A year ago, my neighbor’s son Nick Mazza was killed in a car accident due to a negligent driver. Despite their obvious heart ache and readjusting to life without him, they were determined to find ways to cherish his memory.

As an organ donor, Nick was able to give life to others in need and through the Community Tissue Services, Nick would be recognized for his continuing gifts. CTS contacted his parents about contributing a memory quilt block to the Connected by Giving remembrance quilt. The quilts are displayed throughout the community in memory of those who gave life to others and to raise awareness for donor need.

I was asked to help design the memory block for Nick. I was honored and though it was difficult to feel the families pain with them, it was rewarding to have been apart of keeping his memory going. I wanted to share the block with you. It is made of Nick’s clothing, a few photo’s chosen by his mom and a red bandanna – his favorite color.

Nick was 20 years old and LOVED to pay his guitar! He really enjoyed music was a goof ball by nature. His two brothers, mother, and step-father are very proud of Nick and like to talk about him and all the crazy things he did that made them smile. He is greatly missed.