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“A Man” to Remember The Inspiring Story
of Saint Nick Sequel to Acknowledged
A Man One day he was a vibrant young man
working out in a health club. The next thing he knew, he slowly awoke
from a coma lying in a nursing home bed, blind, unable to communicate
or help himself in any physical way. He had no idea how this had happened
or what was wrong with him. The strength it took for him to endure,
to persist in finding a way to live the life he loved is beyond human
imagination. For those of us who are blessed with
the grace to believe in God, death is a reality that we think of all
of our believing life. We realize that our short life is the testing
ground for our souls. We believe our lives will last for an eternity.
Our goal is Heaven and such a goal is worth striving for! As a result we are forever trying to
become saints—often slipping and falling in the process, but always
seeking to become one. Nick sustained a severe traumatic brain-injury
(TBI) from an assault in a YMCA. Nick was blind. But that
was just one of his deficits! Only by taking care of
someone whose brain has been so badly damaged can one really appreciate
the marvelous organ all of us carry about in our heads. Without it directing
us to do so, we could not even open and close our eyes; we could not
walk or talk; none of our senses would work; we could not listen to
a symphony or a rock and roll band. We could not jog or run, or engage
in any sport—we could not even think. We could not be educated and
learn. Nick lost all of this and more. His life after injury was
reduced to the lowest level one can imagine. Lying in a hospital or
nursing home bed, alive and conscious, was about all he could do. After slowly awakening from a more
than seven month coma, Nick started the new life that inspired all of
us so much. With diligent help from those who were willing to give him
a part of their lives, Nick showed us that he still had the ability
to think; he still was the stubborn person who wanted to explore everything
and did so—even from a wheel chair when he could not see where he
was going. This is “a man”
who motivated those around him to be better than they were because he
taught by example what it means to be a saint on earth. Through all of this darkness, this
hell that Nick lived in, he saw God and told us always that he loved
life. He counseled all of us with our problems and the advice was always
good. Most often it would be, “Love God.” This is a story that had to be told
because this man taught us how to live a wonderful life. This “man” fostered the
most profound love and respect, especially in children. This man’s profound example of how
to live and die needs to be shared. Excerpts and Quotes “St. Nick.
We are all so fortunate for having known him and I will be forever in
your debt for inviting Gail and I into that blessed circle. I cannot
think of anyone who so profoundly affected my life in so short a period
of time…” - Dr. Allen Chatt, Neuropsychologist The Phoenix Fund for the Neurologically
Challenged “Nick’s progress and the quality
of his life, despite the severity of his acquired limitations from brain
injury, destroyed our collective notions of maximal medical improvement.” - Dr. Stephen Sarfaty, Neuropsychologist Comprehensive Neuropsychological Services
“How can I express my feeling for Nick and all of you? Getting
to know such remarkable people and nursing
‘back to health’ such a beautiful person has been
the most outstanding experience of my years of nursing.” - Mary D’Agata, RN Kimberly Hall Nursing Home “Many patients come through my
life, few make a lasting impression. Nick was one of those who not only
touched my heart, but inspired me to take my sense of compassion to
a higher level.” - Jacquelyn Daddona, RN Waterbury Hospital God is Nick’s first thought. The
phrase “what would Jesus do” was his way of living. You can’t
be around Nick and not admire his faith and strength of character. He
makes you realize how much you take for granted. Nick takes nothing
for granted. - Mary, Nick’s sister I think the most phenomenal and
most impressive thing that I found about him—not just the spirituality—not
that he existed, but that he truly
“lived” here on earth. We talked about this often. How people go
about their day-to-day activities and don’t notice all the things
going on about them. Nick truly wanted to know everything
he could about life. When it came time to eat—he wanted to know about
food and cooking. When he went outside he wanted to know everything
he could about plants and trees. Nick truly knew how to stop and smell
the roses—all of them. - Gail, Nick’s coach and dearest
friend My Uncle Nick was like a dove to
me. He flew higher than anything. He loved and cared for anyone
with all his heart. - Spencer This hero has an untold story to
parallel any of the great ones who preceded him. He was a man who could
not see; could hardly walk; who would need to learn a new language to
communicate. He was the worst example of a tamed
spirit, yet born to be free and gallant, a unicorn among mustangs is
what Nick was. - Kyle My Uncle Nick definitely defeated
evil every day of his life and has been such an impact on other people’s
lives—and my own life. I can surely say he is a super uncle. - Johnny How do I handle the loss of you,
the pain that plagues me daily— - Your Best Friend, Deb “Nick’s life exemplifies the
triumph of one man over the unimaginable tragedy of a criminal assault
and the manner in which he handled the resulting permanent injuries
is a testimony to the culture of life.” - Attorney John A. Del Buono “This is a book about love that
had to be written. It is about the triumph of one man over the unimaginable
tragedy of a criminal assault. I felt compelled to write it after Nick’s
death. The depth of love that this man inspired is so extraordinary
that it defines the word ‘love’ and makes it live. I hope that is
apparent in the stories and tributes paid to him.” - Nick’s Mom |