Cousin Lori Sylvester visits
May 30th, 2008 by Merle Braley
September 23, 2006
Nick Braley & Lori Sylvester (cousin) in sunglasses
Nick Braley & Lori Sylvester (cousin)
Archive for May, 2008
Nick Braley & Lori Sylvester (cousin) in sunglasses
Nick Braley & Lori Sylvester (cousin)
Honored at NKGUILD.com
May 27th, 2008 by Merle Braley
Nick’s online friends dedicate a webpage honoring his life and friendship
Nicholas Alexander Braley
November 29, 1981 - May 3, 2008
Nick’s online gaming friends Jennifer, Jerry, Josh, and Richard drove up from San Diego to the Memorial Service and reception afterward where I got a chance to get to know them a bit and hear their memories of how Nick was and remains a part of their life. Stories of how he was so well liked. Stories of how he was there when someone needed something - anything. And stories of how he amazed them by the amount of food he ate at the yearly barbeques. And the story of his culinary culture shock that brought him to tears when he experienced authentic spicy food. Okay, so he lead a sheltered life growing up in New England. I never took him aside to tell him about bell peppers, sweet peppers, and hot peppers.
I was humbled when I read, “One thing I can say that was sad when his dad approached us. He stood like nick and had the same smile.”
- Thank you 
Waxing Nick’s Saab
May 26th, 2008 by Merle Braley
Nick waxing his SaabDouble Click video to start/stop |
Hanging from Eli & Lizz
May 24th, 2008 by Merle Braley
Nick having a good time just hanging out with his brother (Elijah Braley) and sister (Elizabeth Braley.)
Eli Braley (brother), Nick, and Lizz Braley (sister)
Within a day of Lizz’s graduation from high school.
Cool with an attitude
May 24th, 2008 by Merle Braley
Take 5 - “Okay, Nick, now don’t smile this time.”
Merle Braley (dad) & Nick Braley (son)
Hanging out, looking cool with an attitude - or trying anyway - at Lizz’s high school graduation in Mission Viejo, CA.
Salty tears on the soft earth you made sacred
May 24th, 2008 by Merle Braley
My fairwell letter to Nick
The following letter began to unfold as a series of questions that I scribbled in my Moleskine notebook during the long flight from Boston to LA only a few hours after Joan (Nick’s mother) called to tell me of Nick’s fatal motorcycle accident. Later I discussed those questions and my experiences I had on the flight with Nick’s brother and friends Eli, Everett, Katrina, Juan, and Steven(?.) It was healing to spend time with them and hear how much they loved him. We shared silence, stories, tears, prayers and smiles as we took some time to comfort and be comforted. We planted miniature roses in the sandy soil on the very spot where Nick left his body and this world so unexpectedly.
Ortega Highway
Why do I cry?…
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Roses for Nick
Fairwell Letter to Nick
Read at the Memorial Service - May 10, 2008
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Laguna Beach, CA
Dear Nick,
I’m not sure if you were listening, so here it is again. On the flight from Boston I asked in my thoughts.
* Where were you
Before you were born?
Where are you now?
Were you just passing through this life?
Are we all just passing through?
* Why do I cry?
Do I cry for me?
Or, do I cry for you?
* Are you waiting for me to say goodbye?
If you are waiting my, flight will land soon.
If you’ve left already I understand. I’m sure you’ll find your way.
In my silence, as these questions and thoughts blended into feelings and the drone of the jet engines I wondered:
Was that bright light on my closed eyes a light from you?
And did I truly sense your expansive and comforting glow letting me know that everything is alright?
And was that solid comfort that I felt in my heart the same solid comfort of the famous Nick bear hug?
* And, if it’s true, do I cry for you?
No I cry for me.
And shed salty tears on the soft earth you made sacred when you left.
* And today I pray:
May the power that guided you into this life,
through this life, and ultimately saving you
from future sufferings of your life,
Now guide you on a trip worth living and dying for.
See you later? You tell me.
Love always,
Dad
P.S. I’m going to miss you big time! I’m so honored and blessed to have been your Dad.
Memorial Service in Laguna Beach
May 23rd, 2008 by Merle Braley
The memorial service for Nicholas was lead by Rev. John Millspaugh at the Laguna Beach Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Laguna Beach, California at 2PM on Saturday, May 10, 2008.
Before the service I walked down to the beach to spend some time with my thoughts and the mahogany cremation urn with Nick’s ashes. I joined a group gathering for wedding photos in the gazabo and balanced the shoulder bag carrying the urn on the pipe rail. I stood looking out over the ocean and urn for some time before returning up the hill to the small church on Cedar Street where I placed the urn with Nick’s ashes and a picture of Nick on the alter near at the front of the church just minutes before the memorial service began.
On my way up the hill, my cell phone rang. It was Shirl asking me where I was. She came down to meet me, and we walked quietly together up the hill, to the church.
Here is a copy of the program for Nick’s memorial service.