Remembering Nick: A Final Goodbye

My mother’s biggest fear was finding her son dead. On June 17, 2024, our mother passed away while Nick was incarcerated. I pled with Nick not to come back to the area. Anywhere but here. I’ve always had the same fear of receiving that call. When Nick was locked up, that fear was in the back of my mind. When he was released, the fear came back.

On Feb 8, 2025, that fear became a reality. I didn’t hear from Nick since Wednesday, but there was motion on the camera. Then over 24 hrs went by. One of his friends called me worried. I prayed the whole ride over that he was just out with friends and his phone was dead. I pulled into the driveway and had a terrible feeling. I knocked on the door, unlocked it. Koba came out whining. He didn’t leave Nick’s side until I got there. I dreaded walking into that room. I knew. I just knew. Nick succumbed to his addiction. His addiction finally won. Nick had joined my mom, dad, other siblings, and friends lost along the way.

Nick loved being out in the woods whether he was wheeling or wrenching. He was there to help his friends. He loved his nieces and great niece. He always had a dream or goal. Unfortunately the devil on his shoulder took him away.

I've never asked for this kind of help before when I sure could have used it. Addiction is ugly. It changes the people you know and love. So if anyone could please help me give Nick the final send-off party he deserves, I’d greatly appreciate it. All funds will be used to have services for Nick. He will then be with our parents and siblings. He definitely wouldn’t want us calling it a funeral.