Update
As Nick’s 5th anniversary is today, I wanted to update the page and express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the bench a reality. Being able to sit on the bench and reflect on Nick’s life and memories in a serene spot that was meaningful to him feels like a blessing.
I hope that anyone who sits on the bench, whether they knew Nick or not, can sit and reflect in meaningful ways.
Bench Location:
The bench is located in Croton Point Park.
Drive to the RV site and park in the gravel parking lot adjacent to it.
Walk straight past the RV site, then walk past the campground, and then past the cabins. When you walk to the end of the cabins, you will see large Historic Croton Yews. The bench is located just past the Historic Croton Yews.
The walk is about half a mile each way.
The rest of the proceeds were donated to Mid Hudson Animal Aid
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We all struggle with our mental health and the battle that can rage inside of our own minds, and sometimes, even the brightest, kindest, and most selfless spirits among us surrender to that battle.
Four years have drifted by since Nick has gone from our lives. For some background, Nick and I met when we were just kids, and we were in a relationship from when he was 15 to 25 years old. These formative years together included high school, college, the start of his career, and every life event in between. It was through these collective experiences that I had the honor of experiencing the true essence of Nick - the way his natural candor uniquely blended with his tender spirit. Nick gave no false impression, and he possessed a deep dedication and commitment to upholding his values, especially protecting his loved ones and the community he served. He maintained this staunch and passionate dedication while also remaining tender towards those who he protected, extending this tender protection to his beloved animal friends. No stray cats in Westchester County passed Nick unpet or unfed, and no vulnerable individual in obvious need of assistance was left to fend for themselves. His bravery in placing himself in vulnerable situations to help those in need was nothing short of admirable and is an achievement from which we can all draw inspiration.
It was through observing his intrepid spirit that I developed my own sense of bravery, which guided me through my professional and personal pursuits, influenced my acts of service, and still guides me today. He made an everlasting imprint on not only my life but also on all of those he served, whether he was in uniform or not.
While he may be gone, his unique spirit will always remain, and I cannot think of a better way to encapsulate his impactful spirit than through a memorial bench overlooking one of his favorite views. While this bench is personal to me, Nick’s untimely death goes far beyond personal memory. I hope that it will serve as a symbol to those who may have lost their ways in life and are looking for respite, self-discovery, connection, and peace. The burdens and struggles of life can feel heavy, and sometimes too heavy, but I hope this bench will serve as a sanctuary - a place to sit, and even if for a few minutes, to let go of those burdens and struggles and find solace in the beautiful view. Whenever someone sits down and embraces the view like Nick always did, I know they will feel his kindred spirit and the gentle guidance and sense of service he left with us. In each of these moments, together and apart, Nick’s legacy will live on, and he will keep fulfilling his dream of protecting the community and people that he cherished.
The bench will be at Nick's favorite park, Croton Point Park. This location allows for Dumor benches at $5,000 a bench, including a 17-word plaque and maintenance. Below is a link to the Westchester County Park's living memorial program for more details.
Organizer
Amanda Shkreli
Organizer
Beacon, NY