Today marks the 5th year since you have been gone. I know you are around and find signs all the time. I love that you left me a feather on my kitchen floor the day you left. I think of you often especially on this day. Miss you everyday David. I'm sure I will see a sign from you today....love and miss you.

It has been 4 years already, hard to believe. I love all the signs you send me. I just got another feather today when I was walking with a friend talking about you. I miss you.

Happy Birthday David, another birthday without you. I'll be going to HHI this year. I know you will be near. I'll look for a sign. Love and miss you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN DAVID... HAVE FUN WITH MOM AND DAD. "MAY YOUR MEMORY BE ETERNAL" I MISS OUR CONSTANT ANTICS AND COMPETITIONS...

Happy Birthday David. Your birthday fell on Memorial day this year. Love and miss you.

It is hard to believe it has been one year since you left. One year ago I said goodbye to you for the last time. I miss you David.

David, today makes 2 weeks since you left us. 2 weeks since I sat with you and talked to you....I miss you. I keep finding all the feathers and think of you. I play Lynyrd Skynyrd Free Bird and Clapton Tears in Heaven for you. I will always think of you when I hear these songs...our last ones together. I miss you my brother.

David my heart breaks as I said goodbye to you. You were only 2 years younger and we were very close growing up. We hung out together and shared many of the same friends. My many memories of you will always be your love for animals. There wasn't an animal you didn't bring home to save. I can remember being in grade school and they were building a plaza down the street destroying some of the wildlife. You and I got buckets and went to the swamp and scooped up buckets of tadpoles and took them home. We dumped them into the bathtub and would go back for more until we had the whole tub filled. There was the monkey, fox, alligator, bird and many snakes that you brought home to rescue. We still laugh today about the monkey story. Even as adults our families hung out together, we had pig roasts, went on vacations etc. My kids will always remember you as the fun Uncle. Anytime you needed me I always came, even at the end. We shared some special moments on your last days that I will cherish forever. On your last day we just sat together and listened to music, jamming to our music from when we were teens. I would just talk about each song and the memories each song brought back. I didn't want you to leave but I knew it was time as I said goodbye, until we meet again my brother...I love you.

I first remember David as a 6 year old vying for attention from three older sisters! The Kariotis house was always a fun place to hang out and if Karen wasn't available to hang out with, Paula was. Of course we thought he was an annoying little brother, always getting into our "stuff". As the big sister to my own annoying little brothers, I knew the drill. But I so enjoyed being with entire Kariotis family who didn't mind one more kid to take on a trip to Fort Ligonier and Story Book Forest. Rest well, David, in the arms of your loving parents, Jean and Paul.

My dad finally lost his battle with cancer. Over the past few years, every time I saw him or talked to him I told myself, “This could be the last time we talk.” I thought I was emotionally prepared for his passing. Nope.

After his latest treatments were cancelled and he was put into hospice care, my brother, Jason, and I were both able to travel to see him. This time we all knew it would be the last time. We’re lucky to have had the opportunity to say goodbye. Not everyone gets that chance.

One of my favorite moments of our last visit was when my dad’s friend came over and introduced himself to me and Danielle and the following exchange happened between him and my dad.

Dad’s friend (giving him shit): “Wow you have such a handsome son! And look at his Fiance! How did YOU manage to have all of these great looking people around?!?

Dad (giving it right back): “Then how do you explain all of my ugly friends?”

The day I learned of his passing I was scheduled to do a show. I DID NOT want to do a show. But there was more to it than the obvious reason of not wanting to put on a smiling face. The thing is - My dad taught me how to juggle. It’s been my profession ever since. I was afraid being on stage would be a constant reminder of what had just happened. It definitely was – but in a better way than I could’ve imagined. I was able to internally dedicate the show to my dad and it was perfect. I had a great crowd. I was totally at ease. I cracked a few new jokes and even threw in some new juggling tricks 100% flawlessly. It turned out to be exactly what I needed… And exactly what he would’ve wanted.

On our last day together, I asked him to tell me his favorite memory of us was when we were growing up. He said, “When you guys were first learning how to juggle.”

Mine too.

I will always remember Great times spent in Hilton Head with Uncle David, Gramma Jean, and the rest of the family. Those are some of my best childhood memories. He was always everyone's favorite, fun Uncle. I also got the opportunity to become close with him when I was around 20 years old and he was living with us. We would spend many nights just hanging out and talking about life.He was always easy to talk to, understanding and never judgemental. Always supportive. Those are moments I will truly Cherish. I have many memories with him, whether it be crabbing in Hilton Head, coloring Easter eggs with us, cooking one of his Greek dishes for us, or hanging out at mom's playing euchre. I will miss those times, but hold those memories close to my heart. I feel very grateful that I got to spend that time with him, and had the privilege of calling him "uncle" while he was here with us.

David, You were born 3 days before my 7th birthday and I felt like you were my birthday toy. I was the one who helped mom dress you, feed you, play with you. I pushed your stroller and eventually babysat you. I loved teasing and torturing you but eventually the tables turned and you got even... We had great times and great fights. Sorry about the big scar on your leg where I told Gigi to sic you, and she did!
As we grew up we challenged each other always. at swimming, golfing, deep sea fishing, and especially cooking. I loved it when you had to call me for one of YiaYia's recipes! I had a blast when you lived with me Phil and the kids in Kingwood! And the time you stayed with us in Baton Rouge, you loved feeding those horses! Every time I make spanakopita and tiropita I will think of you. And I will be sure to send Pho my baklava when I make it. I'm so happy for your eternal joyfulness now, sleep well baby brother.. Have fun joking with mom and give Mom Dad and YiaYia a big wet YiaYia kiss and hug from me! XOXO

Love you Uncle David! Rest In Paradise. XOXO