Marie is from our employer, AAA of Northern California, Nevada & Utah, and many of you will remember the amazing ways AAA has supported mom & dad along this journey, even now. Like the Golden State Warriors in many regards, it is one thing to say that you are an organization that cares about people, it is another thing to not only show that but also "be that-a caring organization."
"It is quite overwhelming to be here today talking to all of you after hearing those amazing words and seeing Lamont and Sheila's family. Sheila and Lamont's love and faith have been truly inspiring and is evidenced by their beautiful children.
Lamont and I have talked from time to time over the past year and a half. We would talk about Nicholas and his prognosis, how he was feeling and what he was up to. We agreed in the past few months that we needed a miracle. It was pretty obvious to us - that was what was needed. I suspect many of you have been praying for one, too. Well, we got one. True, we may not have got precisely the one we were asking for but we aren't in charge, are we? But we truly got a miracle. At least that is what I call it when a little boy is able to affect so many people in such positive ways. Just look around the room at all these people, at how many lives were touched by Nicholas.
Nicholas reminded us how important it is to treat each moment we have together as a gift. He taught us how families need to pull together when times are tough - he taught us to redefine what families are. He reminded us what is important in life. He reminded us that it is not always the destination that is important but the journey.
It has been quite a journey for Nicholas and I am comforted by the knowledge that he is in a wonderful place now.
Many of you know that Nicholas had recently taken to the phrase "do you want a piece of me?" And we are grateful for the piece of himself that he gave all of us. Thank you, Nicholas.
Lamont and Sheila - I hope you know that you have so many friends who love you very much."