Constantina “Nitsa” Nickolas was admitted to Everett Rehabilitation (Wash.) on July 30, 2002, after radiation and chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. From the beginning, it was obvious that Nitsa was an important part of a devoted, loving, Greek family. Her husband Nick and two daughters were never far from her side. Sons Mark and Chris lived out of state but kept in contact daily. The family’s fervent hope was that, given a little more time and therapy, Nitsa would recover from the devastating effects of her illness and return home to them.
      Through the first week, Nitsa participated in therapy with every ounce of her strength and being. She greeted therapists, nurses and visitors with big smiles of appreciation for their efforts and did her best to fight against the terrible weakness that was slowly overtaking her. But after eight long days, Nitsa began losing the battle. Time had run out.
      Faced with the awful truth that their beloved wife and mother would soon leave them, the family sought ways to make her last days warm and comfortable, to take care of her in death as she had taken care of them in life - with an abundance of faith, love and support. Mark, Chris and daughter-in-law Lisa flew in to join their mother at her bedside.
      Caring staff offered assistance constantly. Housekeeping and laundry staff brought a cot, extra chairs and linens to Nitsa’s private room so family members could be with her around the clock. The kitchen provided nourishing guest trays and snacks. Social Services explained the resources and support available to the family. And the nursing staff worked diligently to keep Nitsa comfortable.
      Admissions Director Laurena Winterhouse felt particularly close to the family after a recent visit to Greece. She checked with them daily. One morning, Mark told her that there was something she could do.
      “We’d like to have a big fat Greek wedding here,” said Mark, who is a deacon in the Greek Orthodox Church.
      Thinking he wanted to show the movie with that title on our TV, Laurena replied, “Oh you can’t ... that movie isn’t out on video yet.”
      “No,” he said, “we’d like to have a real Greek wedding ... here. My brother and his wife were married in a civil ceremony and it has always been my mother’s wish that they be married in a religious ceremony. Do you think that could happen here?”
      Administrator Vicki Weddle quickly gave permission. Time was critical, so the wedding was scheduled for the following evening.
      Initially, the wedding party included only family, so Laurena arranged to hold the ceremony in the lobby. Because her nurses thought it would be too painful for Nitsa to sit in a chair, she would be taken to the service in her bed. Daughters Paula and Vicki had the awesome task of arranging everything else.
      By the next day the guest list had grown dramatically from a few people to forty! The officiating priests could only come in the early afternoon, so residents gave up the activity room for the wedding festivities. Chairs were set up and tables moved; flowers and potted plants were gathered to decorate the room. Countless little details came together seamlessly through the combined efforts of staff and family. “The result was a priceless gift to someone very much loved,” said Carrie Van Hoy, community relations director.
      With the room transformed, family and friends gathered, and Nitsa waiting expectantly near the ’altar,’ our own “Big Fat Greek Wedding” took place. From the moment the bride walked in on her father-in-law’s arm, time seemed to stand still. With Mark assisting, Nitsa’s dearest wish came true: Chris and Lisa were married in a church ceremony. Although Nitsa could no longer speak, her tear-filled eyes spoke volumes and her face beamed with joy. As the couple took their first steps together and rose petals were scattered, the family gathered around the bedside and the guests in unison exclaimed,

“Opa!”   

Postscript: Nitsa passed away peacefully in her bed, surrounded by her loving family, six days later. Her family expressed their gratitude that our staff helped make her wish come true.