Aaron Patrick Smith

Looking for Good Stewards...

Each day 16 people visit this blog.  There are many of us that think about Aaron each day and at least some of us end up here on this little website devoted to his memory.  Personally, I come here every few days to see if there are new comments.   I frequently think about posting something, but don't.   

Frankly, I feel really bad that more isn't done with this site.   I could do more. I should.  But honestly, I find it's better for me NOT to talk about Aaron.   I do realize, however, that not everyone is like me and many do get some benefit from posting thoughts and memories.   There have been only 16 posts on this page since Aaron passed but there have been well over 100 comments.   

The problem with people posting thoughts and memories in the comments section is that they're buried and difficult for visitors to see and read.   So, what I'd like to do is open up control over this website to those of you who come here so often.   I would like to give you access to post your thoughts and memories.   

If you would like to have the ability to write and post to this blog, let me know.   I'll give you a username and password and instructions on how to do it.    Posting doesn't require any technical expertise at all. It's pretty much as easy as posting a comment.   

Once you're set up with a user/pass you can post whenever you feel like it.  You can post thoughts or memories or even pictures.   There's no commitment here, no pressure at all.   If you decide not to post, no sweat.   

I'm convinced that if more of those who love Aaron have the ability to be stewards of this website we'll have a far better tribute to him than we have now.

If you're interested please send me an email at smith.matthew@yahoo.com.   I probably know many of you but there are some that I won't know so please Identify yourself and how you knew Aaron.   I'll respond as quickly as I can.

Matt

Aaron Jackson VanHorn

Sam and Tommy had their baby on 10/11.

I Know Aaron really would have wanted to be there to see him:

Tribute Video

         

Apparently, this video somehow disappeared for a while.  Mom, thanks for bringing this to my attention. 

Stories from Aaron's friends about Aaron.

I should have posted this a long time ago. My apologies. The quality of the video isn't great. It was dark and loud that night. Still, there's some good stuff here.

Forever is so long

To think of forever without Aaron destroys me.  How do you actually go on without someone you need and want so much in your life? I ask myself this everyday.  The pain never seems to dissipate, luckily neither do the memories.  The memories are the only thing we have left, it just seems so unrealistic to think that those have to last me FOREVER.  Forever is so long and the pain of forever is frightning.  I only hope someday, somehow there will be some relief.
FOREVER, your little sister, Sam

His name will live forever

All the money sent to our family when we lost Aaron was deposited to a special account while we determined what Aaron would have liked us to do with the money.  Matthew was the first to link Aaron's love of learning and his very special kinship with Dr. Jon Clauss of Augustana College.

Aaron graduated from High School at 17 and entered Augustana on an academic scholarship. After a year and half he told me he was quitting school and moving to Texas to work with his brother Matt. I was upset with Matt at the time for luring him away and even called Dr. Clauss to try to talk Aaron out of his decision.  But, Clauss said it was up to Aaron.  You can't imagine how proud I was of Aaron when several years later he called to tell me he was returning to Augustana.  This time, he said, "I am doing it for me".  I was even prouder when Buzz and Samantha and I witnessed his graduation.  Amongst all the photos, the one Aaron liked the most was the photo of him and Dr. Clauss, their arms around each other, in jeans, sunglasses and caps and gowns.

Aaron maintained his friendship with Dr. Clauss and in his last few months sought his help in applying for a Fulbright Scholarship to study in New Zealand.  He had determined to take an in depth look at how minority policies in the United States had impacted the minority population.  He chose that course of analysis because his sister, Lindsay, a bi racial child had experienced "lower expectations" because she was "black".  Academic expectations were lower for minority students, a hidden implication that somehow she couldn't be expected to achieve.  And that was something neither Aaron nor Lindsay would tolerate.

It seemed most appropriate to each of us, Matthew, Joshua, Samantha, Lindsay and me, that Aaron's thirst for knowledge be acknowledged through an educational scholarship at the college he loved.  The funds,(and they were substantial), were invested in an endowment and beginning the fall of 2006 someone will receive a scholarship from the earnings.  The first scholarship, based only upon 5 months of investment will be $1,250.  And it will grow each year, forever, in Aaron's name.

We set some criteria for the award.  We asked that preference be given to single parent households and that no single award should be less than $1,000.  Additionally, Dr. Clauss may make a recommendation based on his knowledge of Aaron and the students he will lead during his tenure.

To each who contributed, we thank you. Because of your enormous generosity, the Aaron Patrick Smith Memorial Scholarship will continue to support a growing number of students for as long as Augustana remains in existance.  Long after we have joined Aaron and are each forgotten, Aaron will continue.

While nothing in this world will ever compensate for the loss of Aarons brillance and his humor and his all encompassing hugs, we are each comforted by the thought that Aaron would be pleased.

Long time no see..

I wouldn't consider myself an emotional guy.   In fact, there was a time where stoicism was my  constant goal.    But this doesn't seem to be getting a whole hell of a lot easier for me to deal with.  Not thinking about it is the best shot I have.   But, I cannot not think about it.  I think I dream about Aaron every night. 

Damn, this just sucks.

Matt

Images of Aaron

It's amazing how we've changed after losing Aaron.  I think for the most part we've all become different people.  Different people with the same soul, the same roots that keep us grounded.  As if he wasn't before, Aaron would be proud of who we are now.  It seems as though the wonderful parts of Aaron rubbed off, and we've each taken a piece.  We hold those pieces close and can see images of Aaron in eachother.  I now hope we can change others as Aaron did and leave pieces of ourselves to hold our legacy.

Memorial Fund Crosses $30,000 mark

We're happy to announce that the Memorial Fund has now generated $31,526.80!    Literally hundreds of very generous individuals have stepped up to the plate to keep Aaron's memory alive and build upon his legacy.

There's still a lot of work to be done.   And there are many ways that you can help:

1. If you haven't contributed yet and have the means to do so, go to the
    link below and donate right now.   Your contribution will be matched
    Dollar for Dollar so even a small contribution can make a big difference.
    Click here to see how you can donate.

2. Aaron's family is working on a large scale fundraiser for early late winter.
    As we get through the planning stages, we'll likely need some volunteer
    support to organize and run the event.   If you'd like to volunteer in some
    capacity, please email APSMemorial@leaderbychoice.com with all of your
    contact information.   We'll add your name to the list and contact you as
    we get things figured out.

3. Finally, you can help by distributing flyers about the memorial fund.   To
    download a copy of the flyer click here (you will need acrobat reader to
    open the file.)

Thank you again to all of those that have stepped up to help us preserve Aaron's memory and build a lasting legacy.   

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was pretty challenging this year for my family.  It's so different without him there.  We all put on happy faces and tried to pretend everything was normal.  But nothing is really "normal" anymore.  Not only is there a deep obvious void where Aaron once was, but it seems we've all changed a little bit as well.   Hopefully, the change is good.

What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Mostly, I'm thankful for the opportunity to do better.  I hope I can take advantage of that opportunity.

Matt