I am very honored to be here today to speak about Nathan. Nathan has an Old soul, his understanding and awareness of those around him is a unique quality that he possessed. Nathan’s non-chalant attitude could have been interpreted as a sign of laziness or not caring. This was not the case at all, but it was his wisdom to understand that we must focus on the bigger picture and not just the little details.

He taught me the importance of focusing on what truly matters. I was very anal and much of a perfectionist in my earlier years. I realize today that watching Nathan’s interaction with his father, Harrison and Isabella softened me up quite a bit.

For this, I will always be grateful and will work my best to continue to further develop this trait of focusing on the bigger picture. There are not very many people who call me Mary and I usually don’t like to be called that name. Nathan would always say, “Mary, it doesn’t matter…” He knew that he would get my attention, which would stop me from saying too much. Sometimes, I caught myself just glancing at him and our eye contact alone was enough to stop me.

His consistent patience with Harrison and Isabella was far beyond what even I was capable of. I always hear them say “Nate, Nate.. Let’s go,” pulling on his hand. Instead of the usual wait a minute that would come from Rusty or myself, he would get up and let them play or take him to wherever they wanted to go without saying a word. He not only taught Harrison and Isabella to ski, but myself as well. We usually go skiing every Spring Break and while the little ones are in ski school, Nathan and I would ski the blues while Taylor and Rusty would go ski blacks. Nathan would go ahead on his snowboard and wait for me, while I would try to muster up the courage to ski ahead. Sometimes he had to sit quite a while to wait for me, but he never uttered a word of “hurry up” but just sit waiting patiently waiting. I would tell him I’m sorry for such a delay, and Nathan would say, “oh, I was resting.” He should have been out on the blacks with Taylor and Rusty, but he knew I would be skiing alone. He always put the needs of others before those of his own.

Nathan continues to teach us even though he is with us only in spirit. Even though not speaking, his presence is forever felt within us. I know he continues to watch over us and teach us to love unconditionally. He demonstrated that to me in all the years that he was a part of my life. Waiting patiently and putting the needs of others first. His ability to love unconditionally was a rare gift of Nathan’s. I will forever be grateful for the memories that we have experienced as a family and most importantly for the love that I was able to witness between his father and brothers and sisters. You are forever in our hearts.