It's been a year since I met you in person. I thought it would just be the first of many times, and this year I felt a loss as it hit again that it was only meant to be once on this earth. Your work lives on as does your spirit, Renee works so hard. God bless, Nicki...give my boys a hug for me.
Hey Nicki- We just wanted you to know Renee is keeping your spirit alive. But then you knew she would. She was at the event March 9 and her tribute to you and the kids were outstanding and moving. She also meet Miss Wheelchair Ohio who has her own christian ministry. All in all it was great having you, Renee and the Owens - we are all Friends. Help us raise awareness and find a cure for sma. You are truely missed.
Wow there was so much I wanted to say, now that it's fixed...I don't know what to say. Well we used to always stay busy! And I thought that in a few months things might start to slow down some, but not yet! And you know thats fine with me! I think you will be happy to know that as many times as I called the "foodchief" the "pantry", thats what it is now! HA. Well you know we just went on 2 long trips, to Mississippi and Ohio, they were both Great! The kids especially! When we left Ohio the other day I think I now have a clue how you must have felt when we left them first time! Both trips were truly bitter sweet! Well I guess I'm gonna get ready for bed! Love ya and miss ya!
Hey Nick! Words can't express how much I've missed you! There's so much that's been going on that I wish you could be here for in person. I catch my self still wanting so much to fill you in on stuff. I miss seeing you everyday and getting to stay with you every weekend. I know I shouldn't be selfish, I just wish that I had been allowed more time with you here in my life. My mom reminds me everyday that you are watching over me, and I know you are. Hope you approve of everything you see that happens in my life. I love you!
Seems like I just can't get you off my mind lately! Everywhere I look, I see something that reminds me of you. Love ya, miss ya.........
Well Bud! The pageant is over, for now! Another new Queen has been crowned, to follow in your footsteps.... (your tracks)! There were so many obvious signs that you were there! Right there! And it was not just me! Everyone else knew you were there, in so many ways! I think you would have been VERY proud, I was. Everyone worked so hard, and worked TOGETHER (like you like) to make it a success. Keep letting your presence be known, I like it when I know you're there! (it just helps things go better.) Love ya BUD!
Hey Nicki. What's up?? I'm not doing much..I just had you on my mind ALL day today!!..All day long it was Nicki-Mania in my head. LOL!...but that was ok, 'cause it was atleast something good to think about!!..Well, just decided to write ya, just 'cause!..Love ya, Nicki!!..Can't Wait to Se Ya Again Someday!!LOVE YA!! Cole
What can I say? I stumbled on this website. I haven't even heard of Nikki before. I am from Montreal as well. I have been in music for most of my life. And like Nikki, I feel it is a saviour. I am not disabled myself, however life has its strains even for the "healthy". I am not a religious person. Yet, I felt the need to write a message. In hopes that Nikki has connection to these messages, where she is. I am in awe of her struggle, strength, courage, love and life. I am jealous for all that have known, and been touched by Nikki. I hope her family and friends are well and coping through this time. Celebrate her life. I know she did. Best wishes A wanderer
Hey Nick! I've had you on my mind a lot lately, and just felt like I needed to write you a little note on here. As always, I've been checking on your mom. Like you always said, she's the greatest! She calls me, home or even the cell when she needs me to go to the grocery store, or just to talk. I'm glad she feels like she can count on me, you know how much I love her! Well, I'm kind of dreading my graduation which is on the 23rd..I really wish you could be there, but I know you'll be watching me..just not the same. I really miss you. Love you lots! *I found this that you wrote in the SMA guestbook...it applies to how I feel...I thank God EVERY day for allowing me to be a special part of your life... Ü *Another angel graces heaven with an awesome presence that none on this earth could know. I thank God for all of our angels and thank God for allowing me to have been told about one of His special angels ~ Marissa. With Love from the heart~ Nicki Ard*
Hi Sugar, it has been a while since I have been up here and I said I would leave you your notes, but I just get to where I want you to be here and talk to me, I can't stand it. I just got your new CD last week and have played it over and over because on there you talk about things and oh it is really good to hear you. To this day I miss you so much and Renee is trying to keep you out there so no one forgets that you are with us in spirit. I love you, Sugar, (step-daughter) And bless your Mom for having you and giving to the world a great person. Betty
Nicki, As was said best by Shakespeare - A person's measure is best taken in those they have as friends. You are rich and grow richer every day. It was once said of someone, they were given a great number of lemons, and they did an awesome job in making lemonade. You were not even given the lemons and still you out-shown them all in your love and devotion God. May you be blessed in all you have still to accomplish as I know you will. - Todd
Hey Nick! Well..I graduated. Wish you could have been there but I know you were watching me smiling. Aren't you proud of me! Love you always!
some days i just miss you sooooooo bad!
