We recently added some videos to the site that we'd like to share.
The first video was filmed about 3 weeks before Aaron's death. In this short video he's playing with his niece, Lauren. Aaron's being his normal playful self. I think you'll enjoy it. Click here to view.
The second video is the same video that was played at the memorial service. Many poeple weren't able to see the screen so I wanted to make it available for those who didn't see it. Be warned, you will laugh and probably cry... Click here to view the tribute video
Finally, Aaron was a very talented artist (among many other things). We managed to get some of his early artwork together here so you could view it. Some of it is beautiful, some scary. Click here to view Aaron's 'Early' Art.
I miss your voice. I miss your smile. I miss you.. It sill hurts everyday... I finished school in December, and wanted to call you to tell you all about it. It hurt that I couldn't. I will continue to pray for your family and Carrie.
Posted by: stephanie | January 30, 2006 at 06:14 PM
I've really clamed up lately. I think your death is really just starting to hit me. I miss you so and I really have no idea how to express it. I guess I'm still a little angry, and at times helpless. Matt and I are getting along better than we ever have, ten seconds that all I need. But I'll never have. I could turn 10 seconds into a life time. To tell you how I miss you, and the inpact you have ALWAYS had on me. this is too hard to do... LOVE YOU... JOSH
Posted by: Buddha aka your big brother | January 29, 2006 at 02:49 AM
Aaron, I wrote you on christmas Day, but it never posted. It was wonderful to have all your friends here. They all came, just like when you were here. I hope you knew that. The whole day was a tribute to you, from the gifts we gave to one another to the thoughts in our hearts and minds. Every day is a tribute to you, my son. I only wish we had done that when you were here. I will never take anything for granted again, and I will never let a day pass that I don't think of you and love you. You have taught me so much and I am certain I will continue to learn from you. I read somewhere that I should always look for the gift from you, and there are many.
I continue to hope to see you again, that would be the greatest gift of all.
Happy New Year baby boy.
Posted by: Mom | January 10, 2006 at 08:00 PM
Today would have been our wedding day. I miss you. It's been 85 days. I crave the ordinary and a sense of normalcy with an intensity that can blind me.
Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real. I close my eyes, but sleep does not come.
I have to keep telling myself that if there had been no love, there would be no sadness. We pay a price for love, but it's worth it.
You have touched so many lives, and I'm glad that you touched mine. I love you.
Posted by: Cari | January 07, 2006 at 03:11 PM
It's amazing how we can take for granted having the people we love in our lives and it's not until they are gone that we realize just how much we missed out on with them. Aaron, you have such a special soul which has obviously touched so many people. If only you were aware of how many people loved and charished every moment they got to spend in your presence! I know that every moment you were in the same room with me whether it was working with you or sitting on the other side of the bar was amazing. You always had a way of making my days better. It's funny how the times I remember are the simplist things you did to bring joy to those around you including myself. Now, I find it amazing the small things that remind me of you. It is apparent that you have touched so many people and that they, too, think of your spirit daily. You are in all of our hearts and I know that you are smiling down on us each day, looking over us placing those small tokens in our lives each day to make us smile! You will eternally fill us with laughter and love. May your spirit live on within each of us and make us better people so that we can go on to embrace the love of others and impact the lives of others the way you have. I will continue to have our conversations daily with you as I sure many do. I know you are always listening when we talk to you. You were always a great listener! You continue to touch our lives!
Posted by: Shawna | January 04, 2006 at 12:19 AM
aaron i thought about you today when i was at work. the lights were dim as i waited for you to come through the door any time. i just wanted to say that i miss working with you and me and chad,and eric talked about you today. we laughed and shared our memories. i know i only knew you for half a year but it seemed like much longer. thanks for touching me.
josh
Posted by: joshua barnes | January 01, 2006 at 04:19 AM
Just wanted to let Aaron's family and Carri know that you have all been in my thoughts and prayers this Christmas. Can't imagine what your holiday has been like. i just keep thinking of your family's advice you've given in your writing,which was to enjoy my family as much as i can while it is still possible. I hope you have been able to do the same this Christmas, along with the warm memories you have of Aaron. Aaron is forever alive in our hearts and minds. Everytime i read this saying i think of my friend Aaron. I wanted to share it with you as my gift this Christmas...
Some People Come Into Our Lives And Quickly Go,
Others Stay For A While
And Leave Footprints
On Our Hearts
And We Are Never Ever
The Same.
