Nicolette Ana Collazo

I don´t know where to start, or even what to say? The impact you had on my life can´t be put into words. We shared many great times together like when you finally jumped off the pontoon into the murky waters, the time you wanted to learn the WAP dance, and all the times we played golf cart tag. The list could go on. I have a special bond with you Nikki one that is never gonna fade. When I found out the news a piece of my heart shattered knowing I won´t ever get to see that beautiful smile and eyes that could light up a room but I know you´re with your grandmother who you loved so much and told me all about her and what a great woman she was. Here´s a cup of coffee for your head. I´m gonna miss you, a true best friend I will always love you Nicolette Ana Collazo.

It's been nearly 12 years since I last saw you in person and since we last spoke. Meeting you in my junior year of high school remains a critical point of my life and the path I pursued forward. I'll never forget writing and reading a poem titled "Hey girl" aloud during our creative writing course. It took every nerve in my body to get through it without fear of you finding out it was about my admiration of you. I still have those journals. I still have your writing and doodles and notes written in the pages. Picking you up every morning to ride to school in my dad's beat-up pick-up, always excited to see that beautiful smile of yours as you opened the truck door and greeted both me and my dad. You were art in human form. Sublime. My 16-year-old heart lit up when you were around. I always believed you were such a special soul in this world. I was heartbroken when I found out you moved and I'd never got to say goodbye, but I also knew how much you likely needed to be in FL. I never stopped wishing you a happy birthday each year that passed and searched constantly for evidence that you were alive, safe, and doing alright - especially after Danny died. I was both excited and stuck in a freeze response when you finally made contact with me on Instagram in the past year. I kept telling myself I'd message you, but I didn't know what to say and how. I do regret not just sending a simple "Hey girl" to reconnect, but I also want to accept that had we reconnected and this ultimately happened I only imagine how much harder grieving you would be. There are pieces of you that still live on within me and within the way I carry myself. I still find myself thinking about you often when I mousse my hair, put on a 'leather' jacket, or smile and show myself the grace that you'd show me in moments of shame and embarrassment. This video of us is currently the only accessible memory I have of you and I together. I couldn't bring myself to watch it with sound on right now, but I know we were playing The Only Exception. I'm an art therapist and mental health counselor now, Nicolette. Our brief but powerful connection is part of the reason I'm so passionate about and love what I do. We all have our struggles, but it was yours and the light that I could always see in you in those times of darkness that helped keep me on this path. People like us, people like you, deserve the grace and understanding that you were always willing to meet others with. I truly hope you are at peace now, my dear. Thank you for being here.

My deepest condolences to the Collazo family and all who knew Nicolette. Nicolette was my closest friend freshman year of high school and I have so many beautiful memories of our friendship, which all started from being placed in the same homeroom :) I also have wonderful memories of the Collazo family, especially her father and grandmother, who always let me spend weekends at their house - the best sleepovers happened in that basement! Nicolette had a big personality, a sharp sense of humor, and a deeply caring nature. I will always look back on my high school years and think of Nicolette and the impact she had on me. From chatting at our lockers between classes, her tutoring me in math, ringing in a New Year´s together, and everything in between. Your family is very much in my thoughts as you navigate this difficult time.

My sweet angel... my whole heart... my whole childhood.... i have no words. I am so completely shattered for your family. I pray you finally find peace my love. I will forever cherish our little inside jokes, our super short show, our walks to Stop & Shop! G Rod lives forever baby. I love you. Until next time <33333333
- Your BFFL

My condolences to Carlos his father and the rest of the family ..My son went to grammar school and the first year of St joes with Nikki .Such a beautiful girl my heart breaks for all of you .I will keep you all in my prayers

My deepest sympathies to Nicolette's family and loved ones. I didn't know her well but she was always very kind and a hard worker. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.