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NICK'S LEGACY
Nick packed a lot of life in the 19 years that he was with us. He would want us to remember him for those 7,228 fun-filled days and not that one moment in time that changed our lives forever. He was a great son, a great grandchild, a great brother, a great nephew, a great cousin and a great friend. The kids loved him and would follow him where ever he went, whether he wanted them to or not. (I think he secretly enjoyed the attention.)
When Nick was a junior in high school, he was given an assignment to do. His assignment was to write a “life packet” on himself. The life packet represents him as a person and tells us how he saw himself and his family and friends that surrounded him. It reveals his ideas, viewpoints, beliefs, and values on a variety of topics. Below is some of the material written by Nick and it truly is how he wants people to remember him.
“Three things I really like about myself are my honesty, trust and sense of humor. I am an honest person and I am also very trustworthy. I have a great sense of humor and am always in the mood to laugh and make somebody laugh.”
“The traits that describe my personality are obnoxious, funny, smart, gifted, truthful, weird, and a great friend. I am also a pretty quiet kid and like to be with people, always. I am usually in a good mood and will always help somebody that is in need or will be nice to anybody that is nice to me first or in return.”
“My favorite TV program is the best show of all time, Seinfield. The show is just genius and there will never be a better show than Seinfield. My favorite magazine, of course, is Maxim. I can speak for just about any guy when I say that one. My favorite vehicle is the Audi A4.”
“Three of my special abilities and talents are being able to play the guitar, making people laugh and being a good brother. I have had little sisters in my life since I was 5 years old. I love having them in my life. They are very funny and I have learned to be a really good role model to them. They teach me more than I teach them – I am sure of that.”
“Ten things or experiences that I want to accomplish in my life are to finish college, go to grad school, get married, have kids, be recognized on TV, make a lot of money, retire at a young age, be known for something, have a big family, and be able to spend a lot of time at home and stay in good health.”
“If I was having a dinner party, I would invite many musicians like Hendrix, Aerosmith, and Guns n’ Roses because all of them would be really fun to hang out with. They are my musical idols. I would also invite some athletes like John Elway, Shannon Sharpe, and Trevor Pryce because they are my favorite athletes that have ever played the game of football. I would also invite Jim Carey, Adam Sandler, and Mathew Lillard, because they are my favorite actors.”
“My definition of love is when you truly are the other half, when you feel more than you can explain about another person. It is really hard for me to define love because the only love I’ve ever had is the love for my family. “
“I have been taught that many things may go wrong in my life, but I have such a strong family and so many people that care about me, and most people take that for granted.”
“If I were to die tomorrow, I’d want people to remember me as being someone that is always in a good mood. I think being in a good mood washes off on other people and if there’s no reason to be in a bad mood, then don’t. I want to be well-known, and I want to be known and lost by many people, even ones I didn’t even know.”
“If I only had 33 minutes to live, I have no idea what I would do with my life. I’ve never thought of it like that. I’d probably be really, really scared. I would talk to my parents and tell them everything that I always wanted to tell them.”
Nick was loved by all who knew him and will be missed by those who never got the chance.
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee God wanted me now; He set me free!
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