Sincerely,
Kristin
Posted by: kristin | December 25, 2005 at 08:10 PM
It's been too long since I've come to this site... It's not that I have not thought of Aaron or of anyone else. In fact I have been seeing people that I had seen at the memorial and had not known that Aaron had also known them. Most of them are customers that I wait on at the Ice Cream Palace. We chat, but we always end up talking about Aaron. I've had many people describe Aaron to me. They basically are telling me how charasmatic he was.Even though that is not the exact words they use, that is what he was. He could make you feel at ease and comfortable. He always knew the right thing to say.He had a way about him, oh how I miss him... Such a sweet man.....such a special person. Take care and always know you are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Deby Voorhis | December 03, 2005 at 09:59 PM
It's been 43 days without you here, an eternity. Everyone keeps telling me that survivors choose life, but the life I chose was with you.
Even though it has been very real for the past 6 weeks, it has been hard to grasp the concept of not waking up with you every morning and falling asleep with you every night. I miss that. I miss the way you looked at me.
I keep hoping that you are smiling down on everyone here that loved you, knowing you will be with them again sooner or later.
It is hard to be positive when there is so much sadness, but I can still think of you and smile. I think everyone that knew and loved you still has that.
Posted by: Carrie | November 26, 2005 at 08:35 AM
Aaron, tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am so grateful for you. I can't touch you now, but I can see your face and I am thankful for that. I am making the cheese potatoes you always wanted. I don't know if the others were as hooked on them as you, but, they will be there in tribute to my baby boy. I remember you were always a little late to every family gathering and how anxious I always was to see you. I still am! I believe I will one day and that is hopeful for me. Sam says you are building a really big house in heaven for all of us. That makes me smile. Seems like our homes were never big enough for all of us and all the friends you and your brothers and sisters accumulated. Heaven is pretty big, so it should work out great. On the eve of Thanksgiving I can't help but think of how thankful I am for you and Sam, Matt, Josh and Lindsay and Buzz. There would have been nothing in my life without each of you. Thank you for almost 29 years of loving you in person. I miss you more than anyone will ever know.
Posted by: Mom | November 23, 2005 at 11:27 AM
Aaron, today as my birthday, and I couldn't help but think at some point I would have at least heard your voice. Boy, I would give anything to hear your voice again. It would be the best birthday gift of all. Sam and Cari had the painting you gave me framed. It was wonderful. I want to be able to see you when I turn a corner, but at least I can see things you created and that will help. You are forever in my heart and in my mind. The last few days have been really tough, I don't know why they are worse than others. Maybe the numbness is wearing off. Your absence is such a void. I cannot ask you to forgive me for failing you, I don't deserve that. I only hope you knew I always loved you with all my heart.
Posted by: Mom | November 14, 2005 at 09:10 PM
The days aren't easier, better, o.k. or alright, they're just different. Everything's different. Today is day 23, 23 days after I found him. 23 days of trying to figure out how to start over and at the same time how not to forget. And 23 days without my brother and best friend. I'm doing my best to go on but Aaron's presence was magical, his smile produced a spell that radiated energy, it was irresistable, you had to smile back. The magic and the spell are now in the memories. The ones that make us cry and SMILE. So today, day 23, I've cried and now I'll smile for the 23rd time thinking of you big brother. I love you.
Posted by: Sam | November 06, 2005 at 08:11 PM
How do you say good-bye to someone you were looking for your entire life and finally found? I can't. I keep looking at our wedding bands, and the inscription, and I am so thankful for every moment we had together. It's strange how the hurt can be overwhelming, and in the midst of breaking down, I remember his smile and it makes me smile. He still has the incredible capability of generating smiles across the faces of the people who knew him, even through all of the hurt. I love him for that.
I think too often we fail to thank the people who have given us the most. To Aaron, Claudia, Buzz, Sam, Matt, Lindsay and Josh...Thank you.
Posted by: Carrie | November 04, 2005 at 12:05 AM
Not a day passes that Aaron is not in my heart and mind. Sometimes it is difficult to concentrate and the slightest thing can start my tears. I know it is my own selfishness in wanting him here for me that causes this devastating sense of loss. I mourn for every little and big hurt he ever felt and wish with all my heart I could take each one away. I can't. Sometimes I think about the day I will see him again and I feel a little better knowing I can give and get his incredible hugs again. But not knowing when and not knowing how long I have to wait is painful. I pray he will visit me in a dream or in the touch of the wind. I long to feel his presence one more time, to tell him how deeply I love him and how much better my life was with him in it. Good night sweet baby, maybe tonight.
Posted by: Mom | November 03, 2005 at 09:43 PM