It was one year ago today that Nicky went home to Heaven. It seems like only yesterday, then it seems like a life time ago. We know that he is still with us, but we miss hearing his voice and laughter. No matter how bad a day I would have, coming home and seeing would make me forget all about it. The following is the eulogy that I gave in Houston at Nicky's Celebration of Life.

Although we would never be ready to say good-bye to Nicky, we're glad that we had the extra time to do it in. When Nicky was first diagnosed with cancer we were told by his doctors in San Antonio to "pick between quantity and quality of life". Nicky wasn't ready to give up and neither were we. So we ended up in Houston at the Texas Children's and Methodist hospitals, where Nicky got the care that he needed. While here in Houston, he touched many hearts and lives and many hearts and lives touched him. We have a whole new family here in Houston and in Del Rio that we never thought we'd have. He never met anyone that he didn't like and that didn't like him. There were a lot of people that came together to make his last days very special. We still find it hard to believe that our little Nicky could have impacted so many lives. During his journey, Nicky taught me many things. He taught me more about living than I had learned in my entire life. He taught me that you could overcome any obstacle if you just tried hard enough, and you could do it with a smile. Nicky taught me the true meaning of being a father. When I did something Nicky liked, he gave a little "nod" telling me that I had done good. From my son Alex, I learned about optimism and faith. He had these in abundance when Sabrina and I were running short.

True to his nature, Nicky fought hard till the very end. But in the end, his body could not keep up with his spirit. I want to thank everyone today for coming together and celebrating Nicky's life. I am sure that he is looking down from heaven right now and giving us his "nod" of approval.