There is a season for everything,

a time for giving birth,

a time for dying,

a time for tears,

a time for laughter,

a time for mourning,

a time for dancing....

Ecclesiastes 3:1,2,4

Nicholas, our son, committed suicide on August 22, 1999. This will be our first Christmas without our son as well as many other "firsts" we did not anticipate having to ever experience. Family traditions, which were altered because of Dad's health, will be changed this year and we do not know what we will change to. At some Christmas in the future we will again resume some of the holiday's spirit.

Most people did not realize that Nick suffered from depression for more than twelve years that we were aware of. He had been seeking care and was on medication. Of course, his fiancee, Sherrie, and we knew he was depressed but not the extent and depth of it. The tributes to him from friends, relatives, classmates have been heartwarming and have helped us as we unpeel this onion called grief. Experiencing this loss and finality of his death is an everyday work in progress that we do more or less well given the day.

Gabrielle and Josh have been with us during the entire time. Their support and presence helps us. We are so lucky to have them physically close as well. We do see them several times during the week.

Enclosed is a card that has Nicholas's image on one side, it is his senior college picture. On the other side is the address of a web site that was created as a tribute to him. We hope that you will visit the site and remember Nicholas, Gabrielle and Josh, ourselves and Sherrie.

Blessed Christmas to you.

Walter and Joan

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