I guess now I can tell this story...

For their "Senior Prank" at Big Bear High School Nick, his best friend Kevin Dietz, and a few other kids came up with a great plan to get inside the school after hours and stack desks in the hallways. No damage and they didn't even have to break in--one of them had a key. One father who shall remain nameless hooked them up with black ski masks and such, making them look for all the world like real crooks.

The prank went off smoothly but they didn't count on the security cameras catching their every move. Or the loose lips among fellow classmates. WIthin a couple hours the cellphones of the perpetrators were confiscated and they were identified--except Nick. His was the one name that didn't come out and his buddies kept it that way, lest his "run-in" with the system throw a wrench in his plans for ROTC.

Of course we parents were called in to the Principal's office with our kids. He looked at me intently and said "We know there's one more kid involved and I know it's Nick...(XXXX, NOT Newsome)!" I kept my best poker face on and to my knowledge it never came out that Nick Newsome with the crazy smile was the remaining guilty party.

All the other kids were suspended for 3 days because like the Principal said, there had to be some punishment. Some used the break to go to Disneyland while Nick was in class and during graduation all had a code identifying themselves: each one at the podium included the phrase "Never Forget" as part of their future plans spiel.

Seems appropriate now; Nick Newsome, we'll "Never Forget."

I went through all of the letters he sent me while I was gone and he never missed a single day. 

One of the letters Nick sent me last summer while I was in boot camp. 

Last June I had to spend a month at boot camp. I didn't have a phone while I was there so me and Nick had to communicate through snail mail. For some reason my mail got delayed and he didn't get any of my letters until about 2 weeks in. Before I got out he was so worried that I didn't recieve any of his care packages that he sent more just in case. Everyone always rolled their eyes because I got mail and boxes of treats every night. The last day of camp I got Nick's final package, I could barely lift the box. It was full of all my favorites, EOS lip balm, dry shampoo, choclate cake, and tons of books, even jewelry and dry fit clothes. I know he was worried sick because right before I got orders for camp I fell very ill on our cruise trip with a severe blood and kidney infection. I was in the hospital for two weeks and was very weak when I got out. But, if I didn't make it to this camp, I would have never commissioned as an Officer. Me and Nick had trained in ROTC together and he knew my strength. So for two weeks he kicked my butt and ran me until I was back in tip top shape. I performed very well at camp and owe that to him.  As soon as I got out he took me straight to Las Vegas to celebrate with Jeanne and Jackie. We went to a pool party the next day and that's where we took this video. I was strong but clearly not stronger than him.

Nick, I had a dream about you last night. You called me and talked to me just like you always would. I panicked and tried to ask you too many questions. You were so calm and told me not to worry. I asked you when I would be able to talk to you again and you said you didn't know but that everything was going to be ok. I don't know if it was the crazy amount of melatonin I took or if you were really there, but I know that I woke up today with some sense of relief. 

I will never forget you and the way you have changed me for the better.  

I never had a chance to travel much before I met Nick. The year we got engaged he took me to so many new and exciting places--Mexico, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Las Vegas & more. Last summer I came out to Big Bear to meet his family and spend a few days traveling. Last minute we all decided to go to Disneyland since I had never been. It was one of the best days I'd ever had and Nick made sure I got soaking wet on splash mountain before we left.  I love you Nick, you have left me so many sweet memories. While it pains me to watch these videos it gives me great comfort to hear your voice once again. 

I think Nick had a broken foot. We pushed him in a wheel chair all day at Disneyland and never had to wait in line. I remember Nick and BJ saying something like, what a great idea we should get a wheelchair eveytime we come here.  

I think Rachel had a little crush on her big cousin.