Nicole,

You were so very special and quite unique throughout your lifetime. I was thinking back over my life with you and I remember a special memory that took place in the kitchen when you were very little. It was late and I was tired but had to do the dishes and get you and your sister, Tiffney, ready for bed because it was a school night. I was deep in my thoughts, because the one job I didn't like doing as a single parent was the dishes! My thoughts were a million miles away and suddenly I felt a pair of little arms wrap around my lower leg. I wanted to stay in my thoughts for the moment but you; little Nicole would not be detoured. I remember shaking my leg trying to rid myself of this small intruder. Finally, you broke my concentration and I looked down and saw you hanging on my leg. I said in a stern voice, "Nicole, what do you want?" Your response overwhelmed me, "Daddy, all I want is a hug." Suddenly I was transported into a world that included only you and me, I bent down and scooped you up. I remember looking into your big brown eyes; they were filled with such deep love. You threw your little chubby arms around my neck and said those words that dads everywhere love to hear, "Daddy, I love you!"

I've always felt that I needed to have good standards and to be an example for my children. You were "my little love bug" and even as you grew into a beautiful young woman you were always "my little love bug."

Nicole, you left a legacy of love and caring. You always put others first and yourself last. I was always proud of you for that. I was given the precious gift from God of you for 21 years and it was one of the greatest gifts I have ever known and it was the greatest pleasure in my life to have been able to have loved you, spending so many wonderful years raising you, going to church together, and having the privilege of guiding you through life.

Until we meet again in heaven, my little love bug, I love and miss you very much.

Love,
Dad

I never knew what it was like to have a daughter until we all became a family. You indoctrinated me in your wonderful, loving, stubborn way! I feel blessed that I had the chance to mother you. Thank you for the opportunity and the wonderful memories.

We had tons of fun even though we had lots of work to do with studying, negotiating rules, deciding on schools, and cleaning your room. You made encouraging you a joy. You just needed help to make a plan and an extra kind word to get started and then you were a whirlwind. We became a great team. I remember when you were starting high school and you decided you wanted to be on the swim team. Together we found San Jose Aquatics and got you lessons to learn all the competitive strokes. The instructor told your Dad and I that in all her 20 years of teaching she had never seen a student learn the butterfly stroke so perfectly in 15 minutes! Well that was the beginning of your swim career, you beat out girls that had swam for years to be a freshman on the varsity swim team and then you helped your school win the championship for the first time in 29 years! I remember loading you and other swim team members into the truck and racing to the meets. Then you decided you wanted to play softball! I remember keeping score for your softball team and yelling your name the loudest when you were at bat and watching you act like you were horrified but knowing you loved it.

You, who were always concerned about being in her big sister, Tiffney's, shadow, but made her own way in the world and did so with dignity and grace. I remember applauding so loudly when you were honored at the student awards ceremonies every semester at Pioneer High School. I remember racing to Modesto with you to watch Joshua play football, singing loudly to the country radio station and laughing madly at your jokes. When it was time for college you hung in there studying, making the Dean's List, and working to pay your expenses. You were so excited about transferring to California State University, Chico, gladly following in your sister's footsteps this time with confidence.

You, my Sweetie, who had her Dad's sense of humor, her Mom's nose, and her Grandma Kay's smile. Your smile that lit up every room you ever walked into. Your stepbrothers, Joshua and Tony's friends were all secretly in love with you as much for that smile as your personality and beauty. We called you 'The Baby' because you were so very lovable and sweet. I miss your greeting of a big hug and kiss even if you'd just seen me a few hours before. I'll miss attending your college graduation, attending your wedding, watching you thrive in your chosen profession, and holding your babies while watching you raise them to be just as lovable as you. I'm thankful to God that I always let you know how much I loved you and that I was blessed with having you in my life. Until we meet in heaven, Sweetie, I Love You. Your Step mom, Catherine

As we pass the 2 year anniversary of September 11, 2001 and our loss of Nicole we wanted to pass along the new website of the Flight 93 National Memorial project. At this website you can pick up the newsletters from the Task Force and fill out Comment forms to give your opinion of what this memorial should be.

We have been working on the Task Force to help in this project. The Task Force has 2 years to complete all the necessary steps to be able to pass on to Congress and the Secretary of Interior our plans for this National Park. Over the next 2 years there will be 5-6 additional newsletters. We hope you will lend your voice.

The URL is www.flight93memorialproject.org

This site will be activivated starting 9-11-2003. Pass this on to your friends and family.

Please take care and God Bless you.
David and Catherine Miller