Hey Sugar, guess you are busy with all the angels up there. But you have been on my mind a lot this month, and I can't get over the fact that you are gone. Crying don't do any good, when I want to pick up the phone and call like I use to do. I hope your Mom is doing OK and I send her my love for you. You know Sugar, how sometimes you know things are going to happen, well I was going through Michelle's book and I told her about you and how when your work was done, you would be going home and I had no idea that it was closer than I thought. It was right after I meet you on here.(your old signing book). But I did not know that I had told her this until you were gone and I went up there to tell her to watch for you, as you were her Nana's very good friend. I will always love you and miss you very much. Betty
"My Nick", I miss you so much! Last night I watched the fireworks, and I started to cry because you weren't with me. Then I started to laugh, because I know you were watching them with me from above! I've got a lot going on right now, and I really wish I could talk to you about it because I know you'd know exactly what to do. SO, if it's not too much to ask, if you could come back down here for like 10 mins. or send me a letter I'd appreciate it! :-) But seriously, I miss you more and more everyday. I thank God everyday for being a special part of your life, because not only did I become friends with you, I became friends with your mom. You're mom's one of the greatest people I've ever known. I try and make sure I go see her or talk to her at least 3 or 4 times a week. (I'd do it everyday, but I don't want to bother her LOL) I always saw her in you, and now I see you in her...and that brings a sense of peace to me. Anyway, I love you...always and forever!
Hi Nicki! I have meant to write soooooooo many times. You have been there for me several times throughout this past year and I just wanted to say THANKS. Wish you were here sharing it all with us. I know you are in heaven giving me your strength and inspiration. Madison misses you too!!!!!!!!
Lovely site. Thank you, Ken
Miss Renee is going to the pageant and will present the new Nicki Ard achievement award! Isn't that great? You will always live on in so many beautiful ways! Miss ya!
Hi Sugar, a little bit since I left you a note, but I really do keep trying to get here then something comes up. James has not been well and I can't make him understand that he needs to do what the dr. say he should be doing, you know like I use to try and get you to mind the dr. with you it was as if you knew you were on your way to God and you had to hurry and get all you could done here on earth. But you know Sugar, you are in a far better place than us down here. I hope all my kids up there are making their selfs known to you. And if there is one their that don't know he was my grandson, tell him I have always loved him. Now it is time for me to get off my tussh and go to work. So until we meet again here or there be good to all the kids even though you never knew them that went to our Father before you. I love you very much. Betty
well bud, exactly one year ago tonight i heard what i didn't know was going to be your last concert. and it was such a great one, every one you did was great to me, but for some reason that one was the best. now i know why it was so good. i can hardly believe it's already almost been a whole year. tonight was your last concert, tomorrow you would be getting ready for surgery, and two weeks of uncertainty. Things are soooo different without you here. There has been a million things i wanted to ask you. and you really need to go with me clothes shopping, and do tons of other things, you just to see that they are done right. lol. there are soo many things i miss doing with you. EVERYTHING! i miss your smile, the touch of your hand, the sound of your voice, happy and mad...i miss your hand on my shoulder when i got something right, and i miss you head on my shoulder when you didn't feel well. i miss your voice, i miss you! love ya. me
Well........ last night was a tough night for me. I went to church to take pictures for Barbara and was fine up untill i had to use the duck tape to tape a cord down, thats what started the whole thing! All of the cords we taped down for your concerts.... and that night marked a year since your last. Boy it got to me! It's not often i remember my dreams.... but you were there last night. I know it! I was still rather upset when i went to bed, but when i woke up this morning.... i can't explain the peace that i felt. I have never felt that calm before. I know you were there. Our time was brief, but long enough to help ease my mind and help get through the next 2 weeks. Thanks Bud! love ya still!
Miss ya!!!!!!!! Been thinking about you ALOT recently! Renee, I will never know what you are going through right now. Nicki touched my life in a wonderful, magical way I can't even explain, all in such a short time. Nicki you are so special! My thoughts and prayers to ALL who know Nicki!
IT HAS BEEN ONE YEAR, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT YOU SANG TO US. YOUR MEMORY LIVES FOREVER WITH ME. I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE AND I WILL BE WITH YOU SOME DAY. HUGS AND KISSES, AUNT VON.
Well i just want to thank you for the other night. Had it not been for that, this would have been alot worse. You always knew just what to say and do to make things better! I will never forget you! love ya. me
thank you nicki for all the years and all the time we spent together. It seems like yesterday we were laughing and talking, and even crying together, Thank you for being there when I needed you, miss you more and more each day, but I know you're in a better place. Love ya Bud!!
