When Angels Wear Jerseys: Remembering Kyle Nicholson

After months of battling leukemia, 19-year-old Shelby Township resident and beloved friend, Kyle Nicholson, passed away July 7.

Friends and family of Kyle had the chance to say their final goodbyes before his passing at the University of Michigan Mott’s Children’s Hospital.

For those who were unable to say goodbye to Kyle in person, Facebook is providing them a forum to express their love for one of the strongest people in their lives. 

Countless friends are sharing their favorite memories or gratitude for even having had the chance to meet Kyle on the social media site, and the hundreds of messages surely show just how many lives he blessed.

Although we know he cannot “like” or comment back to what we’re saying, it is providing a sense of closure and togetherness in a community where Kyle was a very special member.

Before I knew him by name, I referred to Kyle as, “the kid in the basketball jersey,” as did many of my peers in school. Every day he would walk the halls of and sporting a different jersey and, of course, a big smile. And how can we forget the big stack of books up to his chest he would lug around instead of using a backpack at SJH.

But not only did his love for jerseys make him stand out.

His strength and bravery during his battle with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) proved to us that we had to stay positive. He was often the one making everyone else feel better by telling us that it would be OK. His positive attitude is what carried him, his family and his friends through until the end.

When I think of Kyle, memories of his love for “the ladies” and country music come to mind. Along with the way he would cover his mouth when he laughed, which often made me burst out laughing even harder.

He was able to talk about girly things, then turn around and discuss football plays with guys. He was everyone’s friend and go-to guy for anything. Although many couldn’t reach his shoulder due to his height, it was he who many leaned on during hard times.

I think everyone can agree with me when I say to Kyle:

"We can’t blame heaven for taking you away. You were too special for us to keep to ourselves forever, so in our hearts is where the memory of you will last forever. Heaven gained the greatest of angels and we gained the greatest of memories."

Although we cannot see you walking down the halls of Sweeney Hall at Central Michigan University anymore, I know you will be sporting those jerseys in heaven, and all of the ladies will still be after you.  

Funeral Arrangements:

Wujek-Calcaterra, 54888 Van Dyke Ave (25 Mile), Shelby Township

• Monday, July 11, 3-9 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 12, 1-9 p.m. Rosary at 7 p.m. 

St. Therese of Lisieux, 48115 Schoenherr Rd (between 21 & 22 Mile Rd), Shelby Township

• 10 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, July 13