Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. was born in the car. My mom and I were driving on 1-90 on a sunny summer day about a year after Nick was killed. I was explaining to her that I wanted to start a non-profit in Nick's name. An organization that would be based in the community that he loved and would assist his brothers that came home. She said the name. "Newby-ginnings." I could see it instantly. I was stunned. It was perfect. I spoke about Newby-ginnings for about a year, about my plans, my dream. I would write down the name and slide it across the table to the person I was talking to. I watched their face as what I had written registered in their mind. A gasp usually followed, along with misty eyes. "It's perfect" they would always say. "How can I be involved?" "What can I do to help?" "When are you going to make this happen?"

With the help, love and support of my husband, family and friends, we made it happen. In a short amount of time, the idea had flourished and the mission expanded to include families of the fallen, those that have served and those that are continuing to serve our country. Newby-ginnings has given me an opportunity to do something good with our unfathomable loss. It is providing me with pride and purpose. I am still Nick's mom.

Like Alice through the looking glass, I unwillingly stepped into a strange new world without my son. I can never go back. So I will take this strength, that I didn't know that I had, and I will turn it into something remarkable.

I will turn it into a new beginning.

Theresa Hart