This day of sanctuary was sponsored by our good friend, Nicki Walters, in honor of her late husband, Bill, on the date of their wedding anniversary.
“I am donating today in memory of our 18th wedding anniversary. We always did something special on this day so I thought this year I would share it with the Chimps. We always derived such joy from the Facebook posts and they helped us through many days of his Cancer treatments, now they help me get through days with out Bill, AKA Twister. I love seeing the chimps playing on his structure and I think of how happy he would be to witness it. It is a lovely tribute and I feel so fortunate that our friends and loved one made it be as a representation of this great man’s life and a gift to the Chimps. Thank you to all who care for these magnificent Apes and take the time to share such beautiful stories of them with us.”
Nicki, I can’t think of all the spring, summer and autumn evenings many of us have spent in the company of Jamie as she sits on the chimps’ “Twister” climbing structure that you all made possible, the last rays of the sun beaming across the sanctuary, across our faces. Jamie’s usually found some bit of missed forage to snack on while she looks out over the sanctuary and surrounding land, her home, with an occasional backward glance to make sure we are where she left us. I’m immensely grateful for these times when she seems particularly at peace, in awe. For me, but mostly for her. Thank you for giving her and her family such times. And thank you for honoring Bill and his legacy in such a beautiful way.
We’re all thinking of you and hoping today brings the same peace and awe of all you and Bill shared, and still share, together. And hoping the sun’s on your face today. Happy Anniversary to you both. <3<3
Jamie:
Jody:
Missy:
Jamie:
Those are awesome pictures!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Nicki, May the memories of the life you shared with Bill bring you peace and comfort. Thank you for all your kindness to chimps.
Nicki, I’m so sorry for your loss.
How wonderful of both of you to enrich the chimps’ (and by association, our) daily lives with the donation of the Twister. And how rich your life, not only with Bill’s love, but also with the love of those friends who made it happen! As Katelyn says, may you feel the warmth of the sun’s lingering rays….and maybe even hear the echo of a grunt of satisfaction floating to you from the valley.
Nicki…A friendly Hello from Ohio…Your story & loving tribute to your husband really touches my heart…I hope you’ll continue to be comforted by all the wonderful loving memories you have of your life with Bill…
Thank you for your continued support of these most magnificent chimps…