Dear Dima, by Chris Daniels

Dima,

I can’t do justice in print to any of the many times your wit and humor made me smile. They all require your deep resonating voice with a thick Russian accent for full effect. I would like to share one tidbit, “Of course”. If I had a dollar for every time you replied “of course” I’d be retired living on a beautiful island. Your reply, of course, often left me never really knowing if you were in agreement, placating me, or displaying that playful sarcasm for which you were so well known. Fortunately, the result was always the same, a smile across my face!

Here’s my top 12 list for things I truly loved about Dmitry Volkov

1. You loved and adored your mother.
   
2. You loved and respected your father.
   
3. You truly loved your brother and cared for him deeply
   
4. You were the most amazing young cellist I’ve ever known. I think you would have truly been one of the greatest cellists of your generation. You were indeed that good!
   
5. Your playful spirit.
   
6. Your loyalty to loved ones.
   
7. Your wit and humor.
   
8. Your Russian accent
   
9. Your chivalrous manners. (I never opened a door or carried a bag in your presence.)
   
10. Your borsht (Even if your fingers were sore from chopping all those vegetables into such tiny pieces. Evidently Russians cut vegetables to much small pieces than Germans.)
    
11. Your love of fun be it roller coasters, water skiing, hiking, or water parks.
12. Lastly, I loved you and the way you loved my daughter. I knew you would give your life to protect her. It was a love like I’d never seen before and to be honest, I’ve never seen since. You both were truly Romeo and Juliet. ☺    

I will treasure the memories of you, dearest Dima. You have forever touched our hearts and will be missed deeply. One of your many second mothers, “Chrisssssss” Daniels