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.

Comments

[Just a guy named Buddha]

I feel weird writing or even really talking anymore. Matt has moved, Sam has moved and Lindsay awell has moved. I'm home more than anyone. Mom and i get along now, we aren't always bumping heads, buzz is grumpy in his old age... I really think a part of him died the same day you did. Sad. Sam was home over the weekend and we went down to the old Copia. Dave and Phil from the arena own it now and its called ICONS. The cool thing is they have stars on the ceiling, kinda like the walk of fame... Yours was the first to go up there, and the only one with a date... see you are missed... too bad... Love ya... The oldest brother

[mom]

Aaron, today is your birthday. You always hated your birthdays, but, I loved the opportunity to reflect on the day you were born.You are forever my baby boy.
I find myself referring to baby aaron as Aaron Patrick. Just falls from my mouth, and it always startles me. Yet, you are so much alike. Both dangerous due to your relentless activity and limitless curiousity. But, there is only one you. One special, gogeous, talented, brilliant, you. I no longer write on the day you died, because I prefer to celebrate your life. I smile every time I think of you. You brought out the smiles in everyone. (except when you insisted on using the f word around me). I think you enjoyed seeing me cringe.
Almas is closed, without you to draw people it couldn't hope to survive, and copia is closing too. I wonder if Mike thinks of all the business you brought him. You were such a people magnet. I heard about the Prelude trilogies, and now understand some of the dents that magically appeared on my car. And the look of total surprise on your face when i asked about them. You could always out charm me!
Took you to dinner for your birthday Saturday, we met in champaign and went to a japanese restaurant. It wasn't nearly as good as the one here.
Lauren got on a death kick, and kept telling me I couldn't die. I told her everyone dies sometime, and when I die I will get to see Uncle Aaron again. I do believe in the spiritual world, because you have shown me. You called me again, made me smile. As do all thoughts of you. I love you forever, my wonderful beautiful baby boy.

[Someone again]

I think it finally hit me - I moved home and realized I will never see you again! You know how much that hurts? I see you everywhere and dream about you every night. I wish it was all real though I wish you were still here. Love you

[Mom]

My Dearest Baby Boy, This time two years ago the horror was just beginning. To think you were lost to us forever. I still live everyday hoping I will be able to see you again. It is the one piece of solace in all of this. Thinking I will see you and you will be without pain, without torment. I find comfort in knowing that no matter how much time passes i will think of you every day. There is a wonderful poem called "The Dash". I try to allow its words to guide my memories. It says that when we think of the day you were born followed by the day you died, the thing that matters most is the dash between the years. I try to concentrate on your dash, baby boy! Your blazing, amazing dash!
I will love you forever.
Mom

[Beth]

It's been close to two years and still it feels like only yesturday I saw you last. It's strange to me that I've yet to "make sense" of the fact that you're gone. A family member dying of old age leaves you with happy memories and knowing that they're happy and comfortable where they are. Yet still I think of you almost daily and I can't be comfortable with you being gone even after two years. There was SO much more you had to teach me! Maybe I'm just being selfish.

[Sara Maxwell]

I miss you so much, Aaron. I've just awoken from yet another dream of you, and when I awoke, for a split second I though you were alive...And it's heartbreaking. I can't stop crying. Some nights I can't sleep because I can't stop thinking of you. I love you always my friend and miss you everyday.

[Mom]

I wish you knew how often someone tells us they miss you. They couldn't possibly miss you as much as I do. EVERYDAY I think of you. I keep looking at your pictures and thinking how darn gorgeous you were. What a smile and what an incredible hugger you were. The hole in my heart and soul will never heal. You are my baby boy. I don't think you realize how much you were loved. I kbow you and Mat had some serious problems, but, yesterday I learned they are naming their new baby Felix in your honor, if it is a boy. And Sam has baby Aaron. None of them are you, my son, but each of them will help us to keep your memory alive. I miss you so much. I pray there is life after death, and i pray Marty is with you. I will be there soon. I hope your arms are wide open for me, I need your hug.

[Kyle]

I just had to laugh watching the "Aaron stories" video. So many great memories.

Miss you, man.

[Mom]

I miss you every minute of every day, and pray you have found joy. I miss your smile, your amazing hugs and brilliance. My world is lost without you. I find comfort in thinking Marty is with you and you aren't alone anymore. I hope I will be with you too.

[Mom]

Happy Birthday Baby Boy. You are forever 28, and I miss you and love you with all my heart.

[Cari]

I wish you were here and happy to celebrate your 30th birthday.
I hope you have found peace. I miss you like crazy.

[Cari]

It's hard to believe that in a weeks time when we say "a year ago" we won't be able to speak of Aaron when he was here.
The anxiety surrounding the 14th is immeasurable. I can't say any one reason is worse than another for dreading the day, but if you compound all of the reasons, the weight of the situation is crushing. It would be a relief if time could just stand still for a while.
Though all of the pain and sorrow will be more present than ever this coming Saturday, I wish everyone that knew and loved Aaron the very best at getting through that horrible day.
I miss him more every day that he is not here.

[Suze]

Yesterday was one year since I had last seen Aaron. It's still hard. It's still hard to think of what could've been. What I miss the most is the Carrie before Aaron passed away. So very much has changed in the past year, and it's hard to think back over it all. I miss both of them, and I am consumed by the quesion of what if...

[Mom]

Nearly a year! Odd that the world continues as usual when such an enormous void has been created. Funny how the human spirit forces you to get out of bed and take a step each day. Sad that I cannot touch you and hear your voice. You are in my mind and heart every day, I cling to running through scenarios in my mind and reliving little moments in time that revovled around you. Sam's baby Aaron will be born any time now, I wonder if he will resemble you? I wonder if you will be there? I remember calling you when Lauren was about to be born. You were on your way to Chicago and turned around to come to her. I love you baby boy! You are and always will be my son.

[Cari]

A friend and I are participating in an AFSP event tonight. It's hard to believe that such tragic events bring thousands of people together. It's like we are all part of a club that nobody wanted to be a member of.
Most nights my thoughts are about Aaron, and I'm sure tonight won't be any different. Tonight I walk for him.