Amazing neighbor's words: "...Never before knowing Nicholas, or Nikko as he preferred, would I ever have thought that a person not in my own family could impact my life so substantially..."

A Simple Smile (About Nicholas Colby Gilbert), from a December 6, 2010 English paper by Andrew Palffy that he delivered to the Gilberts on October 31, 2011

Growing up in the Bay Area as a child, I experienced a large variety of influences in my life, some better than others. However, the individual who impacted my life the most through their personality and character is Nicholas Colby Gilbert. Never before knowing Nicholas, or Nikko as he preferred, would I ever have thought that a person not in my own family could impact my life so substantially...The importance of positivity, enjoying all life has to offer, and unconditional kindness are a few of the many life lessons I have learned through my wonderful and colorful experiences with Nicholas.

When Nikko was born, I was only seven, still enrolled in elementary school...As a child myself, I enjoyed spending time with his older brothers, playing basketball or football in their front yard. Although Nikko was never quite old enough to play with us, he would always come to watch on the sidelines with outbursts of joy and happiness when a play would end. The pure liveliness that Nikko contained and established through his always upbeat and smiling personality was astonishing to all who came across him.

There was an ongoing joke that I had with another neighbor, Blake, and it stated, “If you ever pass by Nikko and still have a frown, I suggest a doctor.” It is hard to describe the feelings that one would become overwhelmed with when striking up a conversation with Nicholas. He always had a positive opinion on a topic with much anticipation to discuss, whether it was the beautiful sunset or the neighborhood cats that had been bathing in the sun all day.  No matter the subject, Nikko had an upbeat view about it, and for a child who lived for such a brief time, it was quite astonishing to see such pure positivity and enjoyment in life.

From Nicholas’s upbeat outlook on anything his thoughts or eyes came across, I have learned to look for the best in situations. It has also taught me to respect everyone’s opinion, as he would do, saying, “Why would I tell you you thinking wrong? We both think.” This quote, although not grammatically correct, has stuck with me through many disagreements and arguments I have faced. It allows me to appreciate others’ ideas and opinions... Nikko would often take pride in believing one could be whatever they wanted by stating, “I am Nikko, not Nicholas, I can be whatever I want to be...”

With such positivity, it would be naïve to not expect Nikko’s feelings of happiness and excitement that he displayed on a daily, if not hourly, basis. I was once asked why I thought Nicholas was always smiling and so happy all the time. With a reflection on the idea I, responded, “Because he believes.” I truly feel as if Nicholas Gilbert believed in the good of all people, animals, and everything. Although some would say it is quite preposterous for a six year old kid to understand and comprehend such ideas, I would entirely disagree...The simple things he would notice but that I would pass up as unimportant or worthless, such as a simple acorn on the ground or a “curvy” stick in the sidewalk, was and still is shocking to this day...

...I had gone from playing basketball with Nicholas to hearing about his hospital visits and lengthy operations. However, no matter how bad the news kept getting, I never saw Nikko without a smile on his face and a cheerful thing to say. As I look back, I can’t imagine how somebody going through such hardships could be so happy and content with everything going on around them. Not only did Nikko have a once in a lifetime personality, but he was also one of the most generous children I have ever met.

I feel as if his quotes and attitude were his constant gifts to me.  Nicholas’ unconditional compassion and love for everyone was never asked or required of him; he just knew the “right” way to go about life… His rare personality is something people of all ages yearn for and many never achieve. One of the most important things I have learned from Nikko is to put your best smile on for the day, for as much as you know it could be your last.