by Alexis Lucile Condy
I was saddened to learn of the death of my second cousin, Scott Nicholson. I had found contact with him on line in 2004 and maintained an on line correspondence over time.
Also, I planned with him to share a video of one of his trips to Colombia, and it was viewed by a local Amnesty International group, as well as other friends of mine. He visited once in January of 2005 and enjoyed a meal with us at my father’s home. I have a picture of Scott in childhood and one of his Mom, Helen, who had been in the wedding of my father and mother. Helen was the first cousin to my Dad.
Scott had a wonderful smile and we shared many interests. Although it has been awhile since I have backpacked into the wilderness, I did that a lot in my youth. I have worked as an educator and union organizer as well, and have helped to bring internationally acclaimed peace activists to the Sacramento area. I had hoped for a long and uplifting affiliation with my cousin, but that was not to be the case.
When I met him in January of 2005, I was able to recognize him in his favorite color of blue. When I last saw him in Mexico in October of 2016, he met my sister and I for lunch and dinner near where he worked. When I was struggling to remember a phrase in English that described some of the complex feelings I have had for years since a parent center I was setting up in California was robbed, he was right on target with the phrase.
I don’t know what to do with the family memorabilia. I have suffered depression in my life, and hope that I would be remembered fondly by those around me. Scott seemed to have fond memories of visiting with us in 2005, and loved sharing his pictures.
For my sixtieth Birthday, I went to see Liza Minnelli in Southern California….so for Scott I will quote the song Judy Garland sang when we were all young
“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue….and the dreams that we dare to dream really do come true” Cousin Alexis Lucile (named after Scott’s great aunt Lucile)
