Some people get lucky in life and meet someone special. Someone that may change the course of their life or their way of thinking. People that have the power to do this are truly amazing. I'm not talking about your mom or dad, they're supposed to be an influence (although sometimes are not) but maybe a coach, teacher, friend that just makes you go "Wow, how can I be more like them?". I was lucky enough to meet such a person and was even prouder to call him my Friend.
My Friend Nick was one of those people that would go out of this way to make you smile even when you were having the worst day ever. Always having a joke to tell you and meet you with a smile on his face. Nick lived life like every day was a gift. Now, I'm sure Nick got mad but I never saw it... ever. He treated everyone with respect and a kindness that in this day in age just does not happen anymore.
A little back story to Nick. He was born with a Heart condition. The story I was told is that he had a surgery done which had previously been unsuccessful on many other patience. He survived. I was even told that he had this procedure done 6 more times in his life to help his heart condition. Nick couldn't allow too much strain on his heart, causing him to attend school for a semester, then having to take a semester off.
Nick went to the college I attended and thankfully, I was able to meet and stay friends with him after my graduation due to the frequent visits I made back to the school because of good friendships I created while attending. Nick ended up being employed by me at a local CVS I managed. He also played first base for our softball team for a summer. At work, playing ball, hanging out, or singing WEZZER songs at some of the shows a band I was in played, Nick always seemed to be having a wonderful time.
On July 25th, 2005, Nick was playing softball for the College Summer Camp and Hit a Home Run! When he reached home plate, his heart gave in and he passed right there on the field on what seemed like a regular Monday. Every year, through out the year, and especially around this time I always think of Nick.
I saw how he treated people and it inspired me to attempt to be just a little bit of what Nick was. Kindness and forgiveness are emotions that are hard to master. It can be frustrating and difficult if people view it as weakness. For the first 5 years after Nick passes I threw a music festival in Nick's name to benefit a camp he went to and worked at in NJ called "Hope with Heart" that helped kids with heart problems just like Nicks. They Strive to provide Kids with was can be called a "normal" summer for at least a few weeks. At this music festival, I spoke with literally hundreds to thousands of people over the years that have had their lives effected (for the better) just by knowing Nick. This gives me hope. Hope that with every bad there are more good. Hope that with every one person that views weakness, there might be 5 that view kindness.
They say as long as people remember you, you are never gone. That legacies are forever. So I leave you with this verse from a song me and my friends wrote in memory of Nick and hope that you all have someone in your life that can move you like Nick has for so many
"Live every day as your last....
Don't dwell on the past.
I'll see you soon...
Heavens only a prayer away
It's only a prayer away"
-Switch: Prayer Away
IN MEMORY OF: Nick Fen Gretina
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