To Giovana Nordman, With Love

The world is a little less bright today. Gia’s light shone far and wide, warming everyone and everything in its path. Gia was like a firework- bold, fierce, explosive, colorful, and beautiful. And like a firework, her spirit disappeared from the sky, exiting on the breeze.

The suddenness of her passing seems almost too much to bear, as witnessed by speaking to so many of her loved ones and friends yesterday. Her husband, Rick Nordman, is now a single parent of an 8-year-old boy who lost his mom only 5 minutes after he had hugged and kissed her. How do you explain any of this to him? Rick’s stepson, Nico, who recently joined the Navy and is in boot camp in San Diego, will also be leaning on Rick for support.

I know Rick is still in shock and he’s in survival dad mode, taking care of business, because that’s what Rick does. He will always make sure everyone around him is okay. It’s a wonderful trait to have, but it can also be detrimental when you forget to take care of yourself.

I want anyone who reads this to make sure you touch base with Rick. Not just today or tomorrow. He needs his family and friends to continue making sure he is okay. So much pain in so many hearts. Such an enormous amount of healing needed for this family. A life taken so suddenly, so shockingly abrupt, defying reason.

Gia, I will forever remember your beautiful accent, your smile, your love for and pride in both Nico and Ethan, and you getting to know me and accepting me into your life. You didn’t have to do it, but you did. I will never forget that. Rest easy. Your life was so very meaningful, even though it was brief.

Go knowing that your family is surrounded by love and they will survive, and someday they will again thrive.