Early Thursday morning I received the unexpected news that my uncle Nikolay Romaso passed away. According to his caregiver, he complained of chest pain, and so they called 911. The paramedics came and found him sitting on the couch with his hands on his chest. When he lost consciousness they started CPR and took him to the hospital while continuing CPR. The paramedics tried their best to bring him back but were unsuccessful. According to them, Nikolay had a massive heart attack.

I remember Uncle Mikola (as we called him) was a fun man to be around. He was full of energy. It seemed that he couldn’t stop moving. Even when sitting, his arms and legs were in motion. He was always somewhere doing something. When I was younger, our family loved to visit his family. We would sit in their living room and listen to his jokes and stories. If he wasn’t the one leading the conversation, he would lay down on the floor in the middle of the living room and fall asleep. That's when I learned that a knock on the door would make him jump up in a flash.

I know Uncle Mikola as a generous uncle who would give you anything you needed and even stuff you didn’t know you needed…for free. Paying him for anything was a battle. Shortly after I moved to Sacramento, my husband and I were remodeling our house. Guess who was there to help? Uncle Mikola. He was always ready to help. His pickup truck was a huge toolbox on wheels. He installed most of the kitchen for us and didn’t take a penny. His favorite word was “да, ти шо”. It seemed to me that he knew how to do everything. Many times, he would drive the extra mile to bring us fruits and vegetables. Honestly, we didn’t always need all that food, but looking back, I understand that’s how he knew to show that he cared.

As time went on I learned that uncle Mikola had estranged himself from his family and was quick to attack anyone who he believed was a threat to his way of thinking.

For those of you who have been hurt by Nikolay’s words or actions, please forgive him and let go of the hurt. Set yourself free from the prison of unforgiveness. May the Lord Jesus help you and guide you through this process so you can be free.

If it is in your heart to help cover funeral costs, I am very grateful.

May the Lord Jesus Christ bless each one of you and help you make wise choices so that you can finish your race with family by your side and only good things remembered by those who know you.