Hi Sugar, I know you thought I had forgotten you, but no just delayed. But thank God Michelle Justice is going to have a healthy baby boy (first boy)SMA Free in March 3, 2003, I can almost touch you that is how high I feel. Oh Sugar, if I could have told you in person would be my greatest joy, I love you, and still grieve for your voice when I use to call you. Well, I need to run and get some yarn to start his special blanket like I have made for each of the kids. I am happy to say that Michelle told hers with her to glory. I love you Sugar, Betty
Well Sugar, I have great news for you. My little Pumpkin is going to be a big sister to a Healthy SMA Free baby brother due on March 3, 2003. I am so high I could almost touch you. This is so great, they waited until they knew it was ok before they told me. I should have known something was up but didn't. I love you and miss you and always will. Love you Sugar, Betty
oops. well.... it's that time again. we are going to florida! it's hard to believe that a whole year has passed! sometimes it seems longer, sometimes it seems like yesterday. i'm SO glad i have the memories i have of all the things we did. need to do some brain storming about the 2003 pageant, it's just around the corner! till next time! love ya! me
NICKI, I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I STILL THINK OF YOU. I MISS YOU DEARLY. THERE IS SO MUCH I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT. SO MANY CHANGES IN THE LAST YEAR, IN MY LIFE ALONE. I JUST CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY, SEPT 12TH. SURE DID THINK OF YOU AND THE FUN WE USED TO HAVE. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL WITH ME AND WHEN I GO TO THE BEACH, I THINK OF YOU. I HAVE YOUR PICTURE ON MY WALL WITH MY FAMILY PICTURES, AS YOU WERE THE SISTER I NEVER HAD. ONE DAY, I KNOW WE WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN. HOPE IT IS AROUND YOUR BIRTHDAY, BECAUSE I WILL GET YOU GOOD. WHAT FUN WE HAD AND THE WONDERFUL "PRIVATE" TALKS WE HAD. I SURE DO MISS YOU. LOVE, SUSAN
It has been over a year now and I still expect to see you coming down the school halls or in the media center. You were on my mind today. I thought about how you help us with our "spice girl" image for the talent show, the holiday gatherings for the ladies at your house, and the help you gave us with the academic team. I thought of you today and I thanked God for you and the difference you made in people's lives including my Becca and me. You rest now, and let God forever bless you.
I sure do miss ya! Wish I knew exactly what you would do about all of this. :-) luv ya!
Happy Birthday! Well this would have been 31 for you. Sure hope someone puts forks in your yard! As you know there are a few things going on down here I wish you could take care of! I think you would be the ONLY one that could make a difference, well the biggest difference anyway. But I guess it will all work out the way it's supposed to. :-) Just do what you can to help it along, will ya! love ya!
Hey Nick! Happy Birthday! I sure wish you were with me down here so we could celebrate! :-) I really miss you, but I know you're having a GREAT birthday up there. I sang "Happy Birthday" to you today...hope you heard it! Love you always...
Nicki, It is my loss that I never got to know you.
Hi Nicki, I never got to meet you personally but I came upon your site link on the sma support page. You have made me feel good to know that there are kids that live past what the doctors say. Just becasue they go by the text book doesnt mean they are always right. You are a true insparation to me as I have a son who is only 3 right now but he has SMA 2. I have big dreams for him just like I do with my other kids. He is so smart and bright and funny and I know he has a special purpose just like you did. Maybe you already know him as I know from Heaven you can see everything. Renee is sending me your CD and I am so excited to hear it. Thank you for all the work you did while on this earth. God Bless
I wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with the family. I have lost two children to SMA and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of them. I now have three healthy boys and thank god that they are ok. We all learn to take advantage of life until we get thrown an eight ball. Life is to short for anybody and live it till the fullest.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING BUD! miss ya! me
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. So much has happened since you went away...I miss you so much! I know you're happy that your mom and I are still close. You know how much I adore and love her! Love you always.........
I had to work the beach route yesterday at the last minute, of course I had to grab a quick look at the ocean while I was there. On my way home I stopped by to check on you, I don't check on you often there, because I know that is Not where you are! I saw your Stone for the first time. It's very nice! The Rose design on it made me think of Madisons' Rose pins for SMA, I think it's rather neat how it seems to tie together. Still meeting some really nice people because of you! Some SMA families are still seeing and wanting your CD. Sometimes I sit and think of how many "new" friends and people I know or know of because of you!.........Till next time.......me
Merry Christmas Bud!!!!!! I feel rather positive that you got everything on your wish list this year! :-) Love ya! Me
Happy New Year!
Nicki Ard used to sing at my school every year. It is with great sadness that I found this out. I'm sorry for your loss. She was a great motivator and a awesome singer. Something told me to come to this site. And now I know why. I know everyone misses her.
Sadly, I never got to meet Nicki, I think I would have truly enjoyed talking with her. I lost my daughter Shania, to SMA 1 in 1996, so my heart goes out to the family. She's still with you....
