Harry James Nidel II

It's hard to believe it has been over six years since we've seen you last.  I'll never forget the excitement of your birth and my love for the scrawny little guy born on 9/11.  Miss you always and Happy Birthday dearest nephew!

Cheers! 

I find it really hard to believe that another year has passed without out you.  It was nice to wake up and see a Happy Birthday wish to you from Elizabeth on FB. It was almost like you were here and you'd see the wishes and celebrate with a shot or two of Jack. Cheers buddy!

xo 

Happy Birthday buddy! Hard to beleive you'd be 28 today.  While I wish I could have seen more of the man you were becoming I am glad I have so many years of fun memories. I just got a chuckle thinking of you in your Don Johnson suit Harrymoners.   
On this day, we decided to have a bithday party for another little pipsquick in the family. We will be thinking of you all day as always. Y

xo

Aunt C

Thought about you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part. God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart.

What you don't have you don't need it now 
What you don't know you can feel it somehow 
What you don't have you don't need it now 
Don't need it now 
Was a beautiful day....

In the wise words of U2, "It was a Beautiful Day" when you entered in to the world and when you joined the eternal grace of God. I am sure you are rolling your eyes preferring I quoted something from Nelly, Mase...but some lyrics are still unprintable.

We still miss you...still. 

Happy 27th Birthday Harry. As we age, it gets harder to believe we are not young carefree kids anymore. Life flashes with a blink of the eye On this birthday I tried hard to remember all the parties through the years and the toys given, cake eaten, party venues... but memories fade with age. However, I still can remember the day you were born! We all look forward to celebrating with you again and seeing your young carefree self who was just beginning to make his mark on the world. Cheers, Aunt C

I can't believe another year has come and gone without you here with us.  I think about you everyday and wish that we could all enjoy more time with you.  Every year when this time comes it's a day to reflect and be thankful for our own lives, and to live how you did.  You were the kind of person whol lived life to the fullest everyday and took nothing for granted.  Everyday I try to remember what I learned from you and apply it to whatever comes my way!  I hope that the Lord is taking good care of the man we all loved so much!!  I miss you with all of my heart and wish I could hear you say BALLIN one more time!  Thank you for all you taught me, I miss you and I love you! 

1095, 12, 1 & 1. Those numbers represent the number of days since you left us, the number of seasons we have enjoyed without you, the number of babies born in the family and the number of upcoming weddings. The list of memories shared, created and observed without you is endless. Life is for the living Harr's but not a minute goes by that we don't wish you were a part of those everyday moments and helping to create those memories. I am hopeful that your third anniversary with God is a good one and that you too have found peace. It still feels like yesterday when I received the call that you had died. While I know it is true now, I really don't want to believe it. I miss you buddy! xox Aunt C

It is hard to believe that 26 years ago tomorrow I was a JFK freshman and you were a scrawny little dude entering the world. Talk about great new beginnings. Happy Birthday Dearest Nephew! As we lay to rest Grandma Marburger on your birthday, we are certain she'll join your birthday celebration with a gift of a miraculous medal and $5.00. Enjoy! xoxo

July 7, 2009

 

The Tribune recently posted a memorial in honor of a kind, nice guy

from a JFK class who passed away some years ago.  He  

is one of ten lives lost from that relatively young class already. A sober

reminder of lost opportunities, grieving families and our own eventual mortality.  

 

When we visit your final resting place, we have the same reminder.

There are too many young souls nearby. (Ironically, I immediately thought

you now live in a party neighborhood!). We pray you are all at peace.

 

As for us, two years later, the pain diminishes, memories remain. A

hopefulness has emerged that all of the friends and family you left

behind capitalize on their hopes, dreams and opportunities and carry

on what you had just started… In the end, a perfect memorial to you

as a friend, brother, nephew, son, grandson…a kind, nice guy from

another JFK class.

 

We miss you more than ever, always.

 I used to work with Harry at Domino's, and I had the biggest crush on him! I was taken at the time, so was he, but we still flirted and talked all the time, we became good friends. We had good talks after work.  I remember he took me home one night, and my heart pounded the whole time, I couldn't speak! All the things I wanted to say! I never got to say goodbye to him, I moved away. But a couple years ago I saw him at the store I work at, in Grove City, Ohio and wanted to say Hi to him, something, but couldn't get up the nerve. Now I wish I did.  He had the most amazing smile, lit up the room! He was so much fun to be around.  My heart and prayers go out to all who lost such a great person. 

