To my little sister Nat:

I want you to know that I am so proud of you.  I didn’t tell you that enough. 

There are so many accomplishments you attained in life: graduating from St. Olaf as a pre-med major, completing your master’s degree in biology from Cal State University – Chico, and being accepted into medical school at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona are some of the most impressive. Each achievement made me even more proud of you. I loved telling people that my little sister was going to be a doctor. 

I didn’t understand just how much you excelled in medical school. You never bragged about your GPA (ranked 8th in the class) or the prestigious rotation you were selected for in San Diego to perform stem cell research and bone marrow transplants (only two medical students in the entire nation selected). You would have graduated in May 2016 and gone on to pursue a career in Internal Medicine. You would have been an incredible doctor. It’s heartbreaking to know that you weren’t there with your class to receive your diploma. However, mom, dad, Shelly, Brady, Max, and I were there for you. We were all so proud of you as we received your diploma after being posthumously granted a doctoral degree in osteopathic medicine (DO).

Love Conquers Violence is my promise to you that your voice will continue to be heard. Our mission is to tell your story and stop domestic violence. I wish I would have inquired more when certain things didn’t seem quite right. I didn’t.  But Love Conquers Violence will educate someone else to think twice before dismissing a situation that doesn’t appear normal. Through our event, Bags and Beers for Nat, the community will come together to remember you. Your scholarship will help aspiring doctors pursue their careers in medicine. Our donation to the Domestic Abuse Project (DAP) will help prevent abuse through education and awareness.

I know you are shaking your head somewhere in Heaven at all of the attention you are receiving. I also know you wouldn’t miss this party for any reason. Nat, I want you to know that I am in awe of you and all your accomplishments. I didn’t tell you enough that I am so proud of you. You are my hero. I know you are watching over us and helping us along our life’s journey. I miss you dearly, but I know we will meet again one day. I will always love you.

Your big brother,

Nick