From a very young age, Nicholas was quite the entertainer – very cute and happy.  His older sister, Pride, and our two older boys, David and Parker, loved to play with him.  There was an abundance of laughter and joy.  As they grew up together, they ran throughout the house playing superheroes indoors and football, basketball and soccer outdoors.  Joseph, Pride and Nicholas’s younger brother, joined the group in 1990.  What a blessing that year!  Not only was Joseph born, but both families moved next door to each other.  They became even closer (if possible) playing together every day.  We cherish those years together as one big happy family.  So many beautiful memories.  We could always count on Nicholas to make sure things never got too dull or boring.

 As the children began graduating from high school one by one, it was exciting to see what paths they chose.  We were all touched so deeply by the 9/11 terrorist attacks and when Nicholas told our family he was planning to join the Marines, we were so proud of him.  It seemed like such a mature decision to make for someone so young.  We loved hearing stories of his boot camp experiences and gained insight into what it really took to be a Marine.  His work ethic was praised by his drill sergeants and his need to serve his country was truly admirable.  After boot camp, he trained extensively for Afghanistan and we were in awe of all that he did, including scout swimming and assault climbing.

 Our last family gathering with Nicholas was October, 2004.  We will never forget that weekend.  We can still picture all of the cousins together, horsing around just like the good old days.  Nicholas had definitely grown up – definitely a Marine, but still our sweet Nicholas.  As always, the entertainer, engaging us all with his military stories.  He could find humor even in the scariest of situations.

 Dear, dear Nicholas – our family changed forever the day you passed away.  The pain is sometimes unbearable but we balance that with our immense pride in all that you did to protect us and your country.  Not a day goes by that we don’t think of you with love and honor.  We cherish the times we spent together as a family.  You are a true American hero but more than that you will forever be a loving member of our family.

        With love always,

        Auntie Pride and Uncle Bill

Dear Nicholas,

When I think back on memories I want to share in this note, many come to mind.  By now, the “alligator” and “guilty” stories are close to legendary.  Thinking about the time that Pride, Parker and I made you to eat mustard by convincing you it was yellow guacamole always makes me smile.  The days spent on Michael’s motorboat were such fun.  So many memories from childhood involve you – Parker and I were lucky to grow up so close to you, Pride and Joseph.  It’s a testament to how close we all were that when Jessica and I got married, you tried to get home for the wedding by telling your commanding officer that your brother was getting married.

I remember all the sports we used to play in the backyard, especially football.  You and I were always teammates because I was the biggest and you were the smallest.  We would stand on the small hill in front of your house, getting ready to kickoff.  I would always tell you “like a locomotive”.  Then I’d throw the ball and you’d charge down the hill, smashing into whoever was trying to block.  Even though you were the youngest, you never backed down. 

I will always cherish the dinner Jessica and I had with you in Richmond right before you deployed to Afghanistan.  We had just gotten to visit with you at your big party at Beth’s house, and even though you were having dinner with Robyn and her side of the family, you were still thoughtful enough to invite Jessica and me.  And I am so thankful we went.  I remember you were a little run down because you had to get a bunch of immunizations that morning, but of course you were still the life of the party.  I will never forget hugging you outside the restaurant.  I have clung to that memory many times in the past few years.  It hurts that I will never see you again, but being able to see you that last time, give you that hug and tell you I love you is a comfort for me now.  I look forward to seeing you again.

       Love,

       David, Jessica and Julia

When I think about Nicholas, three clear pictures come to mind:  two from memories of being with him and one from a photograph. 

The first is from seeing him on a visit to his house when he must have been about six year old.  He’s has this beautiful bright, award-winning smile on his face topped by that gorgeous wavy brown hair.  I thought he was the best-looking boy I’d ever seen.  It makes me smile to remember how he looked.

The second one is from the last time I saw Nicholas.  That was at the big multi-person birthday party we had a Bill and Pride’s house.  I think it must have been March of 2003.  He was this incredibly handsome, strapping, all-muscle Marine.  He was full of energy and charisma.  I, like everyone else, wanted to be around him, talk with him, and hear his stories.  He made me laugh.  And he gave me a whole new appreciation for the work ethic that Marines have….I found it amazing to think how hard it all was and yet he loved doing it.  I felt proud to know him and count myself as a member of his family.

The third picture that comes to mind is from an actual photo that I saw on the Internet.  Norma sent it to me.  It’s a picture of Nicholas in Afghanistan with some of his Marine buddies.  No smile here.  All tough, all business, all man.  He looked invincible to me.  If only that could have been true.

I’ll always love him, appreciate him and miss him.

Maude Babington

Dear Nicholas,

     I slept in your bed last night, the bed that you will not sleep in again.  I was overcome with an enormous sense of calm, comfort, and peace.  You were there with me, guiding me back to my memories, and to other joyous places in time spent with you.

     When you were three years old, (and I was single), we used to have "special sleepovers" at my place.  I would always be prepared with your favorite snacks, and you would always arrive with your beloved Curious George doll tucked under your arm.  We would put your favorite "feetie" p.j.'s on, snuggle under the covers and read to each other for what seemed like hours.  I would wait until I thought that you were soundly asleep, and I would tip toe out of the room quietly.  Your little head would pop up and you would shout "Hey Auntie Peg, where ya goin?"  We would begin the snack, bathroom,snuggling, and reading ritual all over again.

     You would fall asleep curled up beside me, and I would frequently awaken to look at your angelic face sleeping.  It was at those moments when I hoped and dreamed of a son like you.

     I would take you out for breakfast in the morning and encourage you to get something other than cereal.  You would order pancakes, or waffles, but really preferred your cereal.

     As I drifted off to sleep last night, thinking about the little boy that shared my bed, I hug your pillow to feel the Nicholas that I have not seen in over a year, and I try to feel comfort...and I do.  At long last in the same bed,the presence of you  Nicholas, Curious George, and your devoted Auntie Peg are together again.

Always,

Auntie Peg