - instead of buying flowers, please rather pay for some random couples dinner bill on your next night out, and sign it With love from Lettie. PLEASE DO SO. I apologise in advance for the lack of diaries or other updates for the next week or so. Im very glad and comfortable to be breaking my own no-return rule to join Zoog, and mates and families at Nikkis going away party in Natal on Friday. (There are so many people I need to thank for various forms of help in making this happen...which I will do in my next diary). I look forward to resuming #LettiesRide next week with more passion and vigour than ever, in Nikkis memory, and attempt in my own tiny way to celebrate her life...and life in general. Ron, Niamey, Niger, 15 July 2014. FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN MORE DETAIL ON HOW #LETTIESRIDE BECAME # LETTIESRIDE, PLEASE VISIT fatkidonabike/uncategorized/why-letties-ride/
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:08:29 +0000
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