MICHAEL RAYMOND NICOLAS

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MICHAEL RAYMOND NICOLAS Born October 12, 1991 With Jesus March 16, 2009 I inspired my dad, (Len), to write this note before I left. I am Michael. My name means who is like God . A tough name to live up to. I was really named after Michael Jordan. Not as tough. I was to be a basketball star...just like Mike, but it did not work out that way. I got sick at three weeks of age. The doctors told my parents to take me home to die. I did not think that was a good idea, for I had a long life to live. They said three months, maybe one year. However, I had a purpose; I was created in God's image and there was so much for me to do. My disease left me with very little of my brain; they said just the brain stem. Enough to make me breathe and keep vital organs and muscles working. I had a strong desire to live which won me many battles. I was high maintenance, but so are most people with a purpose. I left the logistics of my life to my parents and my brothers. I knew they could handle this task, because they loved me. Love is all I really needed to get me through my difficult life. My message is quite simple. Believe in God and love each other. Difficult at times, with all that goes on around us and to us, but it works. It's a good way to conduct your life. I want to thank all those who loved me. I guess I attracted people to me because I certainly felt loved. There have been so many and I don't want to single anyone out. You know who you are. Those who held me, nourished me, took care of me, sang to me, played with me, read to me. Simple actions that always put a smile on my face. A simple act of kindness made both of us feel good. There are many other kids like me who need this kindness, just to keep them going another day. It's tough enough for normal people; think about kids like me who really can't express themselves and hope that our facial expressions or whimpers tell you...I don't feel good, I am cold, my leg hurts...or just hold me, I'm afraid. I am 17. In a wheel chair, contorted, sometimes having a seizure, sometimes very sick. It was tough at times. What calmed me was the touch of a hand on my hand or a soft kiss on my cheeks. Especially Granny's (Mrs. Edna Hackett) and Memere's (Mrs. Eliette Nicolas) and Aunty Audrey Nicolas (Uncle Paul's wife). I also liked being handled a little rough by my brothers Marc and Matthieu; they brought so much joy to my life with their crazy games or laughter as they played around me! My family believes in our Savior Jesus and God our Father. That belief became stronger for my family as I struggled through life. Mom (Linda) made sure we went to Springs Church every Sunday where I really enjoyed the songs, the music and the lights. When Pastor started with the word, I sometimes dozed off, but the power of the spirit would sink in and I felt good after the service. I taught my dad patience, tolerance and acceptance and to believe in the power of positive thoughts. Also, to make change where change is necessary. He knows what I mean. I taught my brothers compassion , love and to excel at what they do. I taught my mother endurance and to dream big. Yes, she was super-mom; raising and caring for the three of us while Daddy worked to provide us with the best. I loved the sounds of birds in the early morning or afternoon while I enjoyed the sun . I also loved the water and being able to float freely in our pool. I could float all day as long as the water was warm. I really felt free as I could move around the pool by kicking my feet ...on my own. Oh what a feeling to move on your own. And for some reason, I always looked up when I heard the sound of a jet crossing the blue sky. There's something about that sound. Grandpa Les Hackett and Uncle Dale Hackett know what I mean (they are pilots). There are many things I could not do...but my brothers did it for me. Marc and Mathieu run, cycle, swim and skate with my heart and desire. They have the brains and the bodies to become what I could not become and I know they will succeed. To kids my age ... do not waste your time on foolish things. You have a full brain to maximize. Don't poison it with foolishness. Sure, you can do crazy things..it's all part of growing up. But be cautious. God also gave you a purpose. Find it; define it; live it and prosper. To the parents ... love your child; hold them, hug them, reassure them; never put them down. Encourage them. Teach them well. It's a tough world out there and they will make mistakes. There's so much that can go wrong. But there's more that can go right. They are the future doctors and scientists that can find cures to diseases that cripple kids. Also, make sure they know Jesus. I want to thank those who took care of me at St. Amant for the last few years. I want to thank the special people at the Victoria Hospital for the last few weeks of my life. I was comfortable, and most of all, you took care of my parents as they helped me through this last battle. It was a tougher battle this time; didn't know if I should fight all the way or let go. But I accomplished what I had to accomplish, so I let go with my usual fight to the end. I am getting tired now. I will go to sleep hoping that you get my message. Mom, Dad, Marc, Matthieu, I'll be waiting for you. To the entire Nicolas and Hackett family, I'll be there on those special family occasions, so celebrate life, especially the warm summer days by the pool or Christmas in Florida with Granny and Grandpa. Goodbye to Daddy's brothers Daniel, Paul, and Ronald and mom's brother Dale Hackett and sister Kimberley Petrie and all my cousins, aunts and uncles. To the folks in Oak Bluff, thanks for helping my parents and me in the beginning and at the end. To my former classmates and teachers at Oak Bluff School during my four years there, thank you for accepting me the way I was. That made it so easy to be there and fun too! To my friends and classmates at St. Amant, I wish you well. I hear the birds, the water and I see the prairie blue sky and feel the sun. There's a nice breeze and the trees are whispering. And Pepere (Raymond Nicolas), who died February 1, 1991, the year I was born , sees me. So I know I am safe as I now can walk this path on my own, proudly and with confidence and leave behind my earthly belongings. Remember me as I was and rejoice in who I am. Instead of flowers, please help others like me by donating to the Victoria Hospital Foundation or the St. Amant Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2009