The atmosphere and environment on May 25, 2006 helped Nicholas to know he was loved. Feelings are recapped here (from the July 25, 2006 journal marking two months since Nicholas passed onto Heaven):
TWO MONTHS AGO TODAY…
We are very, very sad AND we are thankful knowing that God loves Nicholas and is with him in heaven. We are thankful for God's love because we faithfully trust His words placing Nicholas "in heaven" the greatest, loveliest, playfulness…and the "perfect" place for all to want to be when we leave this place.
Remember the book, The Next Place, recapped in the May 26, 2006 journal?
Do you remember the journals and guestbook entries about May 25, 2006 and the pure love within and around Nicholas? The love from so many of you waiting in the waiting area for Nicholas' plane to land in California after midnight…The love from all of you after Nicholas was in his Pediatric Intensive Care Room…The love and beautiful witnessing of Nicholas surrounded by everything pure and perfect letting us know that Nicholas is loved by God although we would miss him in the most gut wrenching, painful ways.
The morning of May 25, 2006 we were informed that Nicholas would probably not live through the night and dozens of family members, friends, and medical staff who were with us after midnight came back to be with many who remained at LPCH. As the dozens grew, the love in the air multiplied providing Nicholas an atmosphere of calm and comfort.
While we were trusting God to guide and shield Nicholas keeping him full of light and love, we also decided to ensure that Nicholas "knew" he is loved by everyone present and representing all of you. And it really was "all of you" because amazingly everyone who was part of Nicholas' journey was physically represented and surrounding Nicholas. And to ensure Nicholas knew this, we read books to Nicholas, prayed, sang, played his Song-Of-Love, had videos playing of Nicholas engaging with many of you, and we had Nicholas' room filled to capacity-in shifts-letting Nicholas deeply know that he is loved. Following are a couple recaps of Guestbook entries describing the feeling felt in Nicholas' room at LPCH as he ascended to Heaven:
Our little friend, Nicholas, died this afternoon. His parents brought him back to LPCH by air ambulance from Denver last night, so his family and friends could say goodbye. As Nicholas was slipping away, his dad asked each person in the room to let Nicholas know they were there, and the room was filled with love as pure as I've ever felt.
- A Guestbook Message
I want to thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege of being with you today. I am so grateful to you for yet again having the strength to allow others to share in Nicholas' and your journey and for giving us all the opportunity to say our goodbyes and to love Nicholas that little bit more. Whilst it was the saddest moment of my life it was also one of the most uplifting, poignant and treasured moments of my life. The love in the room surrounding Nicholas was so tangible. By doing it "your way" as you put it Lamont, Nicholas knew how much he was and will continue to be loved by so many. He looked so peaceful; he fell asleep and flew up to heaven. God had bigger plans for him. No more pain, no more medication dear little Angel, be with God and be at peace.
- The Bishopps
We are honored to have been there today at 12:51 p.m. when Jesus took the hands of Nicholas to be with God. We are honored. For KJ to hold his right hand when he took his last breath, was a profound experience for him. Thank you, Lamont, for allowing us to be there. My children now know that death, albeit sad, is nothing to fear. That Nicholas was surrounded with so much LOVE in that room today. You and Sheila inspire us so much. Thank you for allowing us to say good-bye to him in "your" way.
Nicholas would always say, "You want a piece of me?!" Now, we are left with a piece of him. And for that we are blessed.
There will always be a piece of Nicholas in our hearts. -
The Estudillos