Happy Birthday to two boys who melted my heart at birth....

death is a part of life
death is very devastating
death is very painful
death is hard to take
death is a feeling like no other pain and sorrow

but in death comes the realization of what is important in your life

if you haven't figured it out in the 9 months since Harry's death use

this spring as a time of rebirth to reflect, remember and realize

MEMORIES

 

     In the days surrounding Christmas we always think of those who have died.  "This is the first Christmas without them".

     Even if they died long ago, we remember them in a special way every Christmas.

     It must have been like that for Mary and Jesus when, after Joseph died, they celebrated Passover, a feast in which the father of the family had an important part.

     At Passover Mary especially missed her husband, whom she loved. And Jesus missed his father, whom he loved.

     But for Mary, there would come another special day that was a mixture of joy and sorrow. We don't know the exact date of Jesus' birth. But Mary did.

     Whomever you miss at Christmas...talk to Mary. She understands.

 

     As you celebrate this Christmas, remember fondly and joyfully of the time you spent with Harry and do not dwell on the sorrow as I am sure he would not want us to...but do count your blessings of the good fortune that each of you have and will have in your lives.  Do not let Jesus or Harry's life be in vain. Make a difference and always pay it forward.

 

A special prayer of peace for our soldiers far away from home.

 

Merry Christmas

I don't know where to begin.. I've lost a couple people through out my life so far and they were all great, but you were someone who left an impact with many.. your smile was amazing and you truely one of a kind.. I miss giving you advice and taking yours too.. theres so many things I/we miss about you that words cant describe.. but I/we were blessed to have been able to spend your last hours together...what a night huh? thanks for everything you've ever done for me then and now.. most importantly thanks for ALWAYS being you.. God gave all of us a gift when he put you in our lives and now you can be at peace... lots of love and memories will remain with us til we meet again.... Love you lots and miss you more...

I met Harry at the skating rink about 11 years ago. He always made me laugh and I had the hugest crush on him, so I stole him from my friend and chose him as my own boyfriend! We used to stay on the phone all night and he would always get in trouble because he didn't have call waiting and his grandma would always try to call! He had the biggest, brightest smile and always said something funny.

 

The best was when he rode his bike all the way from Southington to Warren to visit me. It was the sweetest thing ever and I'm sure his parents never knew that until now or else he would have been in major trouble!

 

We didn't stay close over the years, but I always enjoyed running into you here and there. The news of your passing shocked me and I wish I would have just been able to laugh with you one last time. Your family is in my prayers and I hope they can somehow find peace. Rest in peace, Harry.

O Harry, sometimes I just can't get you out of my head.  In a short period of time you became one of the most influential people in my life.  After that night when your brother and I saw you at Speedway and you came to that party with us I knew we would get along just fine!!! :)   Honestly I learned a lot from you and the time we spent together.  I learned to be a more easy going person, at least with you, even though sometimes you pissed me off so bad I just wanted to punch you.  You had an amazing way of turning things around into something positive.  I also learned to really live life the way I want to, not that way anyone else wanted me to.  You were an amazing man!  Harry you lit up the room.  I'll never forget the day you came to Kent. You couldn't find the apartment and when you did you kicked open the front door because your hands were full.   You had a  handle of Rum, Coca Cola, and a Large burger King cup to mix you drinks  in.  You always did know how to make an entrance!!  I'm glad you got to see some people there that you hadn't seen in a while.  We had a blast and it just makes me miss all the fun I had with you.  It was so amazing to have been able to know you as a friend.  We shared a lot of things and I miss talking to you.  I miss seeing you at the Itam, it was like a monthly meeting place for us.  Just watch over all of your friends and family so that we can make as much as an impact as you have.
I'll Always Miss You
Cori

oh harry! you missed the nieghbors yelling at us for being too loud again (this time it wasnt my fault lol)  that might have been the only time you weren't there to hear them bitch about it!  even though i really never realized it then, i know you looked out for me and everything you did was only to help me.  i appreciate that more then ever now and i wish i realized it then.  i hope you partied up there on your birthday just as much as everyone here.  We still think about you everyday and i hope you know that!! and even though you picked on me when i was younger, as we grew up you became an awesome brother. and i always looked up to you and was proud of you. i will always love you!

