My husband and I had a great loss in our family. My husband's cousin Niki has died. As pictured: Niki is far left, AJ is in the middle and I am on the right. This picture was taken her last trip to Minnesota in July 2005. Thank you AJ for the picture-I forgot that we took this one! Niki lived in Texas near her parents and sister Natalee(18) and brother Nathan (16). Ronnie's mom and other family members hopped planes and drove the 20 hours down to Texas. We are uncertain of when the memorial actually is, but maybe on Monday or Tuesday. Ronnie's cousin AJ explains the situation and details perfect:

"This will be a gut wrenching weekend for all and I, once again, ask that you keep them (us) in your prayers. The details of Niki's passing, I feel, should be kept mostly private and between family and friends. With this being such a public forum I do not want to risk exploiting anyone.What I can tell you is that Niki's death was most unexpected and a devastating shock to my entire family. My little cousin Nathan did try and save his older sister. My uncle did not want to leave her side and needed assistance doing so. Such tragedy is enough to take the breath straight from your body. I feel like I have so much I want to say, but at the same time, cannot piece together any words. ... Thank you all for being my listening ear and support.We are broken and sad, but your kind words lift our spirits."

I only got the pleasure of meeting Niki once. She was a sweet and heart warming person. When she walked into a room it lit up and she would make anyone feel welcomed to talk with her. It is so hard to accept such a young soul to die, but she will live forever in our hearts. It is amazing someone so young could touch so many people.

We are praying for her family down in Texas who's pain is intense, even more so than ours. Please pray to keep her family strong through this painful and very difficult time. We will miss you Niki and we are sorry to see you go...