DEAR EDITOR: There are no words to express the gratitude we feel toward this community for its outpouring of love to our Nikki. We were touched tremendously by every gesture, and even the smallest ones were so very significant to us. Our thanks go out to the St. John Sheriff’s Office, Reserve Christian School, Reserve Christian Church, Millet-Guidry Funeral Home, the past schools she attended, the florists, those individuals who patiently waited, as the streets were blocked on Friday and Saturday and to each and every one who stood in line to show their respects to our family and their affections to our daughter. The tribute to her will never be forgotten. The full Police Honor Guard, the police car escort, the formal karate salute, the beautiful flowers, the food, the very kind words and the genuine feelings of loss expressed by everyone will always be a part of our memories, as will be Nikki. We’ll never know what her achievements in life might have been, but if her short 17 years were any indication, the lives she would have touched would have been uncountable. God had another plan for her, and we know in our hearts she was humbly watching as each of us mourned her passing, and at the same time celebrated her life! It seemed so fitting that on a dreary, rainy day, the sun came out to shine on her as we laid her to rest, and yes, we know God was smiling on Nikki one last time for all of us who knew her! Again on Nikki’s behalf and that of her entire family, we thank you for loving her.

In Christ’s love, Kevin and Paula Wilking LaPlace