02/01/2025
The Empty Chair at Christmas
This Christmas, there is an empty chair at the table—a heartbreaking reminder that Nick, my brother, our son, and our friend, is no longer with us. Nick was a remarkable man—fiercely independent, endlessly creative, and unapologetically himself.
From the moment he dragged home a shovel as a toddler, seeing possibility in what others overlooked, Nick’s creative mind and resourcefulness were clear. His love for drumming reflected his energy and passion, bringing rhythm and life to every moment. I’ll always treasure his daily visits to Mum and Dad’s, his iconic wild beard, his amazing smile and cheeky grin, and those welcoming eyes that could put anyone at ease.
Nick was, above all, a man of honour. Since his passing, every single person—whether they knew him well or met him just once—has spoken of his integrity. His word was his bond, and he lived with a strength of character that inspired admiration and respect.
This Christmas, I sat at the table where your chair should be, Nick. I didn’t fill it, and I know I never could, but I sat there to honour your memory and feel close to you. Sitting there, I reflected on the countless meals, conversations, and laughs we shared in that very spot—moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I will always cherish the memories of all the family, including us three boys, gathered together over lunches or dinners. Our conversations often turned into playful banter, filled with cheeky humour and the occasional double entendre, but beneath it all was a deep bond of love, understanding, and friendship. Those moments of laughter, connection, and knowing each other so well created a warmth that will stay with me forever. It wasn’t just about the words we said but the unspoken closeness that made those times so special.
As I sat there, I could hear the echoes of your laughter and the way you could light up a room with your wit and charm. It wasn’t just the conversations that stood out but the way you made everyone feel. Whether we were talking about life, sharing a joke, or sitting quietly in each other’s company, you had a way of making every moment meaningful.
And as I sat at that table, I knew that every Christmas, and every time we gather around, your chair will remind us of you—your love, your wisdom, and the strength you brought to our family.
You weren’t just a part of our family, Nick—you were its centre, the one we could always rely on to bring us together with your warmth, humour, and love.
Your sayings, “It is what it is” and “Walk with me,” reflected your steady wisdom, and your favourite song, “I Did It My Way,” perfectly summed up your bold, authentic approach to life. You taught us all what it means to live with purpose, to embrace life’s challenges, and to face each day with courage and determination.
You made Mum and Dad so proud of who you were and everything you had achieved. They couldn’t have asked for a better son, and the rest of the family feels the same. You’ve left behind a legacy not just of accomplishments, but of love, integrity, and inspiration.
Even in your absence, Nick, your influence is everywhere—in the way we approach challenges with determination, in the way we treasure our loved ones, and in the way we find joy in the smallest moments. You set a standard for how to live fully and authentically, and we are better because of you.
Your legacy, Nick, isn’t just in the achievements you left behind—it’s in the way you taught us to see life with open eyes and full hearts. You made us better, and we will carry that gift forward every day.
This first Christmas without you is incredibly hard. I love and miss you more than words can express, and I wish I could have done more for you. But I find comfort in knowing you are now at peace, watching over us and fiercely protecting the family you loved so much.
Nick achieved so much in his time. I can only hope to accomplish half as much as he did. From house restorations and bus conversions to property development, overseas holidays, working abroad, currency trading, and playing in a band, Nick lived a life filled with purpose and adventure. But most of all, he was an amazing son, an incredible brother, and a loyal friend. Fiercely caring, Nick left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
His crowning achievement, the Giordano 12 apartment block, was a project he nurtured from concept to completion. It earned him a Master Builders Award and left behind a legacy of excellence. It will remain a memory we carry with us every time we drive past it on our way to Caloundra—until our days come to an end and beyond. It stands as a testament to what one person can achieve when they have passion and a dream.
This Christmas, your chair may be empty, but your presence fills the room. You were the heart of our family—the laughter in our happiest moments, the strength in our hardest times, and the love that bound us all together.
Though your chair sits empty, your spirit surrounds us, reminding us of the countless memories you gave us and the lessons you left behind. You will forever be the guiding light in our lives—the one who taught us how to live boldly, love deeply, and embrace every moment.
This Christmas, I raise a toast to you, Nick—not just to your incredible life and everything you achieved, but to the love, laughter, and legacy you left behind. You are always loved, always cherished, and forever missed. I will carry you with me, in my heart and in everything I do, for the rest of my days.
