Dear Janet -

You don't know me but I often visit your son's memorial website. He passed away a month after my cousin John-Paul Rodrigues. I found Nick's page through the Compassionate Friends website.

I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am. 4 years can be a lifetime to some but when a parent loses a child 40 years wouldn't even ease the pain. I watched my godparents bury their 24 year old son. I often think about that horrible day and granted it doesn't sting as it once did but the pain never really goes away. I can't even imagine what his parents' pain is and God willing I will never know it myself. I can't make sense of a young person dying whether its natural causes an accident or a disease. In some cases you hope their suffering ends but no one tells us how to deal with the aftermath.

Your memorial to Nick is wonderful. I like looking at his pictures and thinking that he is in good company and perhaps has found a friend in my cousin. I like to think that he is watching over you your husband and your son Mike and making sure you have his smile on you at all times.

My cousin and I were very close. We acted more like siblings than anything else. I have days where the slightest memory can make me either laugh or cry and I don't know what to say or even think when I remind myself that as his cousin my pain is great but if I was his mother it would be too much to bear.

You are a strong woman. I read your letter and how you feel on the inside. I want you to know that of all the things that I have read that hit me the most because it gave me a better understanding of a mother's pain.

Janet you are in my prayers. I thought of Nick on his anniversary and his birthday. I didn't know him I have never met him or your family but I know he has cousins and friends who would give anything to have him back for 1 day. We are part of a club that we never wanted to be a part of.

I hope you find solace in the prayers and thoughts of those around you and please know that Nick is watching over you and guiding you. I hope that you will have a good night and know I will say a prayer for your family.

Randy and I would like to Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for the beautiful candles that were lit and the beautiful graphics made in loving memory of our handsome Angel ~Rocky~. They warmed our heart so much to know so many of you thought of him and honored him on his 2nd Angelversary. We would be so lost without our Angel Families!! God Bless. Big hugs and lots of love is being sent to you! Randy and Claudia Lindley proud parents to ~Rocky Lindley~

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL & BLESSED CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN PRECIOUS NICK. YOU WILL FOREVER BE LOVED & MISSED AND WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE ON THROUGH THOSE THAT LOVE YOU. MAY YOUR DAY IN HEAVEN WITH OUR ANGELS BE A SPECIAL DAY WITH OUR LORD UP ABOVE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY. LOVE LaRAINE MOM TO MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER CYNTHIA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phzUniyCCKA

Dear Janet (and family) ~

What a beautiful, heartfelt, love-filled tribute to Nick and the angel that he was and is.    I know that he is so proud of you, and the progress you have made in moving forward.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers every day, my friend.  If you ever need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to be there, I am just a phone call or an email away.

Blessings, prayers & love always ~

Jess