Aaron

{Photo off Lisa's blog}

Still can't believe that Aaron has headed on Home to be with Noah so soon after Noah himself was able to go. It is so hard for us to feel its true and he isn't just away or something.

Chrish called us just after 9pm on the 26th of January - Australia day. We thought it was just a 'hello - hurry up and get here' kind of call as we hadn't yet headed to St Helens for our first big family holiday. I soon realised it wasn't that kind of call as Jared's face dropped and he pointed to turn off the T.V. He hung up pretty soon and said that Aaron had been fishing and then was eating dessert and had collapsed and wasn't breathing. We were in disbelief and started praying he'd be ok. I went online to look up allergic reactions as I thought - oh he'd just been eating maybe its anaphylactic shock - he must have eating something that he was allergic to and didn't know. Chrish rang again when the ambulance got there and then we got the next call telling us he was gone - Jared and I were in complete disbelief! How could Aaron be gone. Not now, not yet.

Aaron was full of love and full of laughs. I think love and laughter best describe him, and that is how I will remember him. He was so patient all the time, and able to create a joke about anything and nothing.

Aaron's adoration for his beautiful wife Lisa was so plain to see - he was smitten! And I think treated her so lovingly. His boys were his world and he dedicated his life to them and Lisa.

What was left of him he dedicated to his students, he will always be such a loved and respected teacher who will be known for always going the extra mile and believing in his students. So amazing to see hundreds of young people there. His influence on them will in turn influence their children. He is leaving behind a massive legacy.

I don't know why he had to go just now. Its really seems 'unfair' for Lisa and the boys. We hate it that they are feeling so sad and Lisa so lonely. Wow I still can't really think he isn't sitting at home watching some kind of sport, giving Noah cuddles on the couch.I guess it isn't my reality, it isn't my life that has taken such a massive turn. I can't see that family 'do's' are going to be so light hearted without him there leading the jokes about making croutons and other family jokes. Hopefully some of us will develop quicker wits to try to keep up with his.

I am so sad for Jalen, who looked up to his dad so much, and who reminds me of him in so many ways. I feel sad that he doesn't get to have his dad take him to the Temple for the first time, or help him with his homework, or chat about his wife to be or a million other things. I feel sad for him that he has 'grown up' so soon, and is worrying about all those grown up things - when other boys his age get to just worry about kid stuff. But there is this quiet strength in Jay, he has such great faith.

I am so sad for Harri because his dad is his hero and 'gets' his sports madness like noone else ever could - indeed I think it was an inherited trait! I feel sad that he gets so scared and sad for Noah and Aaron too now, that he feels alone even when there are heaps of his school friends around. I know he will feel happiness again, but its sad that children ever have to feel this kind of sadness.

I am sad for Kobester too. He must be missing his dad like crazy, even though he is a little ray of sunshine and I am sure Aaron must miss all of his boys to - I am sad for Aaron that HE doesn't get to experience all these things on earth (though I am SURE he and Noah are having a wonderful time together!).

I guess there is nothing left to say but Aaron, you have gone ahead, but you will never be forgotten, you have written your name in far too many hearts for that to ever happen.

"when at length when I've completed all you sent me forth to do, with your mutual aprobation let me come and dwell with you"

It will be wonderful to see your reunion with Lisa and ALL your boys "some bright celestial day".