ABOUT A BOY

 

On September 11, 1983, I was a 14 year old girl who had just started classes at John F. Kennedy HS.  On this day, my sister gave birth to a scrawny little pip squeak named after his father, Harry and resembling his grandmother Eleanor.  I think he was spoiled from the moment of birth! If anything else, he was smothered with love. 

 

That little scrawny kid became the muse of a bunch of teenage girls.  He had a way with women back then too!  We should have known then that that cute little smile would become the cynical smirk and mega watt grin.  Especially as we repeatedly allowed him to lick the ketchup off his batman and robin plate and then pose for pictures with a completely red face!  Better yet, when we gave him a Faux Mo in the bath tub long before it became popular and he would just laugh. We also loved  his period of transformation in to Harry Monners, his self imposed moniker from Herry Monster of Sesame Street fame. The list goes on….

 

There were many good times through the years. Who in our family could forget the story of when my girlfriends and I threatened him that if he told GAGA that we were smoking, we’d inflict bodily harm?  Clearly, that scared him because he never failed to rat me out year after year at family events but only when he was old enough to know I wouldn’t hurt him!  

 

I’d like to think that we sort of grew up together, despite our age difference.

Sure we had a disagreement or two. When he was a little dude in braces, I flew him to Chicago and after a weekend of telling him to sit up and put his napkin on his lap, he told me I was worse then his mom! What?  I was the cool aunt or so I thought until he asked me to buy him beer when he was almost 21 and I said, “no”. Now that I know how much fun his friends are when doing shots of Jack, I know I did the right thing!

 

The only regret  I have of any of our times together is that had I known that June 23, 2007 would be the last time I saw you, I would have hugged you a little harder and taken that time to count my blessings – that for almost 24 years I had you in my life and  I amassed a lifetime of wonderful and funny memories.  

 

So, as I celebrate my children’s birthday’s this weekend (and every year), 18 and 23 years after your birth, I will remember the pipsqueak, the monners, the braces, the worlds biggest buckeye fan and the fine soldier... 

 

The pleasure was all mine to have you in my life for almost 24 years.  Now, if you can take it upon yourself to ensure that OSU continues to beat Michigan for eternity then I know you are really looking out for us!  

 

With Love, Aunt Colleen

 

 

The first time I ever went to a real baseball game was with Harry, he made me think the wave pool at geaga lake was just for swimming (it wasn't), He taught me to make grilled cheese for chrissake!  there was so much more i was hoping for.  i wasn't done living life with him in it... 

Harry, I hate that you're gone, I hate that all i have left is memories.  you were part of my childhood and i was expecting you to be more than that..so much more...

    you will always be a part of me..i'm so sad you're gone....

You will never be forgotten.  I've known you since kindergarten, and I'll always remember your smile, and laugh.  All those bus rides to and from school, I still remember having the biggest crush on you all those younger years.  You were a beautiful person, and I will miss you dearly.  God bless you and your family at this time.  I love you Harry, Thank you for being a friend.

Harry was my first kiss when we were like eight or nine. He chased me around my back yard with a dead snake until I agreed to kiss him. I was horrified at the time, but looking back, it's a pretty hillarious story that still makes me laugh. Harry was like that, he could make you laugh anytime.

I wish I could be there to share the pain, to bare the burden of sorrow, with all of those who loved you.  I can't be there with everyone, but all I can think of is a picture.  I have a picture that is stored away in a box that I can't find.  I remember the picture in my mind, like the photo was taken by my eyes and stored in my memory rather than a box.  I remember the day the picture was taken, I remember the ride, I remember the smells, I remember your watch, and most importantly, I remember your smile.  It seems you hadn't changed much since that day so long ago, and I'm sorry that we lost touch, but through the lives of others we have been connected and will stay connected.

I have had the honor of working with Harry since my start in the army four years ago and even though to everyone else it seemed like we never quite got along the truth of it is we really did. When we weren't arrguing over papers or a stupid piece of equipment he was a wonderful person to talk to. The section missed him so much when he went to Iraq, there wasn't one weekend he wasn't in our stories and our hearts. We used to blame silly things on him because he wasn't there to defend himself. When he came back and got his stripes, I could never call him SGT., I'm not sure why, he knew how to push my buttons, but what I should of said was I was proud of him because I was. No matter how bad the drill weekend was he would sometimes catch me at school and we would just laugh it away.   I'm going to miss you Harry...

I always liked Harry, he was one great kid. I pray for him and his family during these times and in the future.