I look forward to participating in and supporting the DAVAL HOSPICE 3rd ANNUAL MOONLIT MEMORY WALK, in honor of 2 very precious people in my life….my 22-year old son, Nick, who died as a result of a tragic vehicular accident on June 18, 2012, and my mother, Rita, who died on July 15, 2010, at the age of 80.

 

Nick was my only child…..truly a blessing, and the joy in my life. He was a gentle spirit, soft-spoken and   full of heart.  He was passionate, funny, loving, generous, compassionate and selfless. Nick lived his life in service to others.  His view of life was simple….to love and be loved. He knew what life is about. He wasn’t perfect. He could be impatient, stubborn, and temperamental; but, Nick was forgiving…he believed in second chances, countless chances.  He accepted people for who they were, and where they were at.  He maintained his convictions…Nick loathed hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes; he maintained a passionate stand against injustice, unfair treatment of others, and supported pro-life.  He was not afraid to stand up for his rights, or the rights of others.  Nick loved kids.  He had planned on completing his education in Physiotherapy, and hoped to become employed at Sick Kids Hospital. More than anything, his hope was to marry and become a dad.  Nick was proud to be Italian and Canadian (he was the only Italian I know who could pull of wearing pink dress shirts). He was humorous, and loved music and dance. He was disciplined in health and fitness.

Nick is deeply missed, and forever loved….

 

My mother was a devout Christian woman.  She taught me…first and foremost…to love, honor and trust God…and to pray unceasingly. From a young age, she was faced with many challenges and much adversity…..but she maintained her strong faith.  She was blessed with 9 children, 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too! Her family was her joy, and her dedication.  My mom was funny, kind and sweet.  At the age of 77, she suffered a terrible fall…sustaining many injuries.  This resulted in her being sedentary…something she hadn’t been used to.  In April of 2010, mom suffered a heart attack. Her condition deteriorated. At this point, several health concerns that had afflicted her began to take their toll.  She was in continuous pain. As a family, we agreed that Hospice Buffalo was the suitable place for mom as she reached the last stage of her life. The interdisciplinary team of chaplains, doctors, nurses and volunteers maintained my mother’s dignity.  She was well taken care of… day in and day out…her pain was managed, she was comfortable, and she was surrounded with the love of family and friends who were able to visit 24/7. I lived at the hospice with her for the entire 5 days that she was there….and they were wonderful, generous and so caring and kind!  My family and I will be forever grateful to Hospice for the tender care they expressed for my mom….and us!

 

I am a steadfast believer in the hospice concept of care.  I would like to encourage you to consider offering a donation to DAVAL HOSPICE, in honor of, and as a tribute to my son, Nick, and my mom, Rita.  Your thoughtfulness and generosity would be greatly appreciated and warmly accepted!

Thank you….may God be with you always, and bless you richly!

 

Judy Micieli