I can’t tell you how much we will all miss that kids smile along with the joy that he always brought to the group when we were together. We had some great memories hunting and going to the lake with the kids. He always made my day with that little smile he would give me. It didn’t matter if I was telling the boys to hush while trying to sit quietly in a deer blind or when he would give me that wink and grin when he would be playing a prank on the other boys. Im still not sure who won the eating contest between he and Cade but when Nate got sick on my driveway he said “I’m the winner.” Well I’m not sure he won by getting sick first but with the wink he gave me and that little grin, there was no doubt, that kid was a winner. The boy had a demeanor like no other. One of my favorite memories was the time we took Taylor, Nathan, Brock and Cade hunting with Billy, Bryan, John and Danny over to the Buffalo springs ranch and all the boys had such a great time with all the dads. Those kids belonged to us all and they knew it. I won’t forget the first night there, Nate fell asleep on the couch and Taylor and Cade drew a mustache on his face with a sharpie. I told the boys they were going to pay when ole Nate woke up. However, he got up the next morning, looked in the mirror and said he liked the mustache. Once again he had the right demeanor and maturity at an early age to just get along with the crowd. He was a great kid to be around. I will miss him more than you will ever imagine, but I won’t forget the memories.

You and I have been great friends since we were little kids. I have spent hours trying to figure out a way I could take away your pain and I feel powerless. Nate did something that he didn’t mean to do. He got caught in the heat of the moment. If he had any idea what kind of pain this would cause for you, Julia and the rest of the family, he would take it back in a second. Nate boy would never intentionally hurt you or anyone else, he was a crowd pleaser and kept everyone laughing or smiling. I never saw that kid with you when he didn’t have a big smile on his face. I could always see the bond and love you had for each other. No matter what, you can always hold your head up, knowing how much Nate enjoyed and loved each of you.

Be strong

Sambo.