People named Nicholas Bielik

I 'm a Montessori Guide (teacher) of children between 3-6 years old. Being near our youngest souls on earth each day is my passion and life's work. I came across a book about the Montessori Method of education when I was still pregnant with Nick (I was 26 years) as I wandered through the old Plymouth, Massachusetts library on Main Street. Without him, I would never be enjoying the work I do today. When the event occurred, it was my first day back to school with the children from summer break. We had taken Nick to New Jersey on Sunday and spent the entire day setting up his furniture in his new house that he'd be sharing with about five other guys. He was so excited. The three of us had a wonderful lunch at that place with the trains along the ceiling (I can't recall the name). We laughed a lot that day. His laugh was so special because his voice was very deep and when he laughed....well it was a joy to hear. Nick and I went to the Sears for some last minute items. That was the last store we ever went to together. Later that evening as the sun set, we said our farewells. We live in Beacon Falls, Connecticut...two hours away. We traditionally have a family hug and we did so that day as well...even though he was beginning his sophomore year, he still enjoyed our group hug. As Chris, his father, and I were about to get into the car to leave, he said..."okay, one more hug....I love you guys.". Those were the last words to us...ever. You've no idea how grateful I am for those words. The phone call that is every parents nightmare actually occurred and we were......honestly, I don't know how we were because my mind still has trouble processing that night. The drive was painfully long. We drove with such attention to detail in this frantic need to keep ourselves safe for Nick. We had to not panic so we could be there for him. Our son needed us. The. New Jersey police met us at the state line and escorted us to the emergency room. I. recall stepping out of the car and when I placed my foot on the ground my legs almost gave out.....that has never happened to me and I remember thinking how bizarre that my legs aren't working right. My mind was numb....like holding my breath yet still moving. The emergency room was low lighted and silent. I kept thinking where are all the people? There was just one or two and they escorted us to a small room with furniture. We sat down and then a moment later a group of doctors and nurses came into this very small room and without a word being said......the news was given with the looks on their faces. The young doctor looked at me and I remember feeling so sad for him because he looked exhausted and like he was about to cry. I. just wanted to tell him it was okay and thank him for trying so hard to help our Nick. But, of course my voice was useless. And now began the long walk to Nick. When a parent gives birth to a child, it is life changing. Truly, a part of you is different and no longer the same as before because this beautiful soul has entered the equation of your life. Even being pregnant (as powerful a change as that is) is still a perception of parenthood until that new life is actually held in your arms, breathing the same air, experiencing the same light. When your child's soul leaves before yours, it changes you on a level that no one can really talk about, and should ever know. The normal words used in everyday language do not exist to describe this experience. The feelings of sadness, anguish, depression, loss, etc, are not even close to the actual "feelings" that exist beyond the blessed numbness which allows (or forces) your body to stay alive. time stops. Nicholas Anthony Bielik was born at 1:55 a.m. and was pronounced dead at 1:53 a.m. We used to wake up at this time on his birthday when he was small and give him a kiss. Nicholas did have an amazing life. He was able to travel the country and experience every region. From the California coast exploring Muir Woods and the Redwood forests to the crazy lifestyle of New Orleans and Mardi Gras. He learned to snowboard in the winters and springs of Minnesota and made some of the best friends of his life (where he was born) in New England. He was intellectually gifted and skipped 2nd grade. So. he at least was able to experience a full academic year of college when he was 17 years old. He was our only child, our joy, our life. and the legacy of our family as the only paternal grandson. His loss to us is immeasurable. We are not "us" anymore. We are changed.

Nicholas Bielik of Scranton, Lackawanna County, PA was born on June 8, 1900, and died at age 67 years old in November 1967.