Well Nicki- the buckeyes won the National championship- YOU know what's next!!!!! THANKS to you and all the special angels up there for giving us faith down here!!!!!! Still miss ya!!!!
i mite be kin
Beautiful,beautiful. I also have a beautiful daughter with SMA II that God gave me. I am so proud of her. She is 18, and a sophomore in chemical engineering on a full engineering scholarship at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is extremely bright, beautiful and gifted in many ways. She has truly blessed and graced my life. She would've been a "soul sister" to Nicki has she known her. Chaia Lloyd is much like Nicki--believes that God has a special plan/design for her life and Chaia lives each and every day to the fullest. Thanks for sharing this wonderful inspiriational website with us. Sincerely, Robin Reida Chaia' mom
Well Bud, need to order some more of your last cds. Thats a good thing. And people are still emailing me every now and then for me to mail the a copy! :-) love ya! me
Nicki, Although we never met you are truly an inspiration, esp. your faith in our Lord and Saviour. I hope that my daughter Callie SMA2 will be able to see your site and learn from you, that it isnt what you can or cant do but who you believe in. Someday we'll meet in Heaven. God Bless you Renee and Thank you!
Renee sent me Nikki's CD, and I love it! What a beautiful voice, to match a very beautiful girl. Truly what life is all about....thanks for the CD. God speed....
it's been a while! but i have NOT forgotten! still sending out some cd's. have one ready to go to an sma family in illinois. and jennifer is getting things in order to go to iowa. and tabitha is now dr. carraway! can you believe it! you would have loved it, terry wilson was there thurs. night. oh- yeah, we just found out- the best of the pee dee- in the news paper, benjy won the vote for best landscaper. well i think thats about all of it for now. --- miss ya still. :-) me
Nicki Ard was a realatiave of mine. Her grandmother was my Great Aunt. We live in upper SC and did not have the opportunity to see Nicki much in the last few years. He mother and I used to play together at Aunt Onamae's and Uncle Curtis's when were were both girls. I am now a retired teacher and live in Piedmont Nici's voice is now joined with the heavenly host praising our Savior , Jesus. Evelyn Lee was my mother and SL Lee was her Dad and my granddad.
boy, i sure do miss you!
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you at least 20 times! :) I sure could have used some of your advice here lately, BUT really, I know exactly what you would have told me...even though it wasn't what I wanted to hear! ;) Nick, I love you...always!
Just thinking of you Nicki- I always do. Thanks for being there for us in April when Madison was sick. You gave me strength! Believe in miracles? Keep pushing for everyone to love one another- that's how miracles happen!!!!!!!!!
I sure could use your help right now! Alot of it! Just do what you can. Thanks. Miss ya!
Thank you Nicki and friends for all the inspiration you share. I keep your pages on my bookmarks for days when I need a lift. Your teaching goes on - it is a fantastic gift.
Hey Nicki! Not a day goes by that I don't think of you! I visit this site so often to see your beautiful face and to remember all of our precious memories over the past 20 years. You are still an inspiration to me and always will be. I love you SO much!, alise <><
I am glad to know her story, though the ending makes me very sad. I know she is with God now, but yet in this life Angels like this hard to come by.
if you have any life stores please e-mail me to xx_laura_xx@hotmail.com i'm 13 and i have sma type 2 please please e-mail me I will reply
It's hard to believe it's already been just over 2 years. Miss you Lots! Me.
just wanted to drop you a note to tell you happy birthday! sorry i can't make you birthday party with the others.... you know how work is. ;-) miss you!
i signed your book last night before i went to bed! but i didn't see it when i checked just now. just wanted to tell you happy birthday! hate i missed your party! but you know how work goes. miss you LOT'S.
My daughter was given the diagnosis today of SMA type II. I was looking on the internet to find positive messages to help us understand this situation. Thank you so much for putting your story on the internet for me to find.
THIS IS A AWESOME PAGE YOU HAVE DONE I REALLY ENJOYED IT PRAISE GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS LOVE ROBIN
Hello Nicki. It's been a while. I miss you very much and think of you always. I only wish I had made it in time to see you one last time that morning. Atleast I know that you still thought of me even after my tough times. You and I really where an interesting pair for everyone to talk about :-). So many dreams undone...so many dreams that got done, too. I still remember the many nights your mother and I would be there while you where wrighting your songs. I thank you SO MUCH for letting me be part of your work, your CD was great! Your work was great! I miss you. I love you forever, my Queen Without A Country. brad
I'm sorry I never had the chance to know Nicki. I came across this website while looking at the sma support website. My son Isaac has type I SMA and will be three in March. We never thought he would even make it to two. I am just beginning to have hope for his future. People like you encourage me to not dread the future but embrace it. I know someday he will walk his first steps in heaven with Jesus and you Nicki will be there to see them! Thank you so much.