Maude’s Thoughts on Nicholas

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 w ould 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 b o y 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