The first time I met Aaron I remember thinking what an amazing smile he had...Dark hair, dark eyes and the most adorable dimples when he smiled...When he smiled you could feel it...You could see his smile in his eyes...
My relationship with Aaron wasn't complicated...He knew just how much I love Jaden and he let me see him whenever I wanted, be part of his life...
Aaron was an amazing father to Jaden...From the minute he took over raising him I knew he loved Jaden and was going to be an awesome dad...And he was...
Dedicated, to his every need and spent all of his time with Jaden...Their relationship was so sweet and pure. Jaden LOVED his dad...I am going to miss Aaron...Miss his soft voice...Miss his smile, and miss seeing Jaden running to his daddy's arms when he picked him up...
It breaks my heart...I have not been affected by a death so deeply, in so many ways...My own brother died 20 years ago, he struggled with drugs and depression and finally took his own life...Devastating for our family...Aaron was a lot like my brother Jim, athletic, strong, a father, quiet, big smile, lonely and used drugs to escape...
It breaks my heart...
What a sad waste of an amazing man, father, friend...
I am sad...mad...and I wonder, what could I have done? Why didn't I know?
What I do know for sure is this...
Aaron was a great man...An amazing, loving, devoted father...
I will miss him...Miss seeing him raise Jaden...
I also know that Jaden has so many people who love him and are devoted to him...We will all rally around him, love him, support him and be there for him...
These past few days have been filled with remembering...Honoring...Mourning...
Being part of Aaron's funeral will be one of my most cherished and sacred memories, seeing his family lovingly bury their son and brother. Honoring his Native American traditions was so beautiful to watch...Listening to his siblings tell stories and tell Aaron just how much they loved him...What a blessing...Hearing their chants and the drums touched me like nothing I have ever experienced...Watching a Mother and Father lovingly, prayerfully bury their son was an honor to be part of...I have never been so moved...
My sweet Jaden at his Grandmother's side...Saying goodbye to his daddy...Jaden is where he should be...Ray and Millie will do what is best for Jaden and we will be there to support and to love them and Jaden...
We wore white to honor Jaden, and his loss...We wore feathers on our lapels, in our hair to honor Aaron and his next journey...I will see Aaron now with different eyes...He will be in the lightening and in the wind...Like his Native American name...Haashk'e Lini Yedilwo'ii {Warrior Who Runs with Lightning} I was so touched by what his uncle a Cheif said at the funeral and will remember it always...
Remembering Aaron... {photo of a photo}
It will be easy...
I will see him in Jaden's eyes...In Jaden's laughter and in Jaden's smile...
He will be missed...
Kiss kiss
m
You have a big heart, Margie. I will keep you and Jaden in my prayers.
Posted by: Cathryn | August 06, 2010 at 07:22 AM
So very sorry for your loss. How blessed that he left a piece of himself here on Earth to remind you of him....
Posted by: Dianne Jenkins | August 06, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Tears are flowing after reading your beautiful and touching tribute to Aaron. Peace and light be with you and your family members. {Hugs}
Posted by: Kim H. | August 06, 2010 at 12:44 PM
I'm sorry for your loss.
My prayers for you and Jaden
Hugs hugs hugs
Posted by: Ana | August 06, 2010 at 08:54 PM
Hi Margie. I am so sorry about Aaron. I had no idea this happened and hope that Jaden will be ok. I am glad you and your kids are there to lend support.
Posted by: Jordan | August 06, 2010 at 09:02 PM
So sorry for your loss, I feel your pain as my son at 18 took his own life. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Dawn Hetrick | August 09, 2010 at 03:48 PM
words can not express my
deep sympathy...
i too lost a brother the same way as you...over 20 years now.
memories & love will keep them alive in our hearts...
peace to all who suffer.
xoxo
Posted by: patty | August 12, 2010 at 11:26 AM
This is late, I know, but I was doing some exploring in the peaks above Alpine and came across flag that was left at the top of one of the peaks as a tribute to Aaron. I figured I'd look him up. Sorry to hear about this tragedy, it hits very close to home for me. The flag at the top of the peak is a nice tribute. Best of luck to you and Jaden.
Posted by: AMS | October 19, 2012 at 05